PBKS vs RCB: No Breather for Teams as PBKS and RCB Gear Up for Second Clash Within 48 Hours

PBKS vs RCB, Round Two

Josh Hazlewood lightened the mood after RCB’s recent loss, joking that they play “tomorrow, not day after” when asked about the tight schedule.

Friday night’s rain-affected clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium ended in the early hours of Saturday, leaving both teams with little time to recover. With a long flight ahead and almost no turnaround time, they’re now set to face off again in Mullanpur on Sunday afternoon.

RCB have been solid on the road, winning four away games so far. But the unfamiliar turf at Mullanpur poses a new challenge—no training, no pitch inspection, and larger ground dimensions to contend with. PBKS, on the other hand, will be confident after defending just 111 runs at the same venue in their last match against KKR—an IPL record low.

Both PBKS and RCB rank high in six-hitting this season, but much will depend on the pitch behavior. For RCB, strong starts from Virat Kohli or Phil Salt have been key to their success, allowing the explosive middle order to thrive—especially in memorable wins like their Chepauk victory over CSK.

Expect a fascinating battle as both teams dive back into action with barely a pause.

PBKS Find Their Rhythm as RCB Look to Bounce Back

Punjab Kings have benefitted from explosive powerplay performances by Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh when batting first, setting solid foundations. However, their form hasn’t translated as effectively during chases. Nehal Wadhera has added much-needed energy in the middle order, while Shreyas Iyer will aim to steady his form after a disappointing early exit in the last game at Bengaluru.

RCB’s bowling has been consistently sharp this season, but PBKS seem to be hitting peak form at just the right time. After defending the lowest total in IPL history, they went on to dominate RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, stirring echoes of that unforgettable 49 all out. Both teams will be eyeing momentum as the playoffs edge closer.

PBKS vs RCB – The Battle for Crucial Points in ‘Revenge Week’

As part of IPL 2025’s themed “Revenge Week,” the PBKS vs RCB clash carries more weight than just a rematch. While the teams may not publicly call it revenge, the two points on the line could reshape the table. A win for RCB would level them with DC and PBKS at five victories, while a PBKS win would catapult them to the top of the standings.

🔥 Form Guide (Last 5 Matches):

• Punjab Kings: W W L W L
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: L W L W L

🌟 Players in the Spotlight:

Arshdeep Singh – PBKS

Struggling initially with the new ball due to lack of swing, Arshdeep managed just one powerplay wicket in his first six games. But that changed in Bengaluru — he removed Phil Salt and Virat Kohli in quick succession, using clever short-of-length deliveries. This return to rhythm is a massive boost for Punjab’s attack.

Tim David – RCB

Tim David’s unbeaten 50 off 26 balls against PBKS was his most impactful IPL innings yet. He showcased composure, anchoring a crumbling middle order and exploding in the death overs. With Liam Livingstone out of form, is it time for David to bat higher up the order?

Team News & Likely Playing XI for PBKS vs RCB – IPL 2025

As both Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare for another high-voltage encounter, team selection could play a key role in deciding the outcome.

🔴 Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Likely XII

• Key Update: Harpreet Brar impressed in his previous outing and is likely to retain his spot.

• Selection Dilemma: Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis are in contention for one middle-order slot.

Probable XII:

1. Prabhsimran Singh

2. Priyansh Arya

3. Shreyas Iyer

4. Josh Inglis / Glenn Maxwell

5. Nehal Wadhera

6. Shashank Singh

7. Marcus Stoinis

8. Harpreet Brar

9. Marco Jansen

10. Xavier Bartlett

11. Arshdeep Singh

12. Yuzvendra Chahal

🔵 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Likely XII

• Key Update: Devdutt Padikkal is expected to return at No. 3.

• Selection Dilemma: RCB are debating whether to persist with Liam Livingstone or bring in Romario Shepherd. Jacob Bethell is another bench option.

Probable XII:

1. Phil Salt

2. Virat Kohli

3. Devdutt Padikkal

4. Rajat Patidar (wk)

5. Liam Livingstone / Romario Shepherd

6. Jitesh Sharma (wk)

7. Tim David

8. Krunal Pandya

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

10. Josh Hazlewood

11. Yash Dayal

12. Suyash Sharma

🏏 Pitch and Conditions – PBKS vs RCB, Mullanpur

The Mullanpur surface has proven unpredictable even for home side Punjab Kings. In the last match here, there was plenty of pace and bounce on offer, which fast bowlers from both sides used effectively. If similar conditions persist, RCB’s pace-heavy attack could be a big advantage. Dew wasn’t a factor when PBKS defended 112 against KKR, and both teams will be hoping that continues.

📊 Stats & Trivia

• Priyansh Arya has been a powerhouse while batting first – striking at 231 and scoring 208 runs in four innings. But in chases, his average drops to just 8, with a strike rate of 114.
• Tim David has hit 22 sixes in the death overs (17-20) since IPL 2024 – the most by any player. Twelve of those have come this season.
• Rajat Patidar boasts the highest strike rate against spin for RCB batters this season – 182 among those with 200+ runs.
• Yuzvendra Chahal, after a slow start (2 wickets in 5 games, econ 11.1), has bounced back strongly, claiming 6 wickets in the last two games at an economy of 5.6.

Mullanpur’s lively conditions promise another bowler-friendly contest where pace and strategy could outshine brute batting power.