Because the league stage of IPL 2025 wraps up, the motion now shifts to the much-anticipated playoffs. With solely 4 matches left within the event, the journey to the championship crown intensifies. The primary knockout fixture—Qualifier 1—will witness Punjab Kings (PBKS) squaring off towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Mullanpur on Thursday. This high-voltage conflict holds a direct ticket to the IPL 2025 Remaining, whereas the shedding facet will get a second shot in Qualifier 2.
The excessive stakes recreation between PBKS and RCB
Each PBKS and RCB come into this knockout brimming with confidence. PBKS secured a top-two end on Monday after getting the higher of Mumbai Indians in a decisive match. RCB, alternatively, pulled off a dramatic victory over Lucknow Tremendous Giants on the ultimate day of the league section to hitch PBKS on the summit with 21 factors every from 14 video games. Punjab edged forward on internet run-rate and can now benefit from the benefit of being the table-toppers.
Qualifier 1 is all the time a important conflict—it not solely presents the shortest path to the ultimate but additionally grants the posh of a second probability. The group that finishes on the improper facet of the outcome will face the winner of the Eliminator (to be performed between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans) in Qualifier 2.
Additionally READ: RCB’s former head coach suggests 2 big changes in playing XI ahead of Qualifier 1 vs Punjab Kings
What if rain washes out the Qualifier 1 fixture?
With the IPL schedule operating tight, there’s no reserve day for Qualifier 1. If rain performs spoilsport in Mullanpur and the sport is deserted and not using a outcome, Punjab Kings will mechanically progress to the ultimate, because of their superior standing on the factors desk. RCB will then must take the longer route and compete in Qualifier 2 for one final probability to make it to the summit conflict.
Notably, either side boast a formidable mixture of youth and expertise. For Punjab Kings, the management of Shreyas Iyer mixed with the tactical acumen of head coach Ricky Ponting has introduced recent vitality to the squad. The group’s core performers embrace Arshdeep Singh, Josh Inglis, and Marcus Stoinis—all able to turning the sport in a matter of overs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with the presence of former skipper Virat Kohli, usher in their very own model of depth and aptitude. The emergence of Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma, the dependability of Phil Salt, and the all-round contributions of Krunal Pandya make them a drive to reckon with. Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar provides essential expertise to their bowling unit.
Additionally READ: Virat Kohli shatters David Warner’s long-standing record during LSG vs RCB clash in IPL 2025
