Could IPL 2025 Witness a Comeback for Patidar and Hazlewood as RCB Opts to Bowl First Against PBKS?
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Synopsis
In an exciting matchup in IPL 2025, RCB's Rajat Patidar won the toss and decided to bowl first against PBKS, marking the return of Josh Hazlewood. With playoff stakes high, both teams face a critical battle for a spot in the finals.
Key Takeaways
- Rajat Patidar returns as RCB captain after injury.
- Josh Hazlewood is back in the team, enhancing their bowling attack.
- PBKS is in the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.
- The match is crucial for both teams to reach the finals.
- The pitch conditions favor teams batting first during night matches.
New Chandigarh, May 29 (NationPress) Josh Hazlewood makes his return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru lineup as regular captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to bowl first against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The victors of Qualifier 1 will advance to the final, set for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, while the losing team will have another chance to reach the title match through Qualifier 2 on Sunday at the same venue.
PBKS, having topped the league stage, is participating in the IPL playoffs for the first time in 11 years. In their last encounter at this venue, RCB emerged victorious. A significant boost for RCB is the return of Patidar as captain after a finger injury sidelined Jitesh Sharma, who filled in as skipper during the remaining league matches, along with Hazlewood being fit following a shoulder issue.
Upon winning the toss, Patidar remarked, “The wicket appears very solid with a decent grass cover, and we aim to capitalize on the initial overs. Everyone put in over 100 percent in the last game, especially Jitesh, Salt, and Kohli, who were exceptional, despite a few niggles,” he stated.
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer indicated that Marco Jansen is absent due to joining the South Africa camp for the upcoming World Test Championship Final, allowing Azmatullah Omarzai to step into the playing eleven. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal remains sidelined due to a wrist injury.
“I would have opted to bowl first as well. Historically, teams batting first have performed well here, so I am hopeful. The crowd has been fantastic, and such energy is vital when entering the ground,” he added. “The fearless approach and attitude shown by our openers have been remarkable,” he concluded.
The boundaries at the venue measure 62m and 65m, while the straight boundary is set at 73m. The pitch used for Thursday’s match has been utilized twice in the current season, with teams batting first winning the night games at this location.
Playing XIs:
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, and Kyle Jamieson.
Impact substitutes: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, and Xavier Bartlet.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and Suyash Sharma.
Impact substitutes: Mayank Agarawal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, and Swapnil Singh.
Point of View
Our perspective emphasizes the excitement surrounding IPL 2025, particularly the return of key players like Rajat Patidar and Josh Hazlewood for RCB. The narrative underscores the significance of this playoff clash, reflecting the competitive nature of the tournament while ensuring a balanced portrayal of both teams' strengths and challenges.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the toss in IPL matches?
Winning the toss allows the captain to choose whether to bat or bowl first, which can significantly impact the game's outcome based on pitch conditions and weather.
Why is Josh Hazlewood's return important for RCB?
Hazlewood's experience and skill as a fast bowler provide RCB with a crucial advantage in high-pressure playoff matches.
How have PBKS performed in the league stage this season?
PBKS finished as the league stage table-toppers, showcasing strong performances throughout the tournament.
What are the boundary dimensions at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium?
The square boundaries are 62m and 65m, with the straight boundary measuring 73m.
When and where is the IPL 2025 final scheduled?
The IPL 2025 final is scheduled for June 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
