With only hours to go for the high-octane Eliminator clash, Mumbai Indians (MI) have added England's once-feared opener Jonny Bairstow to the squad. Additionally, the five-time champions have made a few other additions as well. Following the exit of Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch, all of whom have departed as a result of international commitments, England's T20I rookie Richard Gleeson has been called in along with Sri Lanka's batting all-rounder Charith Asalanka. 

See also: Rohit Sharma persuades the BCCI and Gautam Gambhir to retain T Dilip as fielding coach: Reports

There is an imminent possibility that we could see Bairstow in action for the upcoming Eliminator clash, which will be held in Mullanpur this evening. With Rickelton out of the picture, Rohit could soon find himself a new opening partner. The English wicket-keeper batsman has joined the franchise in the middle of the domestic county season. Furthermore, he could also come in more than handy with his glove work behind the stumps. 

While interacting with ESPNcricinfo, former Australian great Tom Moody described Bairstow as an "IPL-proven" player. 

“It’s not like MI are at odds about whether to play him or not. Bairstow is an IPL-proven player. He’s come in with this opportunity in very good form for Yorkshire."

A peek into Bairstow's illustrious IPL career

This will be Bairstow's first IPL appearance in three years, having last competed in the league in 2022. Although he was included in the Punjab Kings roster for both 2023 and 2024, he did not play a single game. The 35-year-old has an impressive IPL record, largely attributed to his outstanding performances with the Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2019 to 2021.

During the 2019 season, Bairstow represented SRH in 10 matches, plundering a tally of 445 runs, which included one century and two half-centuries. His strike rate of 157.14 for that season is his highest across four seasons in the league. In total, Bairstow has gathered 1,291 runs in 39 IPL games, with an average of 35.86 and a strike rate of 142.65.

Bairstow is expected to join hands with Rohit at the top of the order. The former MI captain has endured a difficult season. MI’s top-order woes have been largely minimized by the brilliance of Suryakumar Yadav, who has stitched 25-plus scores in almost every IPL innings. 

Gujarat Titans (GT) play  Mumbai Indians  (MI) in the Eliminator of the IPL 2025 playoffs on May 30, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh. GT, finishing third, aims to use their well-rounded squad to move on to Qualifier 2, and MI, finishing fourth, seeks to overcome their poor historical record against GT to reach the final. The winner will move on to Qualifier 2, and the loser will be eliminated.

Mullanpur Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 10
• Batting 1st Won: 5
• Batting 2nd Won: 5
• Highest Total: 219/6 by Punjab Kings vs. Chennai Super Kings, 2025
• Lowest Total: 95 (Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings)
• Highest Run-chase: 177/6 in 19.2 overs by Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest total defended: 182/9 by SRH vs PBKS in 2024
• Average 1st Innings Score: 180
• Average 2nd Innings: 170

Also Read: IPL 2025: GT vs MI Eliminator - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

 The expected weather in Chandigarh on May 30, 2025, will be hot (28-32°C and 40-50% humidity), and no rain is expected. Dew may play a factor for the chasing side in the second innings because the ball may skid onto the batsman, and the bowlers may struggle for grip. The Mullanpur pitch will provide a balanced surface. It will be fair to the batters at the beginning and will assist the spinners later on, because it will probably be dry. Teams have preferred to chase, as three of four have been won by the team setting a target so far this season.

GT vs MI: Match Preview

GT approaches Eliminator 1 as a confident team. Having won three of their last five matches, including a 36-run victory over MI in Match 9, GT appears to have their batting lineup in a rhythm led by Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. They have gone above 180 in six of their matches this season, and they have a 66.67% win rate in those specific scenarios. There have at times been question marks surrounding GT's middle order. The loss of Jos Buttler for international duties may affect their top order. GT's bowling unit of Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are still in good shape, although they will miss the all-round prowess of Gerald Coetzee, with Arshad Khan stepping in.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

MI also enters the encounter with three wins from their last five matches. MI has relied on their explosive batting lineup, which features Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, and they will be without Will Jacks for international duties, who scored a quickfire 50 in Match 56. MI's middle order has stepped up with the likes of Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, but MI's batting faltered in some low-scoring games, which included their 155/8 against GT. MI's bowling has done a great job, led by Jasprit Bumrah and D. Chahar, who have been relatively economical at an 8.1-run average in powerplay overs. Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner have been Control bowlers.

