Key Highlights:
PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Preview: High-Stakes Clash in Mullanpur
In Match 37 of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, on April 20, 2025. This afternoon fixture holds serious playoff implications as the tournament heads into its second half.
PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, are on the brink of breaking into the top two. RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, need a victory to stay relevant in the points table battle after slipping in their last encounter against Punjab.
Current Form and Standings
- PBKS: 5 wins from 7 matches, currently 3rd
- RCB: 4 wins from 7 matches, placed 5th
PBKS recently defeated RCB in a rain-shortened contest. Now playing at home, they’ll look to make it two in two. RCB, though, are unbeaten away from Bengaluru in IPL 2025.
Pitch and Weather Report
- Venue: Mullanpur has offered balanced pitches with an average first innings score of 178.
- Weather: Sunny, max temperature of 34°C; no rain threat.
- Toss Factor: 5 out of 8 matches have been won by teams batting first.
Expect the pitch to slow down in the second innings, favoring teams who set targets.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 34
- PBKS Wins: 18
- RCB Wins: 16
Punjab Kings hold a slender advantage, having won the reverse fixture just two days ago.
Predicted Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Sub: Xavier Bartlett
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal
Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli (RCB): Needs just over 100 runs to become the all-time top scorer against PBKS in IPL history. A big innings is due.
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): Has been Punjab’s most consistent batter this season with over 250 runs and a strike rate above 135.
Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): The leading wicket-taker at Mullanpur across formats, his accuracy in the death overs is unmatched.
Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Has the ability to break partnerships early; will target Iyer and Stoinis in the powerplay.
Fantasy and Dream11 Prediction Overview
As per Cricbuzz’s expert picks:
- Top Captain Choices: Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli
- Vice Captain Options: Marco Jansen, Phil Salt
- Differential Pick: Priyansh Arya – emerging talent, good matchup vs spin
- Bowling Core: Arshdeep Singh and Hazlewood are must-picks on a slowing surface
What This Match Means for Both Teams
For PBKS: A win here takes them to 12 points and potentially the top of the table. Their NRR is favorable, and home advantage boosts their chances.
For RCB: With playoff traffic building, every loss now dents their momentum. RCB need this win to avoid a mid-table bottleneck.
Match Prediction
With strong home form and recent dominance over RCB, PBKS start as favorites. However, Bengaluru’s top order and disciplined pace attack mean they are more than capable of pulling off an away upset. Expect a close contest.
Match Details
- Fixture: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Date: April 20, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
- Venue: Mullanpur, Punjab
- Streaming: JioCinema | Broadcast: Star Sports
Disclaimer
This article is powered by Cricbuzz. Player statistics, playing XIs, and fantasy suggestions are sourced from live data and official match reports. Always verify final team announcements before locking fantasy teams.
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