The IPL 2025 Playoffs have arrived, and the intensity is at its peak as four of the most exciting teams from this season gear up for the decisive stage. In Qualifier 1, Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a direct entry into the final. Meanwhile, the Eliminator will feature the Mumbai Indians (MI) facing off against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in a do-or-die clash.
Qualifier 1: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Date: May 29, 2025 | Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Match Preview
Qualifier 1 will be hosted at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, a venue that has already seen some thrilling contests this season. Punjab Kings come into the game as the table-toppers, led by the calm and consistent Shreyas Iyer. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under new captain Rajat Patidar, clinched the second position on the points table with a series of strong performances in the second half of the league stage.
Punjab have had one of their most complete seasons in IPL history. They’ve been sharp with the bat, disciplined with the ball, and tactically astute throughout the season. RCB, on the other hand, started slowly but picked up steam with match-winning performances from both established stars and newer faces.
The two sides have enjoyed a fairly even head-to-head rivalry, though PBKS hold a minor edge in recent meetings. With a direct ticket to the final at stake, this game is expected to go down to the wire.
Team News
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
PBKS have unearthed exciting young talent this season. Priyansh Arya has been a revelation at the top, while Nehal Wadhera has played multiple impactful knocks in the middle order. The franchise’s faith in young Indian cricketers has added depth and energy to their lineup.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
RCB have banked on the experience of Virat Kohli and the maturity of new captain Rajat Patidar. The promotion of Mayank Agarwal to the top order and the use of Jitesh Sharma as a versatile finisher have been effective. With a well-balanced bowling unit that includes Bhuvneshwar Kumar and young Suyash Sharma, they’re coming into the playoffs with confidence.
Weather & Pitch Report
Mullanpur is expected to have clear skies on match day, with temperatures around 31.8°C and a humidity level of 36%. The surface at the stadium has been a high-scoring one, offering true bounce and value for shots. The average first-innings score this season is 183, and teams batting first have won three of the four matches. The toss could play a crucial role, with the side setting a target likely to enjoy a slight edge.
Probable Playing XI and Impact Players
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
- Priyansh Arya
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Kyle Jamieson
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
- Arshdeep Singh
Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
- Philip Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Mayank Agarwal
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Suyash Sharma
- Yash Dayal
Impact Player: Nuwan Thushara
Key Players
Punjab Kings:
- Shreyas Iyer: Leading from the front, Iyer has scored 514 runs at an average of 51.40 and a strike-rate of 171.90. His ability to hold the innings together while accelerating when required makes him the lynchpin of PBKS’ batting.
- Arshdeep Singh: A master of death overs, Arshdeep has taken 18 wickets and been a reliable enforcer with the ball.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
- Virat Kohli: The talismanic opener has crossed 600 runs this season, combining class and consistency. If he gets going, RCB’s path to the final becomes far smoother.
- Jitesh Sharma: The big-hitting wicketkeeper-batter has delivered under pressure, especially his match-winning 85* off 33 balls that sealed RCB’s top-two finish.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Punjab Kings have the more balanced unit with momentum on their side. Shreyas Iyer’s form and the team’s ability to produce match-winners across departments give them a marginal advantage. That said, RCB are peaking at the right time and with Virat Kohli in prime form, they’re a dangerous outfit. Expect a thriller, but PBKS might just sneak through to the final.
IPL 2025 Eliminator Preview: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans
Date: May 30, 2025 | Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Match Preview
In the IPL 2025 Eliminator, two former champions—Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT)—face off in a knockout battle for survival. A win here secures a spot in Qualifier 2 against the loser of Qualifier 1, while a defeat ends the journey.
MI have had an up-and-down season but managed to scrape into the top four. GT, led by Shubman Gill, played more cohesive cricket through the league stage and finished third. Importantly, GT hold a 2-0 record over MI this season, which may give them a psychological edge.
Team News
Mumbai Indians (MI):
MI have suffered a major blow with the departure of key overseas players — Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch — who’ve returned to national duties. Jonny Bairstow has come in as a late replacement for Jacks, but the disruption might affect MI’s balance.
Gujarat Titans (GT):
GT’s only major absentee is Jos Buttler, replaced by Kusal Mendis. The rest of their core remains intact. With a powerful batting lineup and a formidable bowling unit, GT look settled and confident heading into the clash.
Weather & Pitch Report
Another clear day is expected in Mullanpur, with the temperature slightly higher at 32°C and humidity around 40%. The surface is expected to play similarly to Qualifier 1—ideal for batting. Captains winning the toss are likely to bat first, as scoreboard pressure has worked well at this venue.
Probable Playing XI and Impact Players
Mumbai Indians (MI):
- Jonny Bairstow
- Rohit Sharma
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (c)
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Karn Sharma
Impact Player: Rohit Sharma
Gujarat Titans (GT):
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Washington Sundar
- Rashid Khan
- Gerald Coetzee
- Sai Kishore
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
Impact Player: Sai Sudharsan
Key Players
Mumbai Indians:
- Suryakumar Yadav: MI’s batting pillar this season, SKY has played multiple rescue acts and finishers’ roles. His adaptability will be vital in the Eliminator.
- Jasprit Bumrah: In playoffs, you turn to your best bowlers. Bumrah, with 17 wickets, remains MI’s trump card in crunch moments.
Gujarat Titans:
- Shubman Gill: A calming presence at the top, Gill’s form has guided GT to many wins. He’ll be key to seeing off MI’s new-ball threat.
- Mohammed Siraj: The pacer has 15 wickets and is finally back to his threatening best, often picking wickets in the powerplay.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
GT start as favourites due to team stability and a cleaner run into the playoffs. They’ve beaten MI twice already and look composed in all departments. MI, meanwhile, are missing key overseas firepower and will need big performances from Rohit, Suryakumar, and Bumrah to stay alive. Expect a tight battle, but GT may hold the edge due to its current squad balance and head-to-head dominance.