On May 30, Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 Eliminator in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. GT will depend on Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan because of the absence of Buttler. I have momentum after an earlier six-match winning streak, supported by veterans Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah. The victor of the match will advance to Qualifier 2, while the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 7
• GT Wins: 5
• MI Wins: 2
• No Result: 0

Win %: GT leads with a 71.43% win percentage (5/7), while MI has a 28.57% win percentage (2/7)

GT vs MI: Key Matches

IPL 2025, Match 9 - March 29, 2025, Ahmedabad

• GT: 196/8 (20 Overs)
• MI: 160/6 (20 Overs)
• Result: GT won by 36 runs.

GT scored 196/8 due to Sai Sudharsan's 63 off 41 balls and some support from Shubman Gill (38) and Jos Buttler (39). MI innings rolled despite Suryakumar Yadav hitting a nice 48. Prasidh Krishna (2/18) and Mohammed Siraj (2/34) lead the way for GT. Prasidh Krishna was awarded the Player of the Match for his magical spell of bowling. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: GT vs MI Eliminator - Mullanpur stadium stats and preview

IPL 2025, Match 56, May 6, 2025, Mumbai

• MI: 155/8 (20 Overs).
• GT: 147/7 (19 Overs,t: 147, DLS method.)
• Result: GT won by 3 wickets.

MI scored 155/8, with Will Jacks hitting a half-century. Rain intervened during GT innings, requiring a DLS target of 147 in 19 overs. Rahul Tewatia (4) and Gerald Coetzee (6) played key roles in the last over, with Arshad Khan scoring the winning run on the last ball of the last over. Shubman Gill was awarded Player of the Match for his captaincy and contribution to runs. 

IPL 2023, Qualifier 2 - May 26, 2023, Ahmedabad

• GT: 233/3 (20 Overs)
• MI: 171/10 (18.2 Overs)
• Result: GT won by 62 runs.

GT set a daunting 233/3 with Shubman Gill hitting 129 off 60 balls. MI succumbed to 171 all out, with Mohit Sharma dismantling MI with 5/10. Shubman Gill was awarded Player of the Match for his match-defining century.

GT vs MI Match Preview

The IPL 2025 playoffs have begun, and the Gujarat Titans are set to face the Mumbai Indians in Mullanpur on Friday in the eliminator. It's do-or-die territory; whoever loses is eliminated from the tournament. The winner, on the other hand, advances to Qualifier 2 and faces the loser of Qualifier 1. Both teams have had difficulties at times this season, but they've also demonstrated that they can beat anyone when everything clicks. This Eliminator is likely to be a close race.

GT vs MI Match Details 

Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians – Eliminator Match, IPL 2025

Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh

Date & Time: 30th May 2025 at 07:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

GT vs MI Venue Stats

GT vs MI Pitch Report

The wicket is two-paced, so batsmen need to be careful. Spinners will likely enjoy the circumstances in this game, as the dry surface causes the ball to turn. The average initial innings score is 170 runs, with the team batting first aiming for 200.

GT vs MI Weather Report

We expect clear skies over Chandigarh, as well as a warm and humid evening. We will have a full game.  

GT vs MI Last Five Matches

GT vs MI Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: MID vs SUS Dream11 Prediction Match 1 Match

GT vs MI Probable Playing XIs:

Gujarat Titans Probable Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians Probable Playing XIs

Jonny Bairstow (wk), Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Charith Asalanka, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwani Kumar (Impact Player)

Topmost Picks for GT vs MI Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Gujarat Titans

• Sherfane Rutherford – Sherfane Rutherford has slowly delivered worth, scoring 267 runs in 10 innings with a strike rate of 157.
• Sai Kishore –  Sai Kishore has contributed with 17 wickets, even though his economy rate is on the higher side at 9 per over.

