Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh came up with a bold prediction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. He mentioned that they will be playing the final next year in Bengaluru and will lift the title too. 
Punjab Kings faced a massive heartbreak in the final of the IPL 2025. The Shreyas Iyer-led side faced a disappointing 6-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. 
Shashank Singh was one of the shining lights for Punjab Kings in the final of the IPL 2025. The all-rounder kept his team in the hunt in the chase of 191 runs as he slammed Royal Challengers Bengaluru all over the park. But couldn't take his team home as he missed it by just one shot. 
While the wickets kept falling at the other end, Shashank Singh kept hitting at one end. He took the game to the last over, where 29 runs were needed. He missed the first two balls but then hit three sixes and one four. Had he hit one six, he would've taken his team to win. 
<h2>We will lift the Trophy too - Shashank Singh makes a prediction for IPL 2026 </h2>
Shashank Singh, who was gutted after the loss, has now made a bold prediction for the IPL 2026. While speaking to the Indian Express, he said that they will win next year's tournament. 
“Next year we are playing the final in Bangalore for sure and we will lift the Trophy too,” he told the Indian Express. 
Notably, Shashank Singh, who scored 61* runs in final, made a similar kind of prediction ahead of the IPL 2025. He said that the Punjab Kings would end the league stage at the top of the table, and that happened exactly. It remains to be seen how they will perform next year.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jitesh-sharma-mocks-ms-dhoni-almost-hits-him-with-the-ball-during-csk-vs-rcb-in-ipl-2025-clash/">Jitesh Sharma mocks MS Dhoni, almost hits him with the ball during CSK vs RCB in IPL 2025 clash</a>

Shashank Singh makes prediction for IPL 2026  {PC:X}

Punjab Kings faced a massive heartbreak in the final of the IPL 2025.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh came up with a bold prediction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

"Next year we are playing the final in Bangalore for sure" - Shashank Singh makes prediction for IPL 2026

-next-year-we-are-playing-the-final-in-bangalore-for-sure-shashank-singh-makes-prediction-for-ipl-2026-

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is likely to face a massive blow for the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. According to reports in ESPNCricinfo, it has been learned that Phil Salt is set to miss the clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) due to the birth of his child. 
The final of the IPL 2025 is all set to take place on Tuesday (3rd June). RCB and PBKS will be clashing with each other in the final of the tournament at the Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams are yet to win the title, and hence, we will have new winners this time around. 
Phil Salt, who has been the major reason behind RCB reaching the final, wasn't spotted in the training session ahead of the final. The reports added that he has flown back home for the birth of the child and won't be available for the match, as he wasn't there in Ahmedabad as well. 
What caught the attention of many was that Tim Siefert was putting in the hard yards in the practice session. The keeper-batter worked hard in the nets, and if Phil Salt won't be there, it is likely that he will open the innings with Virat Kohli in the final of the IPL 2025
<h2> Phil Salt has been going through a purple patch with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2025</h2>
Phil Salt has been going through a purple patch with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2025. The keeper-batter has slammed 387 runs at a strike-rate of 175.90 and an average of 35.18, which in itself reveals how big a blow his absence will be if he misses the final of the IPL 2025. 
Phil Salt also played a magnificent hand for RCB in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025. He slammed a brutal half-century that helped his team chase the target of 102 runs with ease and took them to the final of the tournament. 
It remains to be seen how RCB will fare in his absence. The franchise has been in red-hot form, and it won't be a surprise if they end up winning the title. Many have backed them to lift the trophy, and they would be keen to end their title drought.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-vaibhav-suryavanshi-touches-the-feet-of-ms-dhoni-in-a-heartwarming-gesture-after-csk-vs-rr/"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-vaibhav-suryavanshi-touches-the-feet-of-ms-dhoni-in-a-heartwarming-gesture-after-csk-vs-rr/">Watch: Vaibhav Suryavanshi touches the feet of MS Dhoni in a heartwarming gesture after CSK vs RR</a>

Phil Salt all set to miss IPL 2025 final against PBKS due to...  {PC:X}

Phil Salt, who has been the major reason behind RCB reaching the final, wasn't spotted in the training session ahead of the final

According to reports in ESPNCricinfo, it has been learned that Phil Salt is set to miss the clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) due to the birth of his child. 

