Thu May 29 13:40:00 UTC 2025: ## RCB Opt to Bowl First Against PBKS in Crucial IPL Qualifier 1

**Mullanpur, Chandigarh -** The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will bowl first after winning the toss against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar cited the hard wicket and decent grass covering as reasons for his decision. He also highlighted the team’s recent form, winning all seven of their away games this season. However, concerns remain regarding RCB’s bowling attack, which has conceded high scores recently. Josh Hazlewood replaces Nuwan Thushara in the RCB playing XI.

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, who stated he would have also chosen to bowl first, expressed optimism about his team’s chances. The team, led by Ricky Ponting as head coach, will be hoping to capitalize on batting-first advantage at Mullanpur, where teams batting first have won 3 out of 4 matches this season. Azmatullah Omarzai comes in for Marco for Punjab Kings.

This match is a crucial opportunity for both teams, who finished in the top two after a season of ups and downs. For RCB, known for their heartbreak in IPL finals, and PBKS, a team that hasn’t reached the playoffs in over a decade, this game is a chance to move one step closer to their maiden IPL title. The losing team will have another opportunity to reach the final through Qualifier 2.

**Playing XIs:**

**Punjab Kings:** Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson

**Royal Challengers Bengaluru:** Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

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