IPL 2025 RCB vs PBKS: Bengaluru eyes fourth straight win

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) face off at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today. Both sides have registered four wins from six games so far. However, RCB hold the third spot on the table due to a better Net Run Rate (NRR), while PBKS sit just behind them in fourth.

This match is crucial for both teams, especially given how close the points table is at this stage of the tournament.

RCB holds advantage with three straight wins

In their past matches, RCB has had the upper hand. The Bengaluru side has emerged victorious in the last three games against PBKS — twice in IPL 2024 and once in 2023. In 2024, RCB sealed wins by 4 wickets and a massive 60-run margin, asserting dominance over Punjab in both encounters.

Historically, the head-to-head record is close. Out of 33 matches played, Punjab Kings have won 17, while Royal Challengers have 16 wins to their name. A win today would level the record for Bengaluru.

RCB unbeaten away, PBKS fight with bowling grit

Although RCB hasn’t won at home this season, their away form has been impressive — remaining unbeaten so far. Their balanced performance in both batting and bowling suggests they are shaping up as strong contenders this year. 

PBKS, on the other hand, are coming off a thrilling low-scoring win. They defended a mere 111 against KKR, highlighting their bowling strength. Their batting, however, was shaky in that game. Despite this, the team is expected to continue with the same playing eleven, banking on recent form.

AI sees RCB in front, but a final-over drama likely

An AI-based prediction suggests a very close match. The Chinnaswamy surface is known for high scores and big sixes. The prediction tips RCB to win, but only if Punjab doesn’t script a successful run chase. A 200+ total and a tight finish in the last over seems likely.

Fans split between Kohli’s class and Iyer’s grit

Fan reactions ahead of the match reveal excitement and divided loyalties. One fan wrote, “The run machine! Will Virat Kohli tonight register the most 50+ scores in IPL RCB vs PBKS?” Another posted, “It’s going to be a thrilling clash – RCB vs PBKS! Fire meets fire as both teams look to dominate.”

It’s going to be a thrilling clash – RCB vs PBKS! Fire meets fire as both teams look to dominate🔥#RCBvsPBKS #PBKSvRCB #ViratKohli𓃵 #yuzvendrachahal #ShreyasIyer pic.twitter.com/l2gyUMeICj

— Awaken (@AwakendRise) April 18, 2025

Others reflected on personal preferences. “Today's Match (RCB vs PBKS) dilemma — whom to support, Virat or Shreyas?” shared one user. 

Today's Match (RCB vs PBKS) dilemma whom to support Virat or Shreyas? pic.twitter.com/7SMJh99iXg

— TechyEye (@TechyEyeX) April 18, 2025

Some hailed Kohli’s legacy, with one fan writing, “No other player in future will dominate world cricket the way Virat Kohli did.” 

No Other Player In Future Will Going To Dominate World Cricket the Way Virat Kohli Did...#ViratKohli𓃵 #RCB #RCBvsPBKS #IPL2025pic.twitter.com/puBpazP3Y7

— 🇮🇳🏏 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝑶𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌'𝒔 (@Stroke0GeniusSP) April 18, 2025

Another added, “No matter how many power-hitters are in the XI, if it’s a Super Over, it has to start with Virat Kohli.”

One user weighed in on PBKS’s strategy, “I feel Shreyas must bat at 4 — his normal position. 3 is too early. If he falls, our batting spine collapses.” Their suggested XI included names like Prabh, Arya, Inglis, Wadera, Maxwell, Shashank, Stoinis, Jansen, Arshdeep, and Yuzvendra Chahal, with Bartlett coming in as an Impact sub.

I feel shreyas must bat at 4 his normal position. 3 is way too early for him and if we lose him our batting spine collapses. Let inglis come at 3.
Prabh, Arya, Inglis, Iyer, Wadera, Maxi, Shashank, Stonis, Jansen, Arsh,Yuzi. Impact- Bartlet for inglis

— Quibbler Times (@QuibblerTimes) April 18, 2025

A high-scoring thriller awaits as Bengaluru aims to extend its winning run, while Punjab looks to reverse recent history.

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