Big blow for RCB! Phil Salt all set to miss IPL 2025 final against PBKS due to...

big-blow-for-rcb-phil-salt-all-set-to-miss-ipl-2025-final-against-pbks-due-to-

The wait is over. One of IPL’s most cherished dreams is finally coming true. After 17 long years of heartbreaks, near-misses, and emotional rollercoasters, either Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) or Punjab Kings (PBKS) will finally lift their maiden IPL trophy. It's more than a final—it’s a culmination of legacy, redemption, and undying fan loyalty.
On the grand stage of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, IPL 2025 finds its most poetic ending: a showdown between two of the league’s original franchises, neither of which has tasted glory before. Will it be the bold red of RCB that finally ends its trophy drought, or will Punjab complete its fairytale run under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer?
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202506/image_430x256_683cb7ad110af.jpg" alt="">
As the build-up intensifies, the contrasts between the two captains paint the perfect pre-match picture. Rajat Patidar of RCB, calm and composed, lets his bat and tactics do the talking. Shreyas Iyer, fiery and passionate, speaks of war and spirit. RCB are fresh off a dominant semifinal victory over PBKS and look well-balanced with Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Josh Hazlewood in top form. Punjab, though, carry the momentum of a hard-fought win against MI in Qualifier 2 and have unearthed a vibrant group of uncapped stars.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202505/image_430x256_68388ff37edf6.jpg" alt="">
What raises the stakes further is the historical context. Both RCB and PBKS have made multiple finals in the past—RCB thrice, Punjab once in 2014—but have never crossed the finish line. Tonight, that history will be rewritten. No matter the outcome, the IPL’s infamous “Holy Trinity” of title-less originals will be broken.
<h2>TATA IPL Final 2025: Full Squads</h2>
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Blessing Muzarabani, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh
Punjab Kings Squad: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Yash Thakur, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, Mitchell Owen, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash
<h2>TATA IPL Final 2025: Probable Playing XI</h2>
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar/Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak
<h2>Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch &amp; Conditions Report</h2>
The final will be played on the center wicket of the Narendra Modi Stadium, ensuring even boundary dimensions on both sides. This is a mixed-soil pitch, and in its previous use this season, it produced over 470 runs in a single game. Batters will love the pace and bounce, and unless unexpected rain intervenes, another high-scoring thriller is on the cards.
<h2>RCB vs PBKS: Head-to-Head Record</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Matches Played</th>
<th>RCB Wins</th>
<th>PBKS Wins</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>36</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<ul>
<li>
At Narendra Modi Stadium: PBKS lead 1-0
</li>
<li>
Since 2023, RCB have won 5 of the last 6 meetings
</li>
</ul>

TATA IPL Final 2025: Season 18 for Punjab or Bangalore? Check All Details, Stats and More Before IPL Final! (image- HOTSTAR)

The IPL 2025 final promises a thrilling showdown as long-time underachievers Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru battle for their first-ever title after 17 seasons of heartbreak.

RCB and PBKS clash in IPL 2025 final, both seeking maiden title after 17 seasons of hope and heartbreak.

TATA IPL Final 2025: Season 18 for Punjab or Bangalore? Check All Details, Stats and More Before IPL Final!

tata-ipl-final-2025-season-18-for-punjab-or-bangalore-check-all-details-stats-and-more-before-ipl-final-

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar has provided a massive fitness update ahead of the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Punjab Kings (PBKS). He revealed that he still has a fracture but will be giving his best for the team in the summit clash. 
RCB is all set to lock horns with PBKS in the final of the IPL 2025. The match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday (3rd June). Since both teams are yet to win the title, it means that we will have new winners in the league. 
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar has done an incredible job as captain as well as skipper in the ongoing IPL 2025. He has led from the front, and under his leadership, the franchise has played a dominating brand of cricket, as all the players have stepped up at some point. 
Rajat Patidar, in particular, has led from the front, and what has been impressive is that even after battling an injury, he has been giving his best for the team. The right-hander recently faced a finger injury and has now been back on the field, making vital contributions. 
<h2>I had fractured my finger on my home ground, and it has not cured yet - Rajat Patidar</h2>
Ahead of the final, Rajat Patidar gave a fitness update. He said that his finger is not yet cured but he is managing and will contribute as much as he can for the team. Speaking in a video posted on Twitter, he said: 
“I had fractured my finger on my home ground, and it has not cured yet. But I am trying to manage and contribute as much as I can. As it is the final, I am ready to take a risk.”
https://x.com/ViratTheLegend/status/1929393886138634371?t=0bstZSjfObH7V90Kolhwhg&amp;s=19
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-5-bowlers-with-the-best-figures-on-ipl-debut-ft-ashwani-kumar-/">Top 5 bowlers with the best figures on IPL debut Ft. Ashwani Kumar</a>

