IPL 2025: RCB eyes final berth as they gear up for crucial qualifier-1 clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stand just one win away from securing a place in the IPL 2025 final. After a dominant victory over Lucknow, led by Rishabh Pant, RCB will face Punjab Kings in Qualifier-1 on May 29 at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

Also read: IPL 2025: RCB bulldoze LSG; storm into qualifier 1 with magical chase

Victory in this high-stakes encounter would give RCB a direct ticket to the final. Although a defeat wouldn’t end their campaign—thanks to a second opportunity in Qualifier-2—RCB would rather avoid the longer route. A potential loss would force them to face the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat and Mumbai Indians, with limited recovery time before the June 1 showdown.

The tight schedule, coupled with the physical toll from consecutive matches, could challenge RCB's form and fitness, especially with injuries looming over key players. That’s why winning Qualifier-1 is not just a step forward—it’s a necessity.

RCB, often known for their dramatic finishes, have shown strong form in recent games. Now, all eyes are on whether they can carry that momentum into this knockout clash and make their first final appearance since 2016.

Probable RCB Playing XI:
Jitesh Sharma (captain, wicketkeeper), Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara.

Reserves: Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, and others.