Top Picks – Mumbai Indians

• Suryakumar Yadav – Suryakumar Yadav has been a raging force—640 runs from 14 matches at an average of more than 70 and a strike rate around 170.
• Jasprit Bumrah –  Jasprit Bumrah has been sensational since his return, taking 17 wickets in 10 games and conceding only 6.33 per over.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for GT vs MI Dream11 Team:

Jos Buttler, Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, Sai Sudharsan(C), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya(VC), Will Jacks, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for GT vs MI Dream11 Team:

Jos Buttler, Suryakumar Yadav(C), Rohit Sharma, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(VC), Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan

Vice-captain – Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav

Wicketkeeper – Jos Buttler

GT vs MI Probable Winners:

The Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians both entered the Eliminator after disappointing losses. They've had their moments this season, and on their best days, they can defeat any opponent. However, Gujarat will be under pressure after suffering two consecutive heavy defeats. They'll also be missing Jos Buttler, which weakens their top-heavy batting lineup. For Gujarat to stand a real chance, their bowlers must improve their game, which hasn't happened in their recent outings.  MI hasn't gotten past any of the top three this season, and they've already lost to GT once, but with more depth and expertise in high-stakes games, backing the five-time champions seems like the better option. Considering the team combination, Mumbai Indians is expected to win this match.

The first qualifier match of IPL 2025 was played on 29 May at Mullanpur ground in Chandigarh. In which the teams of RCB and Punjab (RCB vs PBKS Highlights) were face to face. In this match, the Bangalore team has won in a one-sided manner. With the victory in this match, RCB has reached the final in 2025 after 2016. While the wait for the final will still continue for Punjab.

RCB in the final after 9 years

IPL 2025 has been very special for the Bangalore team since the beginning. This is the reason why the team has also reached the final of this season. The first qualifier match was played on 29 May in which the team of Punjab Kings was face to face. In this match, Punjab batted first but the team was restricted to just 101 runs. All the batsmen failed to score runs for Punjab in this match. On the other hand, RCB completely dominated Punjab in this match. Be it batting or bowling. Because RCB chased this target of 102 runs in just 10 overs.

Punjab Kings have reached Qualifier 2 after losing in the first qualifier. While the eliminator match of this season will be played on 30 May. In which the teams of Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians were face to face. Whichever team wins this match will play against Punjab on June 1 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see whether Punjab will be able to win this match or say that it will be out of the playoffs despite topping the points table.

ALSO READ: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

Twitter reactions after RCB wins Qualifier match of IPL 2025

"WE WON"
RCB VS PBKS ❤
CONGRATULATIONS #RCB 🤘

THANK YOU TEAM RCB ♥️ 🫰
Virat Kohli led with heart ❤️

Phil Salt exploded with the bat 💥
and Josh Hazlewood brought the heat with the ball💪

The dream is alive.!!!🏆#RCBvsPBKS #RCB #RCBFinals pic.twitter.com/GlX4xkk4Gu

— Ragini (@raginixoxo) May 29, 2025

Rcb win 🙌 🔥 🧿
Phil Salt 🔥🔥🧿
Suyash Sharma🔥🔥🧿#RCBvsPBKS #RCB #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/1F0PmHMuBR

— 𝓐𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲⁷ 🇮🇳🍷🐇 (@I_am_anshi0) May 29, 2025

RCB’s bowling unit today be like: "Tu batting kar, hum wicket lete hain!
Hazlewood, Bhuvi & Yash Dayal turned the pitch into a dance floor for wickets!
RCB fans right now: RCB Zindabad memes loading! #PBKSvsRCB #RCBvsPBKS #BowledOver #IPLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/qG9FMH9XZc

— Trilochan Bhattarai (@trilochan000) May 29, 2025

Virat Kohli shouted inside stadium : 120 mins

Runs scored while chasing 101 : 12#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/8XkAbUHlyu

— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) May 29, 2025

Congratulations RCB 🥳#RCBvsPBKS RCB RCB pic.twitter.com/Dq8JDrmpDf

— विक्रम 𝘬ꪊꪑꪖ𝘳 🦇 (@printf_meme) May 29, 2025

To all the haters 😂
Congratulations RCB ❤️ #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/kv1s0wHyxk