Rajat Patidar drops colossal update on his injury ahead of IPL 2025 final  {PC:X}

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar has done an incredible job as captain as well as skipper in the ongoing IPL 2025.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar has provided a massive fitness update ahead of the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

"Fracture hai Abhi bhi" - Rajat Patidar drops colossal update on his injury ahead of IPL 2025 final

-fracture-hai-abhi-bhi-rajat-patidar-drops-colossal-update-on-his-injury-ahead-of-ipl-2025-final-

MI vs PBKS, Eliminator: PUNJAB KINGS have made it to the FINALS of the TATA IPL 2025! In a high-octane Qualifier 2 clash of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings scripted history by chasing down a daunting 204-run target to defeat Mumbai Indians and secure a spot in the final for the first time in 11 years.
The match, held in Ahmedabad, had all the elements of a classic knockout encounter—rain delays, aggressive batting, key wickets, and one man standing tall under pressure: Shreyas Iyer.
<h2>MI vs PBKS Match Summary</h2>
TOSS: Punjab Kings won the Toss and opted to bowl first!
Mumbai Indians Playing11: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Reece Topley (Impact- Ashwini Kumar)
Punjab Kings Playing11: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal (Impact- Prabhsimran Singh)
After an over two-hour delay due to rain, the game began without any overs lost. Sent in to bat, Mumbai Indians would have been content with their performance after breaching the 200-run mark, finishing at 204/6.
Rohit Sharma had a lifeline early on but couldn't capitalize, falling cheaply once again. Jonny Bairstow and Tilak Varma built a solid base with a useful partnership that kept MI ticking. The Englishman departed right after the powerplay, but Suryakumar Yadav extended his impressive run with another impactful knock.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202506/image_430x256_683cb7aa70184.jpg" alt="">
SKY and Tilak added 72 runs before both perished in quick succession, allowing Punjab a brief window of comeback. However, Naman Dhir's blistering cameo of 37 off just 18 balls propelled MI to a total that had never been successfully chased in an IPL Playoff or Knockout game before. Notably, this was the first time a team crossed 200 in an IPL playoff without an individual half-century—truly a team effort.
In response, Punjab Kings needed a calm head and solid leadership. They got both in the form of Shreyas Iyer. With the top order failing to fire as they had all season, the Punjab skipper took charge and played one of the finest knocks of his IPL career. His unbeaten 87 off 41 balls was a masterclass in pacing a high-pressure chase.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202506/image_430x256_683cb7a7ada2b.jpg" alt="">
Showing composure and authority, Iyer anchored the innings and ensured the required rate never spiraled out of control. Nehal Wadhera, facing his former side, also chipped in with a valuable contribution.
Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, Punjab never looked rattled. Iyer’s sublime timing and calculated aggression steered them home with balls to spare, breaking multiple records in the process.
This chase of 204 is now the highest ever in IPL Playoff history, and it marked the first instance of the Mumbai Indians failing to defend a 200+ total in the tournament’s history. The win also snapped MI’s hopes in Ahmedabad, where they have now lost six consecutive games, their only win at the venue dating back to 2014.
For Iyer, this victory had added significance—he has now led three different franchises (DC in 2020, KKR in 2024, PBKS in 2025) to the IPL final, a feat no other player has achieved. With this historic triumph, Punjab Kings storm into the final with momentum and belief, chasing their maiden IPL title. And for Shreyas Iyer, this is more than a win—it’s a legacy in the making.

MI vs PBKS: PUNJAB Kings Crushed MUMBAI Indians to Book FINALs Ticket!

Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 powered Punjab Kings to a record 204-run chase, crushing Mumbai Indians and securing their first IPL final berth in 11 years.

Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings to a historic 204-run chase, defeating MI and entering their first IPL final since 2014.

mi-vs-pbks-punjab-kings-crushed-mumbai-indians-to-book-finals-ticket-

Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene provided a fitness update about Suryakumar Yadav ahead of Qualifier 2 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He said that the batter is healthy and fit and needed a bit of bandaging for the tightness. 
Mumbai Indians faced a massive injury scare during the Eliminator of the IPL 2025 against Gujarat Titans (GT). Premier batter Suryakumar Yadav looked unfit as he was down on the ground while fielding and needed attention from the physios as well. 
Suryakumar Yadav looked in pain and was also off the field for some time. This made many speculate about his fitness for the next game against the Punjab Kings. But in a positive development, head coach Mahela Jayawardene has shared his take on the batter's injury. 
<h2>I think everyone's healthy, everyone's fit - Mahela Jayawardene </h2>
Mahela Jayawardene cheekily said that a few of the players in the team are getting old and they need bandaging. He also updated about Suryakumar Yadav, saying that he hasn't heard anything from physios. He said: 
"I think these are a few old souls that we get a bit of bandaging, a bit of time. And I saw boys getting it done, a few others as well," Jayawardene told reporters at the press conference. 
"We know it's a tough schedule for us, but I think everyone's healthy, everyone's fit. And don't worry about those little tightnesses. I haven't heard anything from the physios. I'm pretty sure that even with one leg, these boys will be playing for us. Don't worry." 
Suryakumar Yadav played a vital role for the Mumbai Indians in their game against the Gujarat Titans. The batter slammed 33 runs and helped his team post a total of 228 runs. The franchise went on to win the game by a margin of 20 runs and advanced to Qualifier 2.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-5-bowlers-with-the-best-figures-on-ipl-debut-ft-ashwani-kumar-/">Top 5 bowlers with the best figures on IPL debut Ft. Ashwani Kumar</a>

Suryakumar Yadav ruled out of Qualifier 2 against PBKS? MI head coach drops massive statement  {PC:X}

Suryakumar Yadav looked in pain and was also off the field for some time.

Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene provided a fitness update about Suryakumar Yadav ahead of Qualifier 2 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Suryakumar Yadav ruled out of Qualifier 2 against PBKS? MI head coach drops massive statement

suryakumar-yadav-ruled-out-of-qualifier-2-against-pbks-mi-head-coach-drops-massive-statement-

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli was at his best on the field during Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match between the two teams took place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh. 
Virat Kohli took matters into his own hands during the game against the Punjab Kings. The premier batter was seen passing on the inputs to the bowlers as his plans paid off incredibly, and his side was all over the opposition with the ball, bundling them out for a low total. 
Not only this, Virat Kohli was in a furious mood during the game as well. He celebrated each and every wicket aggressively as he made the crowd get going as well. However, his celebrations were not taken well by one of the foreign fans of Punjab Kings. 
As Virat Kohli was celebrating aggressively, the fan was seen yelling F***k Y**u to the batter. The video of the incident went viral on the internet. 
<h2>Watch: PBKS’ fan abuses Virat Kohli after RCB batter aggressively celebrates a wicket during Qualifier 1</h2>
Here's the clip: 
https://x.com/Kushacritic/status/1928114820223492340
Coming to the match, RCB has qualified for the final of the IPL 2025. They had a sensational outing with the bat and ball against PBKS and qualified for the summit clash for the fourth time in the league. This is the first time since IPL 2016 that they have advanced into the summit clash. 
Opting to field, RCB bundled out PBKS for just 101 runs. Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal were brilliant with the new ball. They picked wickets in a flash before Suyash Sharma picked three wickets in the middle. For Punjab, Marcus Stoinis top-scored with his 26-run knock. 
In the chase, Phil Salt slammed an unbeaten half-century to add salt to the wounds of PBKS fans. Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal and Rajat Patidar also played vital hands as RCB chased the target with ten overs to spare.
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PBKS’ fan abused Virat Kohli after RCB batter aggressively celebrates a wicket during Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025  {PC;X}

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli was at his best on the field during Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Virat Kohli took matters into his own hands during the game against the Punjab Kings.

Watch: PBKS’ fan abused Virat Kohli after RCB batter aggressively celebrates a wicket during Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025

watch-pbks-fan-abused-virat-kohli-after-rcb-batter-aggressively-celebrates-a-wicket-during-qualifier-1-of-ipl-2025-

Robin Uthappa, former Indian Cricketer and wicket-keeper batsman believes that the first qualifiers encounter between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), which is slated to take place in New Chandigarh on Thursday, 29th of May, promises to be a thrilling and exciting one.
Must Read - <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pcb-announces-new-look-pakistan-squad-for-the-t20i-series-versus-bangladesh-under-new-coach-mike-hesson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PCB announces new look Pakistan squad for the T20I series versus Bangladesh under new coach Mike Hesson</a>

He added that despite the Bangalore triumphing over Lucknow by a margin of six wickets, the Punjab-based side have the edge over the three-time runners up due to the fact that Shreyas Iyer &amp; his men will have the home advantage on their side as the contest is set to play the contest at their home-ground, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium of New Chandigarh.

