Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) confirmed the return of Australian pace bowler Josh Hazlewood to their playing XI for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday, May 29. Recovering from a shoulder injury, Hazlewood replaced Nuwan Thushara in the lineup, marking his comeback since April 27. With 18 wickets in 10 matches, ranking fourth among the season’s top wicket-takers, Hazlewood strengthens RCB’s bowling attack in this crucial match for a spot in the final. Held at PBKS’s home ground, the game drew attention for the intense rivalry between the teams, both chasing their first IPL title. RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first.
The PBKS-RCB clash in Qualifier 1 pitted two teams with strong regular-season performances against each other. Punjab Kings topped the points table, while RCB secured second place with a key win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the final round. Hazlewood’s return, a cornerstone of RCB’s bowling, was announced by stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma during the toss against LSG, sparking excitement among fans.
- Injury Recovery: Hazlewood overcame a shoulder injury that sidelined him since April.
- Tactical Swap: Nuwan Thushara, who played against LSG, made way for the Australian.
- Head-to-Head Record: RCB defeated PBKS in Mullanpur earlier in the season.
- Bowling Focus: Hazlewood’s return enhances RCB’s fast-bowling strategy.
Both teams made tactical adjustments for the high-stakes encounter, with RCB banking on their star pacer’s experience.
Hazlewood’s Return to RCB
Josh Hazlewood last played for RCB against Delhi Capitals on April 27 at Arun Jaitley Stadium. A shoulder injury forced him to return to Australia during the IPL’s week-long suspension due to India-Pakistan border tensions. He underwent rehabilitation in Brisbane, also preparing for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June. Arriving back in India on Sunday, May 25, Hazlewood rejoined the squad after medical clearance. His inclusion in Qualifier 1 was a major boost for RCB, particularly at a venue known to favor fast bowlers. The 34-year-old has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches this season, with an average of 17.28 and an economy rate of 8.44, placing him among the tournament’s elite.
RCB head coach Andy Flower emphasized Hazlewood’s value in knockout matches. The decision to replace Thushara, who performed well against LSG, underscored confidence in Hazlewood’s experience. RCB’s full lineup featured Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Liam Livingstone, retaining the core that earned their Qualifier 1 berth.
PBKS Lineup Adjustments
Punjab Kings faced challenges with their squad for the match. South African all-rounder Marco Jansen left to prepare for the WTC final, while Yuzvendra Chahal, absent for the last two games due to a wrist injury, was confirmed in the lineup. PBKS’s probable XI included Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, and Chahal as an impact substitute. Jansen’s absence prompted coach Ricky Ponting to select Omarzai to balance the bowling and batting depth.
- Bowling Shift: Omarzai replaced Jansen, maintaining strength in the middle overs.
- Chahal’s Return: The spinner adds experience against RCB’s strong batting.
- Iyer’s Leadership: Shreyas Iyer aims to steer PBKS to their first final since 2014.
PBKS’s strategy centered on leveraging their familiarity with Mullanpur’s conditions, having played multiple games there this season.
PBKS vs RCB Rivalry
The Qualifier 1 matchup reignited the rivalry between PBKS and RCB, who faced off earlier in Mullanpur during the group stage. RCB won that game by seven wickets, with Virat Kohli named player of the match. Kohli, with 602 runs this season, has a strong record against PBKS, amassing 1104 runs in 34 matches at an average of 133.49. RCB’s stand-in captain, Jitesh Sharma, stressed the need to stay focused against a familiar opponent. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS relied on their consistent campaign, with Iyer scoring 514 runs and Arshdeep Singh taking 18 wickets.
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, known for its lively atmosphere, welcomed thousands of fans. RCB’s decision to bowl first was influenced by the pitch, which often favors pacers early in the evening.
Mullanpur Stadium Conditions
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, also known as the New Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, is one of the IPL’s modern venues. With a capacity of 33,000, it hosted a sold-out crowd for Qualifier 1. The pitch offers a balance between batting and bowling, though it tends to assist fast bowlers like Hazlewood and Arshdeep Singh in the opening overs.