— Manish (@memer_manis) May 29, 2025

Bhakti mein hi shakti hai❤️

Congratulations RCB!!! Into the finals !!!#RCBvsPBKS #IPLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/2ppB2OZGfm

— Comedyculture.in (@ComedycultureIn) May 29, 2025

RCB didn’t play cricket , they held a f*cking funeral. Punjab bowled out for 101 pure f*cking carnage.#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/g765WR0AEH

— εмρεяσя (@EmperorVK) May 29, 2025

Humbling Of These 2 Annoying faces 🤣🔥

Yeah I think Everyone Loves it And Deserves it for the cringe They've spread this season #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/knCtnwPn1R

— Kau5tubh30 (@Kaustubh001ac) May 29, 2025

When you have no goal in your life, doing only shit things, no girlfriend, friend roaming with his girlfriend, but the team you love RCB won and reached the final#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/muWWsp9hhw

— Aditya (@79_capetown) May 29, 2025

The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match on May 29, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cruised to an 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first. That gamble paid off, as PBKS were bundled out for just 101 during 14.1 overs on a seam- and bounce-friendly pitch. Marcus Stoinis was PBKS's top scorer with 26 off 17 balls, while RCB's Suyash Sharma (3/17) and Josh Hazlewood (3/21) participated dominantly in the only significant phase of the PBKS innings. Yash Dayal (2/26) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17) ensured no batting partnerships batted longer than two overs. The total was PBKS's joint third-lowest in IPL playoff history. 

In attempting to defend such a low target, PBKS's bowling performance was less than satisfactory. RCB's Phil Salt (56* off 27) put on an exhibition during the powerplay for RCB, breaking the back of the chase by scoring quickly. While there was some early movement in the first ball with salt initially well  along with Mayank Agarwal (19 off 13), RCB reached 106/2 off just 10 to win the match.  Kyle Jamieson (1/27) and Musheer Khan (1/27) took wickets at late intervals but had little influence. This emphatic victory secured RCB's fourth IPL final, while PBKS will play in Qualifier 2. Here are the key reasons that PBKS lost to RCB.

1. Poor Batting Performance and Early Collapse

The Punjab Kings collapsed under pressure, scoring a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs. With an inexperienced batting order in a high-pressure playoff game, they fell apart early. Key players Priyansh Arya (7 or 5) and Shreyas Iyer failed to give their team momentum. Marcus Stoinis was the highest scorer with 26 off 17. No batter put together a substantial innings, and Punjab had the joint third-lowest total in IPL playoff history. 

Also Read: IPL 2025, Qualifier 1: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Match Highlights

2. Ineffective Shot Selection and Inability to Adapt

The batters of Punjab Kings struggled with shot selection on a pitch that offered variable bounce, which even Shreyas Iyer echoed. The players like Shashank Singh premeditated high-risk shots (slog sweeping Suyash Sharma’s googly) and contributed to the scattering of the middle order (60/6). They couldn’t adjust to a bowler-friendly wicket, while RCB played with discipline, which made a big difference.

3. RCB’s Dominant Bowling Attack

RCB's bowlers bowled well according to the conditions, especially Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Suyash Sharma (3/17). Hazlewood and Sharma demolished Punjab's batting order piece by piece, while Yash Dayal, with 2/26, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 1/17, kept the pressure on without allowing Punjab to build a partnership. Punjab's bowlers couldn't replicate the relentlessness of RCB's bowlers, allowing RCB to chase down the runs in just 10 overs, ending with Phil Salt scoring 56 off 27 balls.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) comfortably defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. PBKS batted first and made only 101 runs in 14.1 overs under the pressure of the playoffs. Saw RCB advance to the final with a clinical performance, marking their return to the IPL finals after 9 years since their last appearance in 2016.