The team which finishes on a winning note in the first qualifier will get the direct ticket to the summit clash, to be held on the 3rd of June at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, while the losing-team will lock horns against the winners of the eliminator at the same stadium on the 1st of June. The Rajat Patidar-led side will have just a single day of break in-order to prepare for the first qualifiers as their victory over Lucknow happened on the night of Tuesday at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium.

"Both Bangalore and Punjab are riding high on momentum. This match promises to be a highly exciting one. Playing at home, Punjab could hold a slight advantage over their opponents. However, Bengaluru is definitely capable of putting up a strong fight. Based on their recent batting display, after this game? Absolutely, no doubt about it," Uthappa stated on JioHotstar.

The astounding six-wicket win of the Royal Challengers over the Lucknow SuperGiants, coming on the back of half-centuries from stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma and the legendary Virat Kohli, meant that their dream of lifitng the IPL trophy for the first time ever is still alive after ending the league stage at the second position in the overall-standings with ninteen points to their name. Punjab were the table-toppers due to having a much better Net-Run-Rate (NRR) than Bangalore.

Robin, who lifted the IPL trophy two times, once with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2021 and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2014, feels that Virat will be exceptionally motivated to perform for RCB in the playoffs once more.

"Following this win against LSG, one player who will certainly rise to the occasion is Virat Kohli. He has another opportunity to advance to the latter stages of the tournament and strive to secure that IPL championship for RCB — a trophy he truly desires in his collection."

"Mayank Agarwal, Nuwan Thushara &amp; Jitesh Sharma all three of them performed in an admirable way. Each player batted and bowled exceptionally well. They have earned their place among the top two. The confidence and determination they demonstrated were remarkable," he summed up.
Do Read - <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/with-the-defeat-against-rcb-the-entire-lucknow-team-including-rishabh-pant-got-a-big-shock-bcci-imposed-a-fine-of-so-many-crores/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">With the defeat against RCB, the entire Lucknow team including Rishabh Pant got a big shock, BCCI imposed a fine of so many crores</a>

RCB vs PBKS qualifier 1 | Image Credits - BCCI

Robin Uthappa predicts a thrilling PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 clash in Chandigarh. While RCB rides high after Kohli & Jitesh's match-winning fifties against LSG, PBKS holds home advantage. Winner advances to finals (June 3), loser gets another shot in Eliminator (June 1). Uthappa backs Kohli's hunger for RCB's maiden title but notes PBKS' strong NRR makes them favorites.

Former cricketer Robin Uthappa predicts an electrifying Qualifier 1 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in New Chandigarh on May 29. While acknowledging RCB's momentum after their 6-wicket win over LSG (powered by Virat Kohli and Jitesh Sharma's fifties), Uthappa gives PBKS a slight edge due to home advantage. The winner advances directly to the June 3 final in Ahmedabad, while the loser faces the Eliminator winner on June 1. Uthappa highlighted Kohli's hunger for RCB's maiden IPL title and praised RCB's all-round performance, though PBKS' table-topping NRR makes them formidable opponents.

IPL 2025: Former RCB player feels that the Qualifier 1 between PBKS and RCB will be humdinger of a game

ipl-2025-former-rcb-player-feels-that-the-qualifier-1-between-pbks-and-rcb-will-be-humdinger-of-a-game

Punjab Kings (PBKS) sealed the top spot in the points table of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. They beat Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday (27th May) and booked their berth in the Qualifier 1 of the tournament. 
Asked to bat, Mumbai Indians had a decent start to their innings as openers Ryan Rickelton (27) and Rohit Sharma (24) added 45 runs for the first wicket. After that, Suryakumar Yadav (57:39b) continued his golden form with the bat and batted till the last over. 
Even though Mumbai Indians lost wickets at regular intervals, Suryakumar ensured that he kept his team in the game. Skipper Hardik Pandya (26) supported him well as they added 44 runs for the fifth wicket. 
In the end, Naman Dhir (20) played another brutal cameo that powered Mumbai Indians to a total of 184 for seven. 
PBKS lost Prabhsimran Singh early in the chase, but Priyansh Arya (62) and Josh Inglis (73) took the game away from Mumbai Indians. The Arya-Inglis duo added runs for the second wicket and 109 runs for the second wicket. 
However, both got out towards the end but it was PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer (26*) who decided to take the responsibility and took his team home with seven wickets in hand. With the loss, Mumbai Indians now will be playing in the Eliminator. 
<h2>Hardik Pandya avoided shaking hands with Shreyas Iyer twice </h2>
What caught the attention of many was the reaction of Hardik Pandya after PBKS won. The Mumbai Indians skipper avoided shaking hands with Shreyas Iyer twice while he was seen congratulating other players around him. The incident went viral on the internet within seconds, with many lashing out at Hardik Pandya for his attitude. 
https://x.com/AsliCricketer_/status/1927060111312220405
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-you-re-not-able-to-do-it-and-walk-away-ms-dhoni-ordered-to-retire-immediately-from-ipl-/">"You’re not able to do it and walk away"- MS Dhoni ordered to retire immediately from IPL</a>

