RCB back chasing strength as hosts Punjab bat first in crunch contest

With a place in the IPL 2025 final on the line, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings and Rajat Patidar’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru when they clash in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Put in to bat first, Iyer’s leadership credentials will undergo a stern examination as Punjab Kings, buoyed by their first playoff appearance in over a decade, aim to script history. For a side that last made the top four in 2014, this year marks a significant shift in fortunes, driven by the tactical acumen of Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting. The duo has transformed Punjab into a cohesive, fearless unit that no longer seems weighed down by the ghosts of past failures.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, enter the playoffs with the burden of expectations and the pain of previous knock-out disappointments. Despite reaching the playoffs 10 times, RCB remains without an IPL title, a record that continues to haunt both players and fans alike. Under new leadership and a strong finish in the league stage, the team believes that this could finally be their moment. As they often remind themselves, the mission is far from complete.

The advantage of finishing in the top two adds an extra layer of strategic flexibility for both sides. With the assurance of a second opportunity to reach the final, Thursday’s encounter is expected to be a fiercely contested battle, free from the fear of elimination. Both teams are likely to play an aggressive brand of cricket, capitalising on their form and depth.

RCB will draw confidence from their previous win against Punjab Kings at this very venue during the league stage. However, Mullanpur’s pitch has proven to be unpredictable, with only one first-innings total surpassing 200 in four games played here. Run-making has been challenging, making every run valuable and the margin for error razor-thin.

Yet Punjab, too, has reason to be optimistic. They pulled off a sensational win against Kolkata Knight Riders at this ground, defending a mere 111. That experience of turning a near-certain defeat into victory could prove decisive in a high-stakes match like this.

As both sides chase their maiden IPL title, Qualifier 1 serves as more than just a gateway to the final, it’s a litmus test of composure, leadership, and hunger. With the weight of history and the promise of glory on the line, Thursday’s clash is poised to be a defining chapter in both franchises’ journeys.

This article first appeared on Mid Day