Punjab Kings Innings

Batting first, PBKS only managed 101 runs for the loss of 10 wickets in 14.1 overs despite Marcus Stoinis putting up a good fight for 26 runs off 17 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai and Prabhsimran Singh both contributed to the PBKS score with scores of 18 runs from 10 balls and 18 runs off 12 balls, respectively. For the bowlers of RCB, Suyash Sharma had an excellent outing, taking 3 wickets for only 17 runs off 3 overs. Josh Hazlewood took 3/21 off 3.1 overs, and Yash Dayal finished with 3 overs, preceded by 26 runs and 2 wickets.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings

RCB chased the target of 102 with ease, reaching 106/2 in just 10 overs. Phil Salt had a strike rate and innings-saving effort of 56 runs off just 27 balls. Mayank Agarwal added 19 runs off 13 balls, while Rajat Patidar finished with 15 runs from 8 balls to help RCB attack victory on PBKS. The bowlers of PBKS struggled Kyle Jamieson took 1 wicket for 27 runs off 3 overs, and Musheer Khan followed up with 1 wicket for 27 runs off 2 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai bowled for 1 over for 10 runs, taking no wickets. RCB put on a dominant display to enter into their IPL 2025 Final.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

PBKS vs RCB: Post Match Reactions

Suyash Sharma (Player of the Match): Suyash Sharma, the Player of the Match, credited his performance to a straightforward directive from the coaches to consistently attack the stumps. His googlies, leg spins, and flippers were devastating, and had he not received help from the pitch, clearly indicated by his 3/17 in 3 overs, Patidar wouldn’t have let him back on. Sharma felt the batters found it tough to identify his variations, particularly his stock googly. He looked forward to celebrating with his team on June 3rd, implying there would be a major event.

Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain): Rajat Patidar praised Suyash Sharma for consistently hitting the stumps, which Patidar called a key to his performance. He was careful as captain not to complicate the batsman learning Sharma’s googly. He provided a shout-out to Phil Salt’s explosive starts, saying it was good fortune to see them from the dugout. Finally, he thanked the passionate RCB fans and encouraged them for a championship celebration.

Phil Salt (RCB): Phil Salt was excited to qualify for finals on their first attempt. They accepted the challenging nature of the pitch with some movement early but credited quick reactions for avoiding any dismissals against Punjab’s new ball, especially from Arshdeep Singh. Salt described the play-travel-play schedule as a blessing, preventing overthinking during the tournament. The win, he said, provided crucial momentum for RCB heading into the tournament’s decisive phase.

Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings Captain): Shreyas Iyer made a case for a batting reconsideration when their low total became untenable for Punjab Kings. He acknowledged that the bounce was variable but refused the temptation to use it as an excuse, emphasizing that we must all be ‘professional’ and adapt. Iyer accepted his tactical decisions, despite the loss, and refused to lay the blame on their bowlers. He is optimistic and believes they have lost a battle but not the war and wants to return more strongly.

Also Read: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Shreyas Iyer dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in PBKS vs RCB clash in IPL 2025

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Match Scorecard

Punjab Kings - 101/10 (14.1 Overs)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru -106/4 (10 Overs)

Virat Kohli's IPL contribution has provided a stabilizing force behind the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) story, as both the quantity of runs he has scored and his overall contribution percentage to RCB have varied greatly during this window of study. Kohli has scored 165 total runs and contributed 10% of their total since making his RCB debut in 2008, with contributions increasing every year from this point. By 2012, Kohli had scored 364 runs and contributed 15% of RCB's total runs. Consistency was established during the period of 2013-2020, where his contribution remained in the range of 17 to 23% of the total. That said, Kohli's contributions peaked, if not plateaued, in 2016 when he scored 974 runs, which was the maximum amount of runs in a season recorded by RCB, while contributing 22% of RCB's total runs. Kohli's contributions considerably fluctuated over the next few seasons: 639 runs and a 13% contribution in 2022, following which he rebounded to 741 runs and a 26% contribution of the total runs in 2023, as well as 602 in 2024, contributing 26% of the total again. In IPL 2025, Kohli is once more still a force as a batter aged. Kohli scored 614 runs and contributed to 25% of RCB's runs as he continues to be a mainstay, newly named batting gorilla, in RCB's batting order.

