Introduction
Get ready for an electrifying clash as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 34th match of IPL 2025 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This high-stakes encounter promises fireworks, with both teams boasting explosive batters and cunning bowlers. For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, this match offers a golden opportunity to craft a winning Dream11 team. In this SEO-optimized article, we’ll dive into IPL fantasy tips, provide a detailed RCB vs PBKS match preview, share Dream11 predictions, and cover key player stats, pitch conditions, and more. Whether you’re chasing small league glory or aiming big in grand leagues, our expert insights will help you dominate your fantasy cricket game.
Match Overview: RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025
The RCB vs PBKS clash is set to light up Bengaluru on April 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, each securing 4 wins in 6 matches. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, rely on their star-studded batting lineup, while PBKS, under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, bring a balanced mix of aggression and strategy. This IPL match preview will break down the key details to help you make informed fantasy picks.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | RCB vs PBKS, 34th Match, IPL 2025 |
| Date | Friday, April 18, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT) |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Toss Timing | 7:00 PM IST |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
Trending Google Queries Answered
| Query | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is better, RCB or PBKS? | Both teams are evenly matched with 4 wins each. RCB’s batting gives them a slight edge at home, but PBKS’s bowling makes it close. |
| Who is the captain? | RCB: Rajat Patidar; PBKS: Shreyas Iyer |
| Who will win the match? | RCB are favorites due to home advantage and batting depth. |
| Who will be the top performer? | Virat Kohli (RCB) and Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) are likely to shine. |
| Who will win the toss? | RCB are predicted to win the toss and opt to bat first. |
| Player of the Match? | Philip Salt (RCB) has a high chance due to his consistent form. |
| Where to watch? | Live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. |
| What is the timing? | Match starts at 7:30 PM IST. |
| What is the toss timing? | Toss at 7:00 PM IST. |
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Pitch Analysis
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is a batsman’s paradise, known for its short boundaries and flat surface. The pitch offers good pace and bounce, ideal for stroke play. Spinners may find some turn in the middle overs, but pacers need variations to contain runs. Expect a high-scoring game with totals around 180-200.
| Pitch Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 18 |
| Batting First Won | 7 |
| Bowling First Won | 9 |
| 1st Innings Avg. Score | 141 |
| 2nd Innings Avg. Score | 136 |
| Highest Total | 212/4 |
| Lowest Total | 99/10 |
| Highest Chased | 194/3 |
| Lowest Defended | 114/7 |
Weather Report
| Weather Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22°C |
| Humidity | 66% |
| Wind Speed | 13.5 km/h |
| Precipitation Chance | 6% |
| Visibility | 10 KM |
| Condition | Cloudy |
The weather in Bengaluru will be cloudy with minimal rain risk, ensuring a full 40-over match. Dew could favor the chasing team in the second innings.
Head-to-Head Records
RCB and PBKS have a closely contested rivalry, with PBKS holding a slight edge.
| Head-to-Head Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 33 |
| RCB Wins | 16 |
| PBKS Wins | 17 |
| Last 5 Encounters | RCB: 3, PBKS: 2 |
Notable Record: Virat Kohli has scored 1030 runs against PBKS, the most by any player against them, making him a prime pick for IPL fantasy tips.
Squads and Probable Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Full Squad: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Mohit Rathee, Philip Salt (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jacob Bethell, Swastik Chikara, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Abhinandan Singh.
Probable Playing XI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batsman |
| Philip Salt (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batsman |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | Batsman |
| Liam Livingstone | All-Rounder |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Tim David | Batsman |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler |
Impact Players: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Full Squad: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Marco Jansen, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Josh Inglis (wk), Vishnu Vinod (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Harnoor Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Yash Thakur, Pravin Dubey, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Lockie Ferguson, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen.
Probable Playing XI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Prabhsimran Singh (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Priyansh Arya | Batsman |
| Shreyas Iyer (c) | Batsman |
| Nehal Wadhera | Batsman |
| Josh Inglis (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-Rounder |
| Shashank Singh | Batsman |
| Marco Jansen | All-Rounder |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler |
| Xavier Bartlett | Bowler |
Impact Players: Marcus Stoinis, Harpreet Brar, Yash Thakur.
