RCB vs PBKS in an IPL qualifier and it cannot get better than this. This is a brilliant match up between teams who have been exceptional throughout the tournament and neither have lifted the trophy before. So, you can be sure they’ll see this as their best opportunity yet.
I know people before these big games say things like: “Just treat it like any other game.” But let’s be honest, it’s not just another game. It’s a gateway to a final. The stakes are higher, the pressure is real, and everything’s on the line.
You can’t escape the magnitude of the occasion. It’s impossible to hide from it. In the end, I believe this match will be decided by which bowling unit can handle the pressure best. That’s where it’ll be won or lost.
Bowlers to have the big say?
They’re playing on a surface that’s typically very friendly to batters — ideal for high scoring games and fluent stroke play. So, in a match like this, where runs will flow, it’ll be all about which bowling attack can keep their nerve when it matters most.
It’s tough to call, really. But if I had to make a prediction, I’d go with my gut — and that gut feeling hinges on Josh Hazlewood’s fitness. If he’s fit and plays, which seems likely, that could be a huge boost for RCB.
I know that RCB’s bowling attack has struggled in recent games. They’ve been expensive and have conceded 200-plus runs on multiple occasions. But the return of Hazlewood could be the missing piece. Add him to a line-up with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Krunal Pandya, and Suyash Sharma, and suddenly, the attack looks far more balanced and threatening. Hazlewood’s presence might just be the difference-maker RCB needs.
As for Punjab, they’ve got a fantastic squad, especially their bowling unit. But the absence of Marco Jansen, who’s been so crucial with the new ball alongside Arshdeep Singh, is a significant blow.
When you weigh that against Hazlewood’s return for RCB, it really shifts the dynamics. Hazlewood coming back in, Jansen going out: that contrast could have a big impact on how things play out.
Of course, there’s still a lot of cricket to be played, and plenty of twists and turns left in the game. But those changes could prove pivotal. You’ve got two outstanding batting line-ups. There is no question about that. But equally impressive are the leadership groups behind
them. That’s something that often gets overlooked when we talk about wins, losses, and trophies.
Take Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, for example. They’re completely in sync. The way they lead together, the culture they’ve built, it’s all about mutual respect, not just for each other but for every player and staff member. That kind of environment fosters confidence, and you can see how the players are thriving within it.
On the other side, Andy Flower and Rajat Patidar have done something remarkably similar. They’ve built a strong, unified unit which is calm, focused, and clearly playing for each other.
In high-stakes games like this, leadership like that can make all the difference.
I believe Andy Flower is an outstanding coach just as Ricky Ponting is. Both have created deeply respectful environments where players support, uplift, and genuinely care for one another. That kind of culture doesn’t just make for a happy dressing room — it matters when the pressure’s on.
In those high-stakes moments, when the game tightens and every decision counts, it’s usually the teams with strong unity and trust that come out on top. And that’s exactly what these two sides have built under their leadership.
When you look at both these teams, they’ve pulled off some incredible wins — matches they probably had no business winning or even coming close in. And yet, somehow, they found a way to cross the line and grab those crucial two points, finishing on 19.
That kind of resilience doesn’t happen by chance. It’s a testament to the tight-knit units both leadership groups have built, teams that believe in each other, back each other, and never stop fighting. That cohesion, that trust, has played a massive role in their journey.
When it comes to the players, I have to say I really enjoy watching Priyansh Iyer. Yes, he’s had a quiet few games recently, but there’s something special about the way he plays, especially when he’s opening. Pair that with Shreyas Iyer, whose combination of batting prowess and calm leadership has been crucial, and then there’s Shashank — an incredibly talented player with so much natural ability.
But honestly, both teams are stacked. They’ve got the talent, the depth, and all the resources they need. At this stage, it’s not about skill, it’s about temperament. It all comes down to which side can stay composed and execute in those pressure moments.
Watch out for Arshdeep Singh. I’m really pleased to see his name in the Test squad and I’ve been advocating for this for some time. With his left-arm angle and impressive variety, I think he’s perfectly suited to succeed in those conditions. What stands out most about him is his cricketing intelligence. He’s a master of bowling craft, consistently out-thinking the batters. You never quite know what to expect — whether he’ll bowl short, full, or wide — and that unpredictability gives him a real edge.
One of the big questions is whether Yuzvendra Chahal will be fit enough to take his place. If he is, that’s a huge boost for the team — especially given his excellent record at this ground in Chandigarh.
That brings us back to RCB. Beyond Hazlewood’s return, they’ll be hoping their captain, who’s been managing an injury, can play a full role in the match. He’s been a standout leader this season — calm under pressure, authoritative, and instrumental in their success so far. And then there’s Tim David. Getting him back in the side would add even more firepower to their lineup.
Liam Livingstone could not make any impact in the last game, and going forward, they’ll definitely want Tim David alongside Romario Sheppard to add that extra depth to the lineup.
And then there’s Jitesh Sharma, who played an incredible innings in the last league game. The team is clearly riding a wave of confidence after their recent win, and they know they’re a tough side to beat. Throughout the tournament, there have been several moments where they could have slipped up, but time and again, they found a way to snatch those crucial two points through resilience and grit.
If I had to pick a favorite for this match, I’d lean towards RCB. Their balance and depth give them the edge, and that’s something I’ve highlighted before. I have a feeling their bowling attack might just prove too strong under pressure for Punjab in the end, but honestly, it’s a really tough call.
Kohli, of course, has been in fantastic form at the top, and Phil Salt has started to find his rhythm again, providing solidity at the top of the order. They’ve got all the resources they need, and then some.
Krunal has been one of the standout players of the tournament for RCB. His spin, combined with his composure under pressure in the middle overs and at the death, has been crucial. There have been several occasions where he almost single-handedly turned the game in their favor.
Overall, it’s a tough contest to call. I’m expecting it to be a high-scoring thriller. That’s the nature of this surface. Yet, ultimately, I think the side whose bowlers hold their nerve best will have the edge.
