PBKS vs RCB Match Analysis

The 37th match of IPL 2025 sees Punjab Kings take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, on April 20. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST under the lights, promising a high-octane evening encounter. 

Punjab Kings, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, have shown moments of brilliance this season with their balanced squad and aggressive intent. Their young Indian core, combined with a strong set of all-rounders, gives them flexibility in both innings. 

RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, are finally hitting form after a slow start to their campaign. With stars like Virat Kohli and Liam Livingstone delivering consistently, the Bengaluru-based franchise looks well-rounded in both departments.

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Team Preview & Squads

Punjab Kings

Shreyas Iyer brings a wealth of experience and calm assurance to the Punjab Kings. Renowned for his dependable middle-order performances and sharp tactical acumen, Iyer has infused the team with vital leadership. His captaincy played a key role in the recent victory over KKR.

PBKS boasts solid batting depth with players like Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell providing power in the middle and death overs. Openers like Prabhsimran Singh and Harnoor Singh can be explosive in the powerplay. 

Punjab’s bowling attack boasts both variety and international pedigree, spearheaded by the pace duo of Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson. In the spin department, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar provide control and consistency through the middle overs. 

In their previous clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 15, PBKS managed a modest total of 111. But it was their bowlers who stole the show, delivering a stellar performance to dismiss KKR for just 95 in 15.1 overs. The hard-fought 16-run victory highlighted Punjab’s resilience and the strength of their bowling unit.

Punjab Kings Squads

Punjab Kings

Shreyas Iyer (c), Arshdeep Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Azmatullah Omarzai, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, Praveen Dubey, Lockie Ferguson, Aaron Hardie, Harnoor Singh, Harpreet Brar, Josh Inglis (wk), Marco Jansen, Glenn Maxwell, Musheer Khan, Prabhsimran Singh, Kuldeep Sen, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Nehal Wadhera, Yash Thakur

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar has entered the captaincy with assurance, bringing enthusiasm and stability to the RCB group. He leads from the front, playing with aggressive strokeplay and establishes a positive foundation early.

RCB is a batting lineup that is robustly equipped with hard-hitting attacking options in Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone; up to this point, they have not even mentioned the big hitters in Tim David and Romario Shepherd, who bring finishing power. They also have Krunal Pandya to provide left-handed batting depth and versatility.

The bowling unit is full of experience with international pace bowling talent in Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi. Spin options with Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya, allowing comedy and variation. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has provided additional edge and control with the new ball and death overs.

In their recent clash against Rajasthan Royals on April 13, RCB delivered a commanding performance. After holding RR to 173/4, the opening duo of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt made light work of the chase. RCB cruised to a 9-wicket win with 15 balls remaining.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squads

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar (c), Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Bethell, Manoj Bhandage, Swastik Chikara, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Mohit Rathee, Lungi Ngidi, Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Salam, Phil Salt (wk), Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal

PBKS vs RCB Outfield Report

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

The Mohali pitch is known for assisting pace bowlers early on, with good bounce and carry. Batters can score freely once set, especially under lights when the ball comes onto the bat. Spin may have a limited role unless the surface is dry.

The weather in Mohali on April 20 is expected to be clear, with no chances of rain. The temperature will hover around 27°C in the evening with low humidity. It should be ideal for a full uninterrupted match.

In recent seasons, the average first innings score at Mohali has been around 175–185. Teams batting first have occasionally crossed 200, but totals below 150 have often been chased down comfortably. A competitive score here is generally in the 180+ range.

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the previous five encounters between these teams, the PBKS have won 3 and the RCB have won 2.

RCB vs GT Prediction

According to cricket analysts Punjab Kings have a 57% chance of Winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.