Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Punjab Kings in the 34th match of IPL 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, setting up a potential run-fest between two of the most explosive batting lineups in the tournament. Both teams have shown impressive form in recent matches, with RCB winning three of their four games and PBKS securing three victories from four outings.
The history between these two teams has produced some of the highest-scoring encounters in IPL history, including totals exceeding 200 runs on multiple occasions. With both sides possessing power hitters who can clear the short Chinnaswamy boundaries with ease, fans can expect another high-scoring thriller.
In this article, you’ll find all the essential tips, including pitch insights, player form, and head-to-head matchups, to help you create a well-balanced Dream11 team and boost your chances of scoring a fantasy win.
RCB vs PBKS – Match Details
Let’s take a look at the match timings and venue details for the RCB vs PBKS clash:
| Match 34 | RCB vs PBKS |
|---|---|
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Date | Friday, April 18, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM (IST) |
Pitch Report: RCB vs PBKS
Here’s a look at the pitch conditions and overall environment for this match:
| Pitch Behaviour | Batting paradise |
|---|---|
| Highest IPL Score | 263/5 by RCB vs PWI (2013) |
| Best Suited for | Power-hitting |
| Winning Percentage | 70% (Chasing team) |
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is renowned as one of the most batting-friendly venues in the IPL. The pitch offers true bounce and minimal lateral movement, allowing batsmen to play their shots freely. The short boundaries, especially the square of the wicket, make it a paradise for six-hitters. The outfield is lightning fast, ensuring value for shots. Teams have historically preferred chasing at this venue due to the even nature of the pitch throughout the match and the dew factor that comes into play in the second innings.
RCB vs PBKS Fantasy Predicted 11
Here is the ideal Dream11 fantasy team from both squads, with insights on player selections and their impact on the game:
| Position | Player | Team | Team Role | Why Pick? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain (C) | Virat Kohli | RCB | Batter | 1030 runs in RCB vs PBKS history |
| Vice Captain (VC) | Priyansh Arya | PBKS | Batter | 103(42) vs CSK |
| Wicketkeeper 1 | Jitesh Sharma | RCB | WK | 33(21) vs MI |
| Batter 1 | Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Batter | 97*(42) vs GT |
| Batter 2 | Rajat Patidar | RCB | Batter | 64(32) vs MI |
| Batter 3 | Nehal Wadhera | PBKS | Batter | 62(41) vs RR |
| All-rounder 1 | Tim David | RCB | All-rounder | Finishing abilities |
| All-rounder 2 | Marcus Stoinis | PBKS | All-rounder | 159 runs vs CSK in history |
| Bowler 1 | Yuzvendra Chahal | PBKS | Bowler | 25 wickets in RCB vs PBKS history |
| Bowler 2 | Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | Bowler | Death bowling specialist |
| Bowler 3 | Yash Dayal | RCB | Bowler | 5 wickets in IPL 2025 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted 11
If they Bat first:
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal
- Josh Hazlewood
- Suyash Sharma
If they Bowl first:
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal
- Josh Hazlewood
- Rasikh Dar Salam
Punjab Kings Predicted 11
If they Bat first:
- Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
- Priyansh Arya
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Lockie Ferguson
If they Bowl first:
- Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
- Priyansh Arya
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Harpreet Brar
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Lockie Ferguson
Note: These are the predicted team lineups for both teams. As official lineups are shared for both teams, please adjust your teams accordingly for better results.
Head To Head Stats – RCB vs PBKS
Here is a quick look at the overall stats from their head-to-head matches:
| Total Matches Played | 33 |
|---|---|
| RCB wins | 16 |
| PBKS Wins | 17 |
| No Result | 0 |
The head-to-head record between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings is incredibly close, with PBKS holding a slight edge with 17 wins to RCB’s 16. Their encounters have consistently produced high-scoring thrillers, including the recent match in May 2024, where RCB posted a massive 241/7. The Chinnaswamy Stadium has generally been a happy hunting ground for the home team, with RCB winning 7 of their 12 matches against PBKS at this venue.