More Details: Cricbuzz
Dream11 Prediction: RCB vs PBKS
Crafting a winning Dream11 team requires balancing form, role, and venue stats. Here’s our Dream11 prediction for RCB vs PBKS, tailored for IPL fantasy tips.
Dream11 Experts Team
| Player | Role | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Philip Salt | Wicketkeeper | 9.0 |
| Virat Kohli | Batsman | 9.0 |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman | 9.0 |
| Priyansh Arya | Batsman | 8.5 |
| Rajat Patidar | Batsman | 8.5 |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-Rounder | 8.0 |
| Liam Livingstone | All-Rounder | 8.5 |
| Marco Jansen | All-Rounder | 8.0 |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | 8.5 |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | 8.5 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler | 9.0 |
Captain: Philip Salt
Vice-Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Reasoning:
- Philip Salt (494 points) is in explosive form, making him a top multiplier choice for small leagues.
- Shreyas Iyer (522 points) has been PBKS’s backbone, ideal for vice-captaincy in grand leagues.
- Virat Kohli and Priyansh Arya are must-picks for their consistency at Chinnaswamy.
- Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone offer all-round value, contributing with bat and ball.
- Josh Hazlewood and Arshdeep Singh are reliable death-over bowlers, perfect for wicket-taking.
Fantasy Tips and Strategies
Here are 5 actionable IPL fantasy tips to boost your Dream11 performance:
- Prioritize Top-Order Batsmen: The Chinnaswamy pitch favors batsmen, especially openers like Virat Kohli and Philip Salt, who can capitalize on the powerplay.
- Pick Death-Over Bowlers: Yash Dayal (RCB) and Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) are excellent for taking wickets in the final overs.
- Include All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell and Marco Jansen provide dual contributions, maximizing points.
- Monitor Toss Impact: If RCB win the toss and bat first, load up on their top-order batsmen due to the batting-friendly pitch.
- Balance Small and Grand Leagues: For small leagues, stick to safe picks like Salt and Iyer. For grand leagues, take risks with differentials like Rajat Patidar or Yuzvendra Chahal.
Small League Must Picks
| Player | Team | Points | Why Pick? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Salt | RCB | 494 | Consistent run-scorer, thrives at Chinnaswamy |
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 470 | 1030 runs vs PBKS, reliable anchor |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | 522 | In-form captain, match-winning fifties |
| Priyansh Arya | PBKS | 478 | Explosive opener, high strike rate |
Grand League Risky Picks
| Player | Team | Points | Why Risky? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim David | RCB | 238 | Inconsistent form, low points tally |
| Josh Inglis | PBKS | 26 | Yet to make an impact this season |
| Xavier Bartlett | PBKS | 63 | Limited IPL experience, risky pick |
Avoid These Players
| Player | Team | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB | Struggling for wickets, low points |
| Josh Inglis | PBKS | Poor form, minimal contributions |
| Tim David | RCB | Inconsistent, risky in high-scoring games |
Key Players to Watch with Stats
RCB Key Players
| Player | Recent Performances | Stats vs PBKS |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 62*, 22, 67, 7, 31 | 1030 runs, Avg. 55 |
| Philip Salt | 65, 37, 4, 14, 32 | 208 runs, SR 185.71 |
| Rajat Patidar | DNB, 25, 64, 12, 51 | Reliable middle-order batsman |
| Josh Hazlewood | 1W, 0W, 2W, 1W, 3W | Effective in death overs |
PBKS Key Players
| Player | Recent Performances | Stats vs RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | 82, 9, 52*, 97* | 168 runs, Avg. 84 this season |
| Priyansh Arya | 216 runs, SR 216 | Explosive opener, high impact |
| Arshdeep Singh | 1W, 0W, 3W, 2W | 14 wickets vs RCB, Powerplay specialist |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 1W, 0W, 1W, 0W | Thrives at Chinnaswamy, spin threat |
Winning Prediction
Considering RCB’s home advantage, batting depth, and historical performance at Chinnaswamy, they are favorites to win. However, PBKS’s balanced attack, led by Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh, could make it a close contest. Prediction: RCB to win by a narrow margin.