Hardik Pandya refuses to shake hands with Shreyas Iyer twice after PBKS beats MI in IPL 2025  {PC:X}

Hardik Pandya avoided shaking hands with Shreyas Iyer twice

Punjab Kings (PBKS) sealed the top spot in the points table of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Hardik Pandya refuses to shake hands with Shreyas Iyer twice after PBKS beats MI in IPL 2025

hardik-pandya-refuses-to-shake-hands-with-shreyas-iyer-twice-after-pbks-beats-mi-in-ipl-2025-

The Indian Premier League 2025 has taken another exciting turn! Punjab Kings (PBKS) have stormed to the top of the points table with a commanding win over Mumbai Indians, and now the big question looms — can Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) grab that coveted Top 2 spot?
<h2>PBKS Seal the Deal with Authority</h2>
It was a night to remember in Jaipur as PBKS chased down 185 against MI with absolute ease. Josh Inglis (73) and young Priyansh Arya (62) delivered stunning half-centuries, making the chase look like a walk in the park.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202505/image_430x256_68352b79bab84.jpg" alt="">
Their partnership broke Mumbai’s spirit in the middle overs and turned the match one-sided. With this win, Punjab have secured a spot in Qualifier 1, giving them two chances to make it to the final, a reward they haven’t had since 2014!
<h2>Updated IPL 2025 Points Table (After PBKS vs MI)</h2>
PBKS have 19 points, one more than Gujarat Titans. But tonight, all eyes are on RCB, who have a golden chance to leap to the top 2 places.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Matches</th>
<th>Wins</th>
<th>Losses</th>
<th>NR</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>NRR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Punjab Kings (Q)</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>+0.372</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Gujarat Titans (Q)</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>+0.254</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>RCB (Q)</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>+0.255</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Mumbai Indians (Q)</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>+1.142</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>RCB's Mission: Beat LSG, Enter Top 2</h2>
RCB’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) tonight is more than just a match — it’s a door to destiny. A win here will take them to 19 points, tied with PBKS, but with a better Net Run Rate than Gujarat, which means RCB can jump to second place and enter Qualifier 1.
That would be huge. Teams in the Top 2 get two shots at reaching the final. Lose the first, win the second, you’re still alive. But teams finishing third or fourth only get one shot in the Eliminator.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202505/image_430x256_6830b69c75268.jpg" alt="">
Despite a mid-season wobble, RCB have bounced back strongly. Their away form has been unbeaten, with 6 wins in 6 games on the road, a record unmatched in IPL history.
Virat Kohli has been in sensational touch, and Josh Hazlewood’s return could boost their bowling unit at just the right time. But with Lucknow known for tricky pitches and long boundaries, RCB cannot afford to be complacent.
<h3>What’s at Stake Tonight?</h3>
<ul>
<li>If RCB wins → They move to 19 points, likely take 2nd spot, and face PBKS in Qualifier 1.</li>
<li>If RCB loses → They remain at 17, face Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.</li>
</ul>

PBKS on TOP; Can RCB Lock TOP 2 Spots? Check the Latest IPL Points Table 2025

Punjab Kings stormed to the top with a dominant win over Mumbai Indians. RCB now eye a top-two finish with a crucial clash against LSG. Playoff spots hang in the balance!

PBKS top the table after beating MI. RCB must beat LSG to finish in top two. High-stakes match ahead!

pbks-on-top-can-rcb-lock-top-2-spots-check-the-latest-ipl-points-table-2025

The Punjab Kings are a franchise cricket team based in Mohali, Punjab, that plays in the Indian Premier League. Established in 2008 as the Kings XI Punjab, the franchise is jointly owned by Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta and Karan Paul. The team plays its home matches at the PCA Stadium, Mohali.

Punjab Kings

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