RCB’s Former Head Coach Suggests 2 Big Changes In Playing XI Ahead Of Qualifier 1 Vs Punjab Kings

As the dust settles on a pulsating IPL 2025 league stage, one franchise has made a resounding statement — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With a powerful six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final group match, RCB not only sealed a top-two finish but also carved their name into the history books as the first side to win all seven away matches in a single IPL season under the home-and-away format.

More than just numbers, this RCB side underlines a new chapter in their storied and often emotionally charged journey in the IPL — a campaign driven by balance, hunger, and individual brilliance. Now, they find themselves face-to-face with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the high-stakes Qualifier 1, with a direct ticket to the IPL final hanging in the balance.

RCB’s Statement Win and Historic Feat in Lucknow

The Ekana Stadium was buzzing with anticipation as Lucknow Super Giants posted an intimidating 228/5 — a total that would rattle most teams in a high-pressure game. But RCB’s response was nothing short of sensational. Riding on the back of a fearless top-order and smart match-ups in the middle overs, Bengaluru chased down the target with composure and class.

What made the victory more significant was its historical context. It marked RCB’s seventh consecutive away win — a feat never achieved before in the IPL. Across formats and franchises, playing away from home often tests a team’s mettle and adaptability. RCB aced that test repeatedly in 2025, whether it was chasing at Eden Gardens or defending at the Wankhede.

Kohli’s Dream Run: 9,000 Runs & Counting

RCB’s campaign in 2025 has had one constant — Virat Kohli. The former captain and eternal heartbeat of the franchise reached another monumental landmark: 9,000 T20 runs for RCB. This season alone, he has stacked up 602 runs in 13 innings at a blistering average above 60 — form reminiscent of his 2016 golden run.

His dominance at the top of the order has given RCB a platform in nearly every game, allowing others like Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma to play with freedom. Kohli’s form is not just statistical; it’s spiritual for this team. His swagger, passion, and tactical awareness fuel a locker room full of younger talents who are playing fearlessly under his influence.

Strategic Brilliance and a Well-Oiled Unit

A critical factor behind RCB’s top-two finish has been their newfound squad balance. Unlike previous years where dependency on a few stars proved costly, this season has seen contributions from across the roster:

Phil Salt has been explosive in the powerplay, often taking pressure off Kohli.
Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma have stepped up in the middle order with crucial cameos.
Krunal Pandya has brought calmness as an all-rounder, providing control with the ball and finishing prowess with the bat.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has led the bowling unit with masterful precision, especially during the death overs.

RCB’s support staff deserves a share of the credit too. Tactical match-ups, timely player rotations, and fearless decisions (like trusting Salt ahead of Faf du Plessis in key games) have clicked more often than not.

RCB vs PBKS – Qualifier 1 Looms Large

The clash against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur isn’t just a playoff — it’s a collision of momentum and muscle. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer and mentored by Ricky Ponting, have had a roaring season. Like RCB, they finished with 19 points but edged ahead on net run rate.

PBKS have posted 200+ totals six times this season, highlighting the explosiveness in their batting order. Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Liam Livingstone (despite form issues) have all contributed in bursts, while Arshdeep Singh has spearheaded their bowling with flair.

In such a heavyweight contest, every tactical call becomes vital — which brings us to a voice of experience.

Bangar’s Blueprint: Two Key Changes RCB Should Make

Former RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar, now a respected analyst, weighed in with timely suggestions on the Star Sports show ahead of Qualifier 1. He believes RCB must tighten their bowling unit to counter Punjab’s batting firepower.

1. Nuwan Thushara for Liam Livingstone

Livingstone, an INR 8.75 crore signing, has underwhelmed this season with just 87 runs and 2 wickets in 8 matches. Bangar suggests replacing him with Nuwan Thushara — the Sri Lankan pacer who impressed on debut with his slingy action and toe-crushing yorkers.

“Livingstone, who is playing as an overseas batter, is not scoring runs. So, make your bowling totally strong. Play Thushara in place of Livingstone,” Bangar said.

2. Tim David for Romario Shepherd

Romario Shepherd has leaked runs in crunch overs, especially evident in the LSG match where he conceded 51 runs in 4 overs. Tim David, now fit alongside Josh Hazlewood, offers big-hitting and part-time seam options — and has the temperament for big games.

“Phil Salt, Thushara, Hazlewood, and Tim David — that should be the four overseas. You need to match Punjab’s firepower, especially at a high-scoring venue like Mullanpur,” Bangar added.

These two changes could drastically tilt the balance in RCB’s favour, shoring up both the death bowling and lower-order firepower.

RCB’s Potential Line-Up vs PBKS (Post Changes)

Virat Kohli
Phil Salt
Rajat Patidar
Jitesh Sharma (wk)
Krunal Pandya
Tim David
Mahipal Lomror
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Josh Hazlewood
Nuwan Thushara
Mayank Dagar / Karn Sharma (depending on conditions)

This XI blends experience, form, and versatility — vital ingredients in knockout matches.

What’s at Stake in Qualifier 1

The winner of Qualifier 1 moves directly to the IPL 2025 Final, to be played at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The loser gets one more chance in Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.

In such a compressed and unforgiving playoff format, winning the first qualifier offers breathing room and precious recovery time — making Wednesday’s clash a do-or-die in spirit, if not in structure.

The Venue: Mullanpur — Where Runs Flow & Dreams Ignite

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, has become synonymous with high-scoring thrillers. With an average first innings score of 173/6, and a highest total of 219/6 by PBKS, it’s a venue where batters dominate but clever bowling still finds a way.

RCB will need to bowl smartly in powerplay and death overs — two areas where Punjab have hurt opponents the most.

Kohli’s Legacy & The One Title Missing

For all his brilliance in IPL history, Virat Kohli has yet to lift the IPL trophy — the elusive jewel missing from his otherwise glittering cabinet. As he stands at the threshold once again, this could be the season that changes everything.

His hunger is palpable, his leadership is resonant, and his bat has rarely been this poetic. The last time RCB reached this far in 2016, it was Kohli’s bat that lit up the summer. This time, he’s better supported and more focused than ever.

All Roads Lead to Mullanpur

As the countdown begins to Qualifier 1, fans of both franchises are living every moment in high gear. RCB have never been better positioned to end their title drought. But PBKS, rejuvenated under Ponting and led by a fierce Iyer, are no pushovers.

It’s the clash of two passionate teams, two resurgent stories, and one golden ticket to Ahmedabad. Will RCB’s historic momentum carry them through? Or will PBKS continue to soar on their 200+ spree?

Come May 29, the IPL will witness another chapter in its legacy of high-octane drama. And somewhere in the chaos, dreams will either be fulfilled — or deferred.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/