The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 promises high-octane action as two teams chase their maiden IPL title clash for a direct spot in the final. Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru, captained by Rajat Patidar, in what is set to be a historic showdown. With both teams peaking at the right time, fantasy users can expect plenty of points from this knockout. From explosive top-order batters to game-changing all-rounders and death over specialists, this clash offers high-value Dream11 picks. Get ready to build your winning fantasy team with our detailed PBKS vs RCB Dream11 prediction, probable playing 11, pitch report, and top captaincy choices for today’s IPL 2025 playoff.
H2: Match Details – When & Where is the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clash?
Date: 29th May, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Format & Stage: Qualifier 1 – IPL 2025 Playoffs
Streaming & Broadcast: Live telecast on Star Sports Network and streaming on JioCinema/Hotstar
Punjab Kings Predicted Playing 11 – Who Might Make the Cut?
Predicted Playing XI: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (WK), Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Kylie Jamieson, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh
Impact Player Strategy:
If Punjab Kings (PBKS) are defending a total, Yuzvendra Chahal is expected to be subbed in during the second innings as their go-to spinner. On the other hand, if PBKS are chasing, Prabhsimran Singh, who features in the initial XI, will be held back and brought in to bat during the second innings in place of Chahal.
Team Updates:
- Yuzvendra Chahal has been declared fit and is available for selection in the playoffs, bolstering PBKS’ spin department. Xavier Bartlett comes back into the playing XI, replacing Marco Jansen, who has returned to South Africa for national duty.
Key Fantasy Picks: Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Arshdeep Singh.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing 11 – Players to Watch Out For
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to field a well-balanced XI for the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, with a few uncertainties around injuries and player availability.
The likely playing XI includes: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain, if declared fit), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood, who has returned for the playoffs, replacing Nuwan Thushara. If Rajat Patidar is still nursing his finger injury, he may feature as an Impact Player instead of leading the side. In that case, Jitesh Sharma will continue as the stand-in captain.
For the Impact Player strategy, if RCB bats first, expect Suyash Sharma to come in and bowl during the second innings. If they chase, Mayank Agarwal will be brought in as the second innings batter. Tim David is likely to miss out again due to uncertainty surrounding his availability.
Key Fantasy Picks: Virat Kohli (Captain), Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and Rajat Patidar.
Dream11 Fantasy Tips – Top Picks for Today’s Match
Virat Kohli (Captain) is in red-hot form, having scored 602 runs in 13 matches, including eight half-centuries. He remains a high-value captaincy option in Dream11 and is expected to anchor the innings.
Phil Salt: He has impressed with 331 runs in 11 matches at a staggering strike rate of 172, making him a potent top-order pick.
Shreyas Iyer (Vice captain): Leading from the front, Iyer brings composure and technique to PBKS’ middle order. With 514 runs in 14 matches, including five fifties, he’s a reliable Dream11 pick, especially in high-pressure games like this Qualifier.
Josh Inglis: With dual value as a wicketkeeper and top-order hitter, Inglis is a smart fantasy option for both points behind the stumps and big-hitting potential. He’s coming off a match-winning 70 against MI, and has scored 197 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 165.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Coming in with fresh legs, Chahal’s ability to take wickets in the middle overs can fetch crucial fantasy points, especially if the pitch assists turn. He has 14 wickets in 10 matches and is expected to make an instant impact as Marco Jansen is unavailable, leaving Arshdeep as the only other senior bowler in the lineup.
Josh Hazlewood, with 18 wickets in 10 matches, brings playoff experience and has the ability to dominate both with the new ball and at the death.
Top Batters for PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Team
Virat Kohli: The safest batting pick of the season. With over 600 runs in 13 matches, including eight fifties, Kohli is not just in form, he’s in command. A must-have in any Dream11 setup for this knockout clash.
Shreyas Iyer: PBKS’ captain and anchor in the middle order. Iyer’s 514 runs in 14 matches with five fifties showcase his ability to hold the innings together and accelerate when needed. A dependable and safe pick for Dream11 players.
Priyansh Arya (Differential Pick): The young PBKS opener is enjoying a breakthrough season with 424 runs in 14 matches, including two fifties and a century, all at a blazing strike rate of 184. His fearless approach at the top makes him a high-reward differential pick.
Best All-Rounders to Consider
Krunal Pandya: A proven IPL veteran, Krunal has quietly played a pivotal role in RCB’s run to the playoffs. With 15 wickets in 13 matches and 105 crucial runs down the order, he’s delivered impact performances in tight games. His ability to contribute in both departments, especially on slower tracks, makes him a solid all round Dream11 choice.
Marcus Stoinis: Stoinis has shown glimpses of his destructive best with the bat, smashing 126 runs at a strike rate close to 200 despite coming in late in the order. With PBKS fielding several uncapped players, Stoinis’ experience and all round capability could prove decisive. He’s a high ceiling pick who can swing the game in your favour with either bat or ball.
Key Bowlers Who Can Earn Points
The new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh has presented inconsistent surfaces this season. Despite a perception of being batting-friendly, reality has been different: PBKS have been bowled out once, lost 9 wickets in another game, and even in their 220-run performance vs CSK, they were once 75 for 5. Against RCB earlier this season, they could only manage 155 while batting first. Clearly, the pitch holds surprises, and bowlers who can exploit those conditions become crucial in fantasy selections.