- Capacity: 33,000 spectators, with tickets sold out for the match.
- Pitch: Balanced, with early assistance for pacers and high-scoring potential.
- Weather: Clear night, with temperatures around 28°C and moderate humidity.
- Crowd: Split support, with significant RCB fan presence.
Advanced lighting and drainage systems ensured the game proceeded without disruptions, despite early forecasts of light rain.
Hazlewood’s Role in RCB’s Attack
Hazlewood’s versatility shines across all phases, with seven wickets in the death overs and an economy rate of 8.6 runs per over. His ability to swing the new ball and control the endgame allows RCB to adapt tactically. Against PBKS, he has a favorable record, notably dismissing Shreyas Iyer three times in 19 deliveries. His return aims to pressure PBKS’s top order, including Iyer and Josh Inglis.
Hazlewood pairs effectively with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who boasts a 50.6% dot-ball rate in the powerplay, the second-best in the season. Alongside Yash Dayal, they form a formidable pace trio capable of challenging PBKS’s batting lineup.
Tactical Approaches
RCB adopted an aggressive stance, aiming to restrict PBKS in the powerplay. Hazlewood’s inclusion reflects a plan to exploit pace and bounce against batsmen like Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. PBKS, meanwhile, relied on Chahal and Harpreet Brar to contain RCB’s middle order, particularly Kohli and Livingstone.
- RCB Powerplay: Hazlewood and Kumar target early wickets.
- PBKS Middle Overs: Chahal aims to neutralize Kohli and Patidar.
- Impact Substitutes: Suyash Sharma (RCB) and Chahal (PBKS) as tactical options.
- PBKS Batting: Iyer and Stoinis lead the response to RCB’s bowling.
Both teams tweaked their lineups to optimize performance in this high-pressure game.
Recent Team Form
RCB entered Qualifier 1 with nine wins in 14 matches, including a seven-game unbeaten streak away from home. Their win over LSG, driven by a Jitesh Sharma (85* off 33 balls) and Mayank Agarwal partnership, secured second place. PBKS topped the table with a steady campaign, led by Iyer and Arshdeep Singh. Their earlier loss to RCB in Mullanpur fueled their determination for a rematch at home.
Kohli’s 342 runs in chases, at an average of 114, stood out for RCB. PBKS leaned on Iyer’s form, with strike rates of 148.38 in the powerplay and 216.12 in the death overs.
Match Expectations
Qualifier 1 offered both teams a chance to break historical barriers. RCB, absent from the final since 2016, and PBKS, out of the playoffs since 2014, vied for a spot in the IPL 2025 final. The stadium buzzed with fans waving banners and chanting for both sides. The game garnered global attention, broadcast live in over 100 countries.
Key individual battles, like Hazlewood vs Iyer and Chahal vs Kohli, added intrigue. The use of impact substitutes, Suyash Sharma and Chahal, introduced tactical depth. The blend of experience and youth in both squads set the stage for a competitive showdown.
Key Players
Beyond Hazlewood, several players emerged as pivotal. Virat Kohli, with 602 runs, anchored RCB’s batting, while Phil Salt provided powerplay aggression. For PBKS, Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis led the batting, with Arshdeep Singh spearheading the bowling.
- Virat Kohli: 602 runs, with one century and five fifties.
- Shreyas Iyer: 514 runs, excelling across all phases.
- Arshdeep Singh: 18 wickets, tied with Hazlewood.
- Phil Salt: Explosive starts at the top of the order.
The match showcased some of cricket’s biggest stars, each aiming to make a defining impact.
Path to the IPL Final
The Qualifier 1 winner advanced directly to the IPL 2025 final in Kolkata, while the loser faced the Eliminator winner (Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians) in Qualifier 2. Hazlewood’s return boosted RCB’s prospects, but PBKS remained confident playing at home. The game tested both teams’ resilience, with RCB banking on their away form and PBKS on their venue familiarity.
