IPL 2025 Match 37: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Match Preview and Prediction

The IPL 2025 season continues with Match 37 featuring Punjab Kings (PBKS) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on April 20. This encounter comes just two days after their previous clash, where PBKS emerged victorious in a rain-shortened game.

Match Overview

Date: April 20, 2025

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

Broadcast: Star Sports Network

Live Stream: JioHotstar

Team Form and Standings

Punjab Kings (PBKS): PBKS are in strong form, currently placed third on the points table with five wins from eight matches. A win today would bolster their playoff aspirations.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): RCB, after a promising start, have faced two consecutive defeats, placing them fifth. They aim to halt this slide and regain momentum.

Head-to-Head Record

In their IPL history, PBKS and RCB have faced each other 34 times. PBKS hold a slight edge with 18 wins, while RCB have secured 16 victories.

Pitch and Weather Report

Pitch: The Mullanpur pitch has shown a tendency to slow down, especially under lights, favoring spinners and slower bowlers. Scores above 160 have proven challenging to chase.

Weather: The weather is expected to be hot with a temperature around 29°C. There are chances of light rain, but it is unlikely to affect the match significantly.

Toss Update

RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first, with captain Rajat Patidar believing that the wicket won't change much during the game.

Predicted Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

Prabhsimran Singh

Priyansh Arya

Shreyas Iyer (c)

Nehal Wadhera

Shashank Singh

Josh Inglis (wk)

Marcus Stoinis

Marco Jansen

Harpreet Brar

Xavier Bartlett

Arshdeep Singh

Yuzvendra Chahal
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):

Phil Salt

Virat Kohli

Devdutt Padikkal

Rajat Patidar (c)

Jitesh Sharma (wk)

Tim David

Krunal Pandya

Romario Shepherd

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Josh Hazlewood

Suyash Sharma

Yash Dayal

Key Players to Watch

PBKS: Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, Arshdeep Singh

RCB: Virat Kohli, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood

Match Prediction

Given PBKS's current form and home advantage, they are slightly favored to win this encounter. However, RCB's strong lineup and motivation to avenge their recent loss make them formidable opponents.