PBKS vs RCB Predicted Playing XI: RCB welcome back key match-winner, PBKS to be bolstered by Rs 18 Cr star in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

The stage is set for the high sakes Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 where Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face Jitesh Sharma's Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh on May 29. The match sees both teams vying for a direct spot in the IPL2025 final.

The Punjab Kings haven't secured a top-two finish since 2014, marking a significant drought for the franchise. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while more frequently making playoff appearances, haven't participated in this specific Qualifier 1 match since their highly successful 2016 campaign.

However, both PBKS and RCB, who are chasing their maiden IPL title, are expected to make some changes to their lineups, with key players' inclusion and exclusion. For the Punjab Kings, Marco Jansen has left the squad, but they will be bolstered by the return of Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been recovering from an injury. On the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side, Nuwan Thusara performed well in their high-scoring game against the Lucknow Super Giants. However, with Josh Hazlewood returning, RCB will face a difficult decision regarding their team composition.

PBKS Probable XI:

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak/Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

RCB Probable XI:

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