Related Articles
The 37th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will witness Punjab Kings (PBKS) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on April 21, 2025. Both teams are in contrasting forms, with PBKS riding high on confidence after defeating RCB in their last encounter, while RCB looks to bounce back from a poor batting performance. With the playoffs race heating up, this match promises to be a thrilling contest. Below is a detailed preview, including team analysis, fantasy picks, pitch report, and predictions.
Match Details
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | April 21, 2025, 3:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur |
| Format | T20 |
| Tournament | IPL 2025 |
| Recent Form | PBKS: W-W-L-W-L; RCB: L-L-W-L-W |
Team Previews
Punjab Kings Preview
Punjab Kings have enjoyed a stellar season so far, winning five out of seven matches and securing second place on the points table. Their recent victory over RCB showcased their balanced squad, with both bat and ball firing in unison. The opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya has been consistent, while Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and middle-order contributions have been pivotal. Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen add depth to the batting lineup, while Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal have been lethal with the ball.
In their last game, PBKS restricted RCB to just 95 runs, thanks to disciplined bowling by Marco Jansen (2/10) and YS Chahal (2/11). If PBKS can maintain this momentum, they are well-placed to secure another win against RCB.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
RCB’s form has dipped alarmingly, losing two of their last three games. Their batting collapse in the previous match against PBKS was alarming, as they managed only 95 runs in 14 overs. Virat Kohli and Phillip Salt failed to fire, leaving Rajat Patidar and Tim David to salvage the innings. The middle order needs to step up, especially Liam Livingstone, who has struggled to find rhythm.
Bowling-wise, Josh Hazlewood has been exceptional, picking up 3 wickets for 14 runs in the last game. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal must provide early breakthroughs, while spinners like Suyash Sharma need to contain PBKS’ aggressive batters. RCB will rely heavily on their senior players to deliver under pressure.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | Strong batting lineup, consistent bowling, home advantage, and recent dominance over RCB. |
Why?
PBKS’ superior form, combined with their balanced squad and home advantage, gives them a clear edge. RCB’s inconsistent batting and lack of momentum make them vulnerable.
Fantasy Team XI
| Player Role | Player Name | Points Potential |
|---|---|---|
| WK | Jitesh Sharma (RCB) | High |
| BAT | Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) | Very High |
| BAT | Virat Kohli (RCB) | High |
| BAT | Nehal Wadhera (PBKS) | Medium |
| ALL | Marcus Stoinis (PBKS) | Very High |
| ALL | Liam Livingstone (RCB) | High |
| BOWL | Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) | Very High |
| BOWL | Josh Hazlewood (RCB) | Very High |
| BOWL | YS Chahal (PBKS) | High |
| BOWL | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB) | Medium |
| BOWL | Marco Jansen (PBKS) | High |
Explanation:
This fantasy team prioritizes in-form players like Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh (PBKS), along with key contributors like Josh Hazlewood (RCB). Jitesh Sharma and Marcus Stoinis offer all-round value, making them valuable assets.
Captain and Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – Leading from the front with consistent performances.
- Vice-Captain: Josh Hazlewood (RCB) – Top wicket-taker in recent games.
Players to Avoid
- Liam Livingstone (RCB): Struggling to time the ball and hit boundaries.
- Priyansh Arya (PBKS): Inconsistent performances despite a few promising starts.
Probable Playing XIs
| Punjab Kings | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer (c) | Rajat Patidar (c) |
| Prabhsimran Singh | Phillip Salt |
| Priyansh Arya | Virat Kohli |
| Nehal Wadhera | Devdutt Padikkal |
| Josh Inglis (wk) | Liam Livingstone |
| Marcus Stoinis | Jitesh Sharma (wk) |
| Marco Jansen | Tim David |
| Harpreet Brar | Krunal Pandya |
| Xavier Bartlett | Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
| Arshdeep Singh | Josh Hazlewood |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Yash Dayal |
Pitch Report
- Condition: Balanced
- Batting: Moderate scoring expected; spinners may dominate later.
- Bowling: Pacers get some assistance initially; spinners thrive in the middle overs.
Toss Prediction
Batting first is advisable, as the pitch slows down in the second innings. Teams batting first have defended totals successfully in all three games played here this season.
Winner Prediction
Punjab Kings are likely to extend their winning streak against RCB, given their superior form and home advantage.
Final Prediction: Punjab Kings to win.
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