Recent Matches:
- May 9, 2024 – RCB won by 60 runs
- March 25, 2024 – RCB won by 2 wickets
- April 20, 2023 – RCB won by 24 runs
- May 13, 2022 – PBKS won by 54 runs
- March 27, 2022 – PBKS won by 5 wickets
RCB And PBKS SQUADS FOR IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have assembled a formidable unit with a perfect blend of domestic and international talent. Under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, they’ve shown impressive form early in the tournament with three wins from four matches. Their batting lineup looks particularly strong with the presence of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone.
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, have been one of the most entertaining teams this season with their aggressive batting approach. The emergence of young talents like Priyansh Arya alongside established stars has given them a well-balanced squad capable of challenging any opposition.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad
Batters – Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Swastik Chhikara, Devdutt Padikkal
Fast-bowling all-rounders – Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage
Spin-bowling all-rounders – Swapnil Singh, Krunal Pandya
Wicketkeepers – Jitesh Sharma, Phil Salt
Pacers – Yash Dayal, Lungisani Ngidi, Rasikh Dar, Mohit Rathee, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh
Spinners – Suyash Sharma, Nuwan Thushara, Liam Livingstone, Tim David
Punjab Kings Squad
Batters – Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan
Fast-bowling all-rounders – Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie
Spin-bowling all-rounders – Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Harpreet Brar, Pravin Dubey, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Priyansh Arya
Wicketkeepers – Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis
Pacers – Yash Thakur, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson
Spinners – Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen
Top Picks For Dream 11 Squad
Here are my top picks for your Dream11 squad:
1. Virat Kohli (RCB)
The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain has an outstanding record against Punjab Kings, amassing 1030 runs in their previous encounters, the most by any player in this fixture. His consistent form at the top of the order makes him an ideal captaincy choice for your Dream11 team. Kohli’s ability to play long innings and score boundaries at will, especially at his home ground, provides excellent fantasy value.
2. Priyansh Arya (PBKS)
The young batting sensation has been the revelation of IPL 2025, highlighted by his spectacular 103 off just 42 balls against CSK. His fearless approach at the top of the order and his ability to take on both pace and spin make him a prime fantasy pick. Arya’s boundary-hitting prowess could be particularly effective on the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy surface.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS)
The experienced leg spinner has an exceptional record in this fixture, having claimed 25 wickets in matches between RCB and PBKS. Despite the batting-friendly conditions at Chinnaswamy, Chahal’s guile and variations make him a constant wicket-taking threat. His familiarity with the venue from his years with RCB adds further value to his fantasy potential.
4. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS)
The Punjab Kings captain has been in sublime form this season, as evidenced by his magnificent 97* off just 42 balls against Gujarat Titans. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him a reliable fantasy option. Iyer’s prowess against spin bowling could be crucial at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
5. Jitesh Sharma (RCB)
The wicketkeeper-batsman has been a consistent performer in the middle order, contributing valuable quick runs as demonstrated by his 33 off 21 balls against Mumbai Indians. His aggressive intent and ability to find boundaries in the death overs make him a smart pick for your Dream11 team. Additionally, his wicketkeeping duties provide an extra avenue for points.
6. Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
Despite the batting-friendly conditions expected at Chinnaswamy, Arshdeep’s death bowling expertise makes him a valuable fantasy asset. His ability to execute yorkers under pressure and pick up crucial wickets in the final overs ensures fantasy points even on high-scoring days. Arshdeep’s knack for breaking partnerships at critical moments adds further value to his selection.
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Conclusion: Top Dream11 Choices Await In RCB vs PBKS!
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are set to deliver an explosive encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, making it a perfect opportunity for Dream11 fantasy enthusiasts. With the pitch likely to favor batsmen, loading your team with top-order batters who can maximize the powerplay restrictions would be a wise strategy.
Virat Kohli and Priyansh Arya emerge as standout captaincy choices due to their consistent performances and ability to play long innings. Among bowlers, Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh offer the best potential for wickets despite the batting-friendly conditions.
Remember that the toss could play a significant role, with teams historically preferring to chase at this venue. A well-balanced team featuring batsmen from both sides and a few quality bowlers who can contain runs in high-scoring games could be your formula for fantasy success in this explosive encounter!