Unique Records at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Highest Total: 212/4 by RCB, showcasing the venue’s batting-friendly nature.
- Virat Kohli’s Dominance: Kohli has scored 3089 runs at Chinnaswamy, the most by any player at a single IPL venue.
- Spinners’ Impact: Yuzvendra Chahal has taken 30 wickets at this ground, making him a key fantasy pick.
More Details: IPL Official Website
Conclusion
The RCB vs PBKS clash in IPL 2025 is set to be a thriller, with both teams vying for crucial points. Our IPL fantasy tips and Dream11 prediction provide you with the tools to build a winning team. Focus on top-order batsmen, all-rounders, and death-over bowlers to maximize points. Don’t miss the action—watch the match live on JioHotstar or Star Sports at 7:30 PM IST. Share your Dream11 team in the comments below and join the “IPL Star” community for daily IPL 2025 news and fantasy updates!
Subscribe to “IPL Star” for more IPL match fantasy tips and expert predictions. Who’s your captain for this match? Let us know below!
Also Read: IPL 2025 Full Schedule
FAQs: IPL Fantasy Tips for RCB vs PBKS, Match 34, IPL 2025
1. What are the best IPL fantasy tips for RCB vs PBKS, Match 34, IPL 2025?
To excel in your Dream11 team for RCB vs PBKS, prioritize top-order batsmen like Virat Kohli and Philip Salt, who thrive at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium’s batting-friendly pitch. Include all-rounders such as Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone for dual contributions. Pick death-over bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal for wickets. Monitor the toss, as batting first is advantageous on this flat track.
2. Who should I pick for my Dream11 prediction for RCB vs PBKS?
For the RCB vs PBKS Dream11 prediction, select Philip Salt (wicketkeeper), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, and Rajat Patidar as batsmen. Glenn Maxwell, Liam Livingstone, and Marco Jansen are top all-rounders. Josh Hazlewood, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal are must-have bowlers. Choose Salt as captain and Iyer as vice-captain for optimal points.
3. What is the pitch report for RCB vs PBKS at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch is a batsman’s paradise with short boundaries and a flat surface, favoring high scores (180-200). Spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal may get some turn, but pacers need variations. The pitch supports top-order batsmen, making them crucial for IPL fantasy tips.
4. Where can I watch RCB vs PBKS, Match 34, IPL 2025?
You can watch RCB vs PBKS live on JioHotstar for streaming or on Star Sports Network for TV broadcast. The match starts at 7:30 PM IST on April 18, 2025, with the toss at 7:00 PM IST.
5. Who will win the RCB vs PBKS match in IPL 2025?
RCB are favorites to win due to their home advantage at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and strong batting lineup led by Virat Kohli and Philip Salt. However, PBKS, with Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh, could make it a close contest. Prediction: RCB to win narrowly.
6. Who are the key players to watch in RCB vs PBKS?
For RCB, watch Virat Kohli (1030 runs vs PBKS), Philip Salt (494 fantasy points), and Josh Hazlewood (death-over specialist). For PBKS, Shreyas Iyer (522 points), Priyansh Arya (216 runs, SR 216), and Arshdeep Singh (14 wickets vs RCB) are key. These players are essential for your IPL match fantasy tips.
7. What is the toss prediction for RCB vs PBKS?
RCB are predicted to win the toss and likely choose to bat first, given the batting-friendly pitch and potential dew factor in the second innings, which favors chasing teams.
8. Who are the best captain and vice-captain choices for Dream11?
Philip Salt is the top captain choice due to his explosive form (494 points). Shreyas Iyer is a safe vice-captain pick for his consistent run-scoring (522 points). For grand leagues, consider Virat Kohli or Glenn Maxwell for differential leadership roles.
9. Are there any injury concerns for RCB vs PBKS?
As of now, there are no reported injuries for either RCB or PBKS. Both teams are expected to field their strongest XIs, making player selection straightforward for your Dream11 prediction.
10. Why should I follow “IPL Star” for IPL 2025 news and fantasy tips?
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