PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025: Clash of Titans in Match 37 – Toss, Teams, Live Streaming, and More
By [Syedali Mallikar]
The 37th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) promises to be a high-voltage showdown, blending star power, tactical brilliance, and high-stakes drama. Scheduled for April 20, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, this contest is critical for both teams as they vie for playoff spots. This article dives into every aspect of the PBKS vs RCB clash, including squad analysis, toss impact, live streaming details, and predictions.
1. Match Overview: Punjab vs Bengaluru in a Battle of Redemption
The rivalry between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru has historically been tightly contested. In their 33 previous encounters, PBKS holds a slight edge with 17 wins, while RCB has claimed 16 victories 1. This match gains added significance as both teams are jostling for mid-table dominance.
Recent Form
- PBKS: Coming off a thrilling 5-wicket win against RCB on April 18 210, Punjab Kings have momentum but face consistency challenges.
- RCB: Despite their star-studded lineup, RCB’s middle-order frailty was exposed in their recent defeat, where they collapsed to 42/7 before Tim David’s rescue act 210.
The New Chandigarh Stadium pitch, known for favoring pacers early on, could play a decisive role. With a bowling-friendly surface and a highest IPL score of 192, teams winning the toss may prefer chasing (52% win rate for chasing sides) 1.
2. PBKS vs RCB Toss Win: A Strategic Advantage
The toss could dictate the game’s trajectory. Historically, teams batting second at this venue have enjoyed a 52% success rate, thanks to the pitch’s dual-paced nature and dew factor in evening games.
Toss Trends
- In their April 18 encounter, Shreyas Iyer (PBKS captain) won the toss and elected to bowl, leading to RCB’s collapse.
- RCB’s Rajat Patidar may opt to chase if he wins the toss, given his team’s recent struggles while setting targets.
Key Insight: The team winning the PBKS vs RCB toss will likely bowl first to exploit early swing and capitalize on dew-assisted batting in the second innings.
3. Squad Analysis: Kings’ 11 vs RCB Playing 11
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted Playing 11
PBKS boasts a revamped squad after the 2025 mega auction, blending youth and experience:
- Shreyas Iyer (C) – Anchor batter
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK) – Aggressive opener
- Glenn Maxwell – Spin-bowling all-rounder
- Nehal Wadhera – Middle-order finisher (19-ball 33 in the last match)
- Marcus Stoinis – Pace all-rounder
- Josh Inglis – Wicketkeeper-batter
- Harpreet Brar – Left-arm spinner (2/13 in the previous game)
- Arshdeep Singh – Death-over specialist
- Yuzvendra Chahal – Leg-spin maestro
- Lockie Ferguson – Express pace
- Vyshak Vijay Kumar – Powerplay enforcer
Impact Sub: Priyansh Arya (for batting depth)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Predicted Playing 11
RCB’s squad combines firepower and tactical versatility:
- Virat Kohli – Opener (77 off 47 in a recent match)
- Rajat Patidar (C) – Anchor batter
- Devdutt Padikkal – Top-order accumulator
- Tim David – Power-hitter (50* in the last game)
- Liam Livingstone – Spin all-rounder
- Phil Salt (WK) – Aggressive middle-order
- Krunal Pandya – Left-arm spinner
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Swing specialist
- Josh Hazlewood – Pace spearhead (3 wickets in the last match)
- Yash Dayal – Death-over bowler
- Suyash Sharma – Mystery spinner
Impact Sub: Mahipal Lomror (for late-order hitting)
4. Key Players to Watch
PBKS
- Shreyas Iyer: The skipper’s leadership and ability to stabilize the innings will be crucial.
- Arshdeep Singh: His death-over yorkers (2 wickets in the previous match) could stifle RCB’s finishers.
- Glenn Maxwell: A match-winner with bat and ball, especially against RCB’s spinners.
RCB
- Virat Kohli: Fresh from a family break, Kohli’s form (257 runs in 7 matches) is vital.
- Tim David: The finisher rescued RCB from 42/7 with a 50*.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: His swing in the powerplay (economy of 9.12) can dismantle PBKS’ top order.
5. IPL Live TV and Streaming: How to Watch PBKS vs RCB
In India: JioHotstar Dominance
- JioHotstar is the exclusive streaming partner for IPL 2025 in India. However, free streaming is no longer available unless users subscribe to specific Jio prepaid plans:
- ₹100 Add-on: 5GB data + 90-day JioHotstar access.
- ₹195 Cricket Pack: 15GB data + 90-day access.
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (Hindi and regional channels).
Global Streaming Options
- USA/Canada: Willow TV (via Sling TV’s Desi Binge Plus).
- UK: Sky Sports or Now TV.
- Australia: Kayo Sports (free trial available).
- Pakistan: Free on Tapmad (VPN required outside Pakistan).
6. Tactical Battles and Pitch Report
Pitch Behavior
- Bowling-Friendly: Early assistance for pacers, with an average first-innings score of 160.
- Spinners’ Role: Harpreet Brar (PBKS) and Suyash Sharma (RCB) could thrive in the middle overs.
Match-Ups to Watch
- Virat Kohli vs Arshdeep Singh: Kohli’s cover drives vs Arshdeep’s swinging deliveries.
- Glenn Maxwell vs Yuzvendra Chahal: Maxwell’s aggression against Chahal’s googlies.
7. Predictions and Final Thoughts
Scorecard Projection
- PBKS: 175–185 (if batting first).
- RCB: 165–175 (if batting first).
Winner Prediction
PBKS holds a psychological edge after their recent win, but RCB’s star-studded lineup could bounce back. Toss and Kohli’s form will be decisive.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Action!
The PBKS vs RCB clash is more than just a game; it’s a spectacle of strategy, skill, and passion. Whether you’re tuning in via JioHotstar or cheering from the stands in Chandigarh, this match promises edge-of-the-seat excitement. Will Punjab solidify their playoff hopes, or will Bengaluru’s stars rise to the occasion? The answer awaits on April 20!
For ticket bookings, visit the PBKS official website or District ticketing portals, with prices ranging from ₹500 to ₹12,000
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