Chandigarh, May 28 (UNI) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a timely boost ahead of the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 clash against Punjab Kings here on Friday, with the return of their crucial overseas stars Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, a development that could prove decisive in the high-stakes encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
The playoffs always bring a different intensity, and RCB’s strengthening bowling attack and finishing power with Hazlewood and David back in the fray significantly ups their chances of toppling a strong Punjab Kings side, who have been one of the most consistent teams throughout the season.
Hazlewood, the leading wicket-taker for RCB this season with 18 wickets from 10 matches, brings experience, discipline, and control to the pace attack. His ability to contain runs and pick crucial wickets in the middle overs will be vital in curbing Punjab’s deep batting lineup. Alongside Hazlewood, seasoned campaigner Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the all-round prowess of Krunal Pandya add further depth and variety to the attack.
Tim David’s return is equally important. Known for his power-hitting in the death overs, David provides the finishing touch RCB have often lacked. His ability to clear the boundaries quickly can shift momentum dramatically, especially in crunch playoff situations.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting is anchored by the imperious Virat Kohli, who has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament. The veteran batsman has amassed over 600 runs at an average of 60.20, striking consistently to keep RCB in commanding positions. His eight fifties, including one in the last game, highlight his dominance.
Supporting Kohli is Jitesh Sharma, whose blistering unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls in the last game exemplifies his match-winning potential. Phil Salt provides brisk starts at the top, while Rajat Patidar, despite recent fitness niggles, has contributed crucial runs at a strike rate above 140. Mayank Agarwal and Romario Shepherd have also stepped up, bringing valuable depth and flexibility.
Punjab Kings, however, cannot be underestimated. The team finished top of the league standings with nine wins from 14 matches, their best campaign since 2014. Their batting is balanced and resilient, featuring a potent opening pair in Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, who have laid solid foundations time and again.
Captain Shreyas Iyer has been the calm anchor in the middle order, scoring over 500 runs at an impressive strike rate of 172. The contributions from Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Shashank Singh in the late overs have often turned tight matches in Punjab’s favour.
Punjab’s bowling has been effective, led by Arshdeep Singh, who tops their wicket charts with 18 scalps. However, the absence of pace spearhead Marco Jansen due to international commitments poses a challenge. Kyle Jamieson is expected to shoulder additional responsibility, although his economy rate has been a concern. The possible return of spinner Yuzvendra Chahal would be a welcome boost for the Kings, bringing much-needed experience and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs.
The pitch at Mullanpur is expected to favour batting, with an average first-innings score hovering around 170. Conditions suit stroke-makers, but early movement could assist seamers, especially in the powerplay. Toss-winning captains have preferred to bat first here, with three out of four matches this season won by the team batting upfront.
Weather forecasts predict a dry, hot evening with no rain interruptions, setting the stage for a full-length, high-octane battle.
While both teams are finely balanced, the return of Hazlewood and Tim David could tilt the scales marginally in favour of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, adding crucial firepower in both bowling and finishing departments. This, combined with Kohli’s brilliance and a versatile bowling lineup, makes RCB slight favourites to clinch a direct berth in the final.
For Punjab Kings, maintaining their strong batting rhythm and exploiting home conditions will be key. The battle promises to be a thriller as both sides vie for a coveted spot in the IPL 2025 final.
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Teams (Probables):
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie/Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh. Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma. Impact Player: Rajat Patidar.