Here are the top bowlers to back:
Josh Hazlewood (RCB): With 18 wickets in 10 matches, Hazlewood is a proven threat up front and at the death. Back for the playoffs, he’s primed to dismantle top orders.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB): The veteran has picked up 14 wickets in 12 games and will be a vital weapon against PBKS’ uncapped heavy top order, especially if swing is available under lights.
Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): The local left-arm pacer thrives under pressure and owns the death overs. With 18 wickets in 13 matches, Arshdeep will be key to PBKS defending totals or keeping RCB in check while chasing.
Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) – Fresh for the playoffs and replacing Marco Jansen, Chahal’s 14 wickets in 10 matches this season make him a deadly middle-over enforcer. If the pitch offers even a slight turn, he can break partnerships and tilt momentum.
Fantasy Tip: All four bowlers bring experience and match-winning potential, mixing two from each side might be the smart play for your Dream11 squad.
Dream11 Captain & Vice Captain Options – PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1, IPL 2025
Picking the right Captain and Vice Captain can make or break your fantasy game. Here are the best options based on form, match-ups, and impact potential.
Safe & Consistent Picks:
- Captain: Virat Kohli (RCB): With 602 runs in 13 matches, including 8 fifties, Kohli is in sublime form. His experience and hunger for the IPL trophy make him the safest captaincy choice.
Vice Captain Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): The PBKS skipper has scored 514 runs in 14 matches with 5 fifties. Known for stepping up in pressure games, he is a consistent and reliable VC pick.
High Impact Differential Picks:
Captain, Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Back for the playoffs and already with 18 wickets in 10 matches, Hazlewood can run through PBKS’ top order on a bowler-friendly Mohali pitch.
Vice Captain, Marcus Stoinis (PBKS): A big match Aussie with explosive finishing power (SR near 200) and handy overs with the ball. Can deliver serious points if PBKS lose early wickets.
PBKS vs RCB Fantasy Team: Suggested Dream11 Lineup (Qualifier 1, IPL 2025)
Grand League (GL) contests involve thousands of entries, so picking a few differentials with high upside can help you win big.
Grand League Team (GL), High Risk, High Reward
WK: Josh Inglis
BATTERS: Virat Kohli (C), Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer (VC)
ALL-ROUNDER: Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis
BOWLER: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
A mix of in-form stars like Kohli and Iyer, with high-impact players like Hazlewood and Chahal. This team is built for upside in big entry contests.
Small League (SL) contests are designed for fewer players (3–10 participants), where going with safe, consistent performers increases your chances.
Small League Team (SL), Safe & Balanced
WK: Jitesh Sharma
BATTERS: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya (C), Virat Kohli, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh
ALL-ROUNDER: Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya
BOWLERS: Yash Dayal, Arshdeep Singh, Josh Hazlewood (VC)
Reliable performers like Kohli, Arya, and Hazlewood make this team consistent for smaller leagues. Arya’s recent form and Hazlewood’s wicket-taking make them strong C/VC picks.
Pitch Report & Conditions – Will It Help Batters or Bowlers?
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur has offered a batting-friendly pitch throughout IPL 2025, and this trend is expected to continue for the PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 match. The wicket provides good pace and bounce, ideal for strokeplay, with short boundaries square of the wicket encouraging aggressive batting.
However, bowlers can still find assistance by hitting the right areas and varying pace, particularly with the new ball during the first six overs. This makes the opening overs crucial for pacers looking to make early inroads.
Weather-wise, there’s no significant rain forecast, but dew will be a factor in the second innings, which often makes it tough for bowlers to grip the ball and control their line and length. This dew factor may influence the toss-winning captain’s decision, as bowling first could be advantageous.
Given these conditions, spinners who can adapt and pacers who use variation smartly will have their moments, but the pitch primarily favors batters. Fantasy players should back key batsmen while considering pace bowlers who bowl with control early on, as well as spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal, who can exploit middle over conditions.
Prioritize aggressive batters and openers like Phil Salt, Prabhsimran Singh, and Priyansh Arya, who can capitalize on the fast-paced surfaces.
Select pacers who bowl in the powerplay, like Josh Hazlewood and Arshdeep Singh, and can use variations effectively.
Include spinners like Harpreet Brar, Krunal Pandya, and Yuzi Chahal who can take wickets in the middle overs despite batting-friendly conditions.
Impact on Fantasy Choices:
Keep in mind the dew factor that will likely ease batting in the second innings, benefiting chasing teams like RCB.
FAQs – Dream11 Tips for PBKS vs RCB Match
Q1: Who should be the captain for today’s Dream11 team?
Ans: Virat Kohli is a safe, high-ceiling option due to his consistent form. Shreyas Iyer is another strong choice for his leadership and reliable middle-order batting.
Q2: Which pitch factors should fantasy players consider?
Ans: The pitch offers good pace and bounce, favoring both batters and bowlers early on. Dew is expected in the second innings, making bowling tougher.
Q3: Is Tim David available for today’s match?
Ans: Yes, Rajat Patidar is available, but his exact playing role or captaincy status is still uncertain. Jitesh Sharma is likely to continue as the stand-in captain.