Punjab Kings (PBKS) qualified in the top 2 as a deserving team, and they are now set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Qualifier 1 match. Both of the teams have been performing almost with the same intensity so far in IPL 2025. But there are at least 3 reasons explaining why Punjab Kings should win against RCB in the upcoming Qualifier 1 match. 

Top 3 reasons Punjab Kings can outclass RCB:

Collective Performance: Royal Challengers Bengaluru has Virat Kohli, Mumbai Indians has Rohit Sharma, but Punjab Kings has no superstar cricketer at the core of the squad. PBKS management built the team around plenty of underrated cricketers like Yuzvendra Chahal, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Shashank Singh, and many others, with Shreyas Iyer as the captain at the top of the team—that's all they need for PBKS to reach the top 2 and Qualifier 1 match. 

Shreyas Iyer as captain: Shreyas Iyer steadily but silently has created his legacy in the Indian Premier League. Under his captaincy, so far three different teams have reached the playoffs, including Punjab Kings. Before his project with PBKS, Iyer led Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders to the playoffs. Last season, the Knight Riders won the IPL title with the help of Iyer. Instant on-field strategy and communication with players are some of Iyer's skills as a leader. 

Read More: IPL 2025: Top 3 reasons RCB should win Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings

Confidence: Self-confidence can change a player's body language and a team's character. Before the beginning of IPL 2025, Shashank Singh did not hesitate to say that their team would qualify for the play-off. That's the confidence, the vital element a team needs to be successful, and PBKS has the element. The infusion of self-belief and the will to win makes PBKS perform on the field like a king. 

IPL 2025 playoff fixtures

Qualifier 1, May 29: Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru—Mullanpur

Eliminator, May 30: Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians—Mullanpur

Qualifier 2, June 1: Qualifier 1 loser vs. Eliminator winner—Ahmedabad

Final, June 3: Qualifier 1 winner vs. Qualifier 2 winner—Ahmedabad