IPL Qualifier 1: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Probable Playing 11 vs PBKS

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who finished second in the Indian Premier season (IPL) 2025 season points standings, will face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 of the league on May 29 (Thursday) at the Maharaja Yadvinder Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur, Punjab.

While RCB won a thriller against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, its starting lineup is plagued by bowling issues, particularly after conceding more than 200 runs in their past three games.

They may have had batting troubles as a result of Tim David’s injury. However, Jitesh Sharma’s return to form and Mayank Agarwal’s sensible play ensured that they are more than capable as a batting tandem.

Thus, their playing 11, in what might be regarded one of the most important games in their history, where they want to reach their third IPL final, could see a change in the bowling department.

Yash Dayal, who has not taken a wicket in the past two games and has only three wickets in his last six outings, might be replaced by Josh Hazlewood.

However, to compensate for an extra overseas player in the playing 11, RCB might insert an Indian batter in lieu of Liam Livingstone, who is not employed for bowling and has had a poor batting performance.

However, it seems unlikely that this kind of chopping would occur at the conclusion of the competition, with Yash Dayal and Livingstone remaining in the playing 11, with Hazlewood replacing Nuwan Thushara.

Rajat Patidar will most likely keep playing as an impact player rather than jeopardise his fitness with one more chance for his side to go to the final.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Probable Playing 11 vs PBKS

Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara/ Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

Impact Player- Rajat Patidar