Kohli is once again proof of continuing consistency through pressure games and struggling seasons. Kohli was a young prospect when he began playing for RCB, and today he is still one of the star batsmen on the team, which illustrates how Kohli's ongoing high contribution percentages reflect the growth of a young prospect into a star batsman for RCB. The 2025 season has been really special, especially with Kohli, who steered RCB into the playoffs with 614 runs in 15 games. Kohli's leadership experience has come in handy, especially at crucial times to drive RCB to be in a place to be competitive. RCB has the potential to make a push with Kohli's performance and run-scoring ability for the playoffs and win the IPL Trophy!

VIRAT KOHLI IN IPL FOR RCB 🤯 pic.twitter.com/pj3oIIv0Zb

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 29, 2025

Also read: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Shreyas Iyer dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in PBKS vs RCB clash in IPL 2025

Virat Kohli's Contribution to IPL 2025

Virat Kohli has been a critical player for RCB in IPL 2025, carrying them to the playoffs with incredible performances. Kohli has contributed 614 runs in 15 matches, and he has performed at the top of the order, providing stability and aggression. His ability to accumulate runs and stabilize an innings, while also being able to increase the run rate when required, has been an integral part of RCB getting to the playoffs and certainly marked a milestone within the franchise history. 

Kohli's efforts in the 2025 season have also included contribution through his leadership and experience by constantly putting his hand up when needed and securing RCB victories. Kohli's 614 runs also included some analyst-defining knocks; he ensured RCB were always assured of a strong batting position whenever match-up conditions were unfavorable. RCB's chances of lifting the IPL trophy are mostly dependent on Kohli continuing his form going into the playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru put on a fantastic bowling show to bowl out Punjab Kings for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs in the first innings of Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Punjab Kings had a tough time right from the start, losing four wickets in the first six overs during the powerplay. Their top batsmen couldn’t handle the pressure from RCB’s tight bowling. Only Prabhsimran Singh managed to score a decent 18 runs off 10 balls, while the rest of the top order failed to reach double digits.

The troubles didn’t stop there. Yash Dayal bowled Nehal Wadhera out for 8 runs early in the seventh over, leaving Punjab Kings at 50 for five. Soon after, leg-spinner Suyash Sharma came into the attack and made an instant impact.

The Punjab Kings were in trouble as wickets kept falling quickly. Shashank Singh and Musheer Khan couldn’t stay long and were both dismissed by Suyash. By halfway through the innings, Punjab was struggling at 71 for 7. Marcus Stoinis tried to steady the innings with 26 runs off 17 balls but was out in the 11th over.

Dayal finished his four overs with 2 wickets for 26 runs. Romario Shepherd also made a difference by taking a wicket in his first over, sending Harpreet Brar back cheaply. Azmatullah Omarzai was the last to go, scoring 18 runs off 12 balls. Both Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma picked up three wickets each.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Jitesh Sharma’s stunning catch off Hazlewood seals PBKS’s fate in PBKS vs RCB Clash in IPL 2025

After the innings, Suyash Sharma said, “We followed the plans given by our coaches and stuck to them. I felt good bowling today, and the batsmen couldn’t read my googly well. Even though this was a semi-final, we played it like a normal game. Playing here before helped us stay calm.”

Fans react as Punjab Kings get all out for 101 Against RCB

pic.twitter.com/SINFSI9n9L

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) May 29, 2025

Just a reminder!

PBKS shamefully begged for local fans’ support in Chandigarh, forcing them since it’s their hometown before today’s match.

Just to get bundled out by RCB for 101 runs in Qualifier 1 — what a shameful way to get humiliated. pic.twitter.com/5VXoiBDSsG

— StarcyKKR (@StarcKKR) May 29, 2025

PBKS waited 11 years to reach Qualifier 1, only to get dismantled by RCB.

𝟵-𝟭,
𝟮𝟳-𝟮,
𝟯𝟬-𝟯,
𝟯𝟴-𝟰,
𝟱𝟬-𝟱,
𝟲𝟬-𝟲 pic.twitter.com/9nhF4H7uRo

— StarcyKKR (@StarcKKR) May 29, 2025

"Sorry PBKS 3-4 fans, I only had confidence for league matches not playoffs" 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/rfEjmxn4h0

— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) May 29, 2025

दुःख | दर्द | अफ़सोस | वेदना | व्यथा | शोक | संताप । मातम | पीड़ा | विपदा | खेद | तकलीफ़ | कसक | अवसाद |#IPLPlayoffs #Qualifier1 #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/wv2EiZcpHi

— Yudhisthir Chandra (@YudhisthirYc) May 29, 2025

"Please PBKS save humanity sarr we are supporting PBKS sarr"
Let's laugh at csk dogs#RCBvsPBKS #Qualifier1 pic.twitter.com/ffTJ7A0PaE

— Hemanth (@Kohlistan1842) May 29, 2025

101/10 All Out in playoffs 😭😂

Shame shame shame shame 🤡

Let's laugh on PBSDK 🤡🤡🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/xpHnGTjMo9

— 💤𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒋𝒂𝒚💤 (@SRKzSanjay) May 29, 2025

Punjab Kings, they start so bright,
Chasing dreams beneath the light.
But when the pressure’s tight and near,
They choke, they stumble, fall in fear.

Let's laugh at Choker pbks 🤣 pic.twitter.com/9pkjplp7Vj

— 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙮 (@luckycsk7) May 29, 2025

Qualifier 1 – Mullanpur

PBKS loses a wicket…
🎥 Preity Zinta & fans: 😶💔

RCB fans:
🔥 “Ee sala Cup Namde!” 🕺🎉

Congrats RCB! 💪#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/xVas6KBUdX

— Reenu yadav (@reenu26451) May 29, 2025

Just 45 mins late to check Scoreboard #RCBvsPBKS #IPLPlayoffs #Qualifier1 pic.twitter.com/du3lznR5c0

— One liner advice (@quote_for_daily) May 29, 2025

In a thrilling finish to the First innings of IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh, Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had delivered a memorable performance, and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma had played an integral role. Hazlewood effectively ended the Punjab Kings (PBKS) innings at just 101 after dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai at 14.1 overs. Hazlewood bowled a length seam-up delivery over-the-wicket line on the fourth stump, and it held seam in and moved in a little as Omarzai stepped down to slog-sweep across the line, offering a thick outside edge that flew to Jitesh's right. Jitesh leapt athletically for a stunning one-handed catch, igniting wild celebrations and stamping RCB's position in this crunch playoff match.

RCB's disciplined bowling, by Hazlewood, with three wickets including Omarzai's with their final wicket, helped dissolve PBKS's batting lineup when support came from three from Suyash Sharma and two from Yash Dayal. RCB maximized the bounce and movement of the surface, and PBKS struggled to build an innings or partnerships, with Hazlewood's wicket capping the PBKS innings, and Jitesh's sensationally acrobatic catch also showed RCB's fielding had been sharp in supporting their bowling. The early dismissals and consistent pressure from RCB’s attack ensured PBKS could only muster 101, with just two batters reaching double figures, setting RCB a straightforward chase for a spot in the IPL 2025 final.

Watch the video here

Look this unbelievable catch by jitesh sharma❤️ #IPL2025 #Qualifier1 #JiteshSharma #rcb #rcbfans #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/XJYJvGJU3p

— Aditya kumar (@adityagupta_418) May 29, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Shreyas Iyer dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in PBKS vs RCB clash in IPL 2025

Current Match Situation: PBKS vs RCB 

PBKS were bowled out for 101 runs in 14.1 overs, and RCB only needed 102 runs to qualify for the final of IPL 2025. Jitesh Sharma took an outstanding one-handed catch off the bowling of Hazlewood to dismiss Omarzai, and in our opinion it concluded an impressive bowling performance. Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma each took three wickets, and Yash Dayal took two wickets; consequently, there is an opportunity for RCB's bowlers to pull off a commanding chase in this important Qualifier match, aided by Jitesh's brilliant fielding.