RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update - IPL 2025, Match-34

RCB vs PBKS Match Preview:

The 34th match of the IPL 2025 will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. As both teams look to be in good form in the IPL 2025, maintaining their position in the top four, RCB clinched an easy win against RR in the previous match and registered a 9-wicket win, whereas PBKS set a record against KKR by defending the lowest total in IPL history, restricting KKR batters from scoring 112 runs in 20 overs and winning by 16 runs.

As both teams are coming off victories, the upcoming match between them will be more interesting, as both teams will be looking to win important two points and secure the top two spots in the points table. This intense battle will begin at 7:30 PM IST on Friday, April 18, 2025. Cricket fans may follow the action live on the Star Sports Network or online via the JioHotstar app.

RCB vs PBKS Head-to-Head Records: (Total matches played: 33)

In the RCB vs PBKS rivalry, these two teams have faced each other in 33 games, with PBKS winning 17 and gaining a slight advantage. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru fought hard against one of the most consistent teams in IPL 2025, they won 16 games. So, this match will be more important because these two teams have just regained their form and will look to maintain their dominance and winning momentum in the upcoming match.

RCB vs PBKS Weather Report & Pitch Report:

The weather at M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the 34th match of the IPL 2025 between RCB and PBKS appears to be ideal for cricket. Clear skies are expected, with a warm and humid temperature of around 32°C. Fortunately, rain is not predicted to interrupt the match. This pitch is known as batting-friendly throughout the game. Batters are favored in both innings.

It is a completely flat pitch with plenty of runs and little assistance for bowlers. According to the pitch's overall statistics, teams that bat first have scored an average of 180 runs. So, given this pitch, it is best to field first and chase the target in the second innings, restricting the opponent to a chaseable target. Previous records indicate that the team that batted second performed better at this venue.

Record of Chasing Teams in this Stadium:

According to past IPL statistics, this venue has hosted 97 IPL matches. Of those, the team that fielded first won 51 matches, which is around 52%, while the team that batted first won 41, and four matches ended with no result. This clearly shows that, if the toss has been won, fielding first could be a viable option on this ground.

RCB vs PBKS: RCB to Win the Toss and Choose to Field First

We expect RCB captain Rajat Patidar to win the toss and look to field first, as the pitch at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is expected to perform better later in the game. When it comes to RCB's batting, they like to chase the target because they have quality batters like Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, so we predict that RCB will win the toss and field first against PBKS.

RCB vs PBKS Squads:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Squad:

Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chikara, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Mohit Rathee, Romario Shephard, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Phil Salt (wk), Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal.

Punjab Kings Full Squad:

Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Vishnu Vinod (wk), Harnoor Singh, Pyla Avinash, Marcus Stoinis, Musheer Khan, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shegde, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett, Nehal Wadhera.

RCB vs PBKS: Dream11 Prediction Playing 11:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing 11:

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk) Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.

RCB's playing XI is looking great, as all of their players have proven their skill sets in the previous matches that RCB has played, while winning the previous match as well. It shows that they are pretty confident and well-balanced with their team combination, so we expect RCB to play with the same playing XI in the upcoming match against PBKS.

Punjab Kings Playing 11:

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Xavier Bartlett.

The PBKS playing XI looks to be in peak form; all departments have performed brilliantly in previous matches, including a record-breaking victory over KKR in an earlier match. As a result, the next match will most likely be played with the same team combination.

RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Impact Players List:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Players:

• Virat Kohli
• Rajat Patidar
• Josh Hazlewood

Virat Kohli is proving why he is one of the best T20 batters in the IPL 2025 by consistently performing with the bat. He is playing top-notch cricket and showcasing his class in recent matches for RCB, making him the key batter in the upcoming match against PBKS.

Rajat Patidar developed some exceptional skills in this season's IPL by the time he was appointed the RCB's captain; he is leading the team gracefully while also performing brilliantly with the bat and controlling the middle order with his dependable batting abilities.

Josh Hazlewood will play an important role in the next match against PBKS' in-form batting lineup because he can provide early breakthroughs in the powerplay, restricting PBKS batters' scoring opportunities. His precise line and length will prove lethal against batters like Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, and Shashank Singh.

Punjab Kings Impact Players:

• Shreyas Iyer
• Yuzvendra Chahal
• Shashank Singh

Shreyas Iyer changed the fortunes of the PBKS after he joined the franchise. As captain and top-order batter, he leads the team superbly. He plays quality cricket as he can control the innings in the middle order and attack both pacers and spinners, making him the most dependable batter for PBKS.

Yuzvendra Chahal regained his bowling form, which was missing from several IPL 2025 matches. In the match against KKR, he performed magnificently in the middle overs, refusing any single chance to score while picking up key wickets, so as a former RCB player, he may perform in the next match.

Shashank Singh was the PBKS' best find in the IPL 2024, having delivered quality performances in the last season and continuing to do so in this edition as well. He saved PBKS with an impressive batting performance and helped them win a couple of games.

RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Team Today Stats:

• Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning performance against RR, carrying RCB's batting alone, scoring an unbeaten 62 runs off just 45 balls, including four boundaries and six maximums.
• Phil Salt provided his team a quick start in the powerplay, attacking every other bowler in the first few overs and hitting them out of the park. It puts pressure on the RR bowlers, causing a sudden panic in the team, so Salt and Kohli took advantage and formed a solid partnership, with Salt contributing 65 runs off just 33 balls.
• Yuzvendra Chahal troubled KKR batters with his spin and delivered an outstanding performance with the ball, taking four wickets in four overs and dismissing quality batters including Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh, thereby collapsing the KKR batting lineup.
• Marco Jansen displayed his worth as one of the best T20 all-rounders by delivering an exceptional bowling performance against KKR in the most crucial match when PBKS was under pressure, and then he pulled out his best game and caused problems for KKR batters, sending three batters to the dugout in his four-over spell, including key wickets of Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, and Sunil Narine.

Highest run scorers: Virat Kohli (RCB)
Highest wicket taker: Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS)

Hot Picks for RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Josh Hazlewood's lethal pace and accurate length will help RCB restrict PBKS' batting lineup, where he can provide breakthroughs with the new ball and cause problems for the batter in the death overs, which is why he is RCB's top pick in the upcoming match.
As Yuzvendra Chahal sets to face his former team at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, we expect him to deliver a special performance with the ball in the middle overs and take important wickets for RCB.
RCB’s hot pick: Josh Hazlewood
PBKS’ hot pick: Yuzvendra Chahal

Captaincy Picks for RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction:

Virat Kohli is almost the obvious captaincy choice for RCB, as he has been in excellent form this season, consistently scoring runs and providing an exciting start for his team, and he can bat for 20 overs at the same pace, making him the most important batter for RCB in the upcoming match.

Shashank Singh's hitting ability in the death overs and higher strike rate make him Punjab Kings' most explosive batting choice, and on Bengaluru's flat track, he could be the batter to carry his team with the bat.

Top Picks for RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction:

Rajat Patidar is in top form, consistently scoring important innings for RCB at critical times. When RCB makes an early breakthrough, he is the batter who steps up for his team in the middle order and controls the batting lineup with his exceptional batting skills.

Shreyas Iyer has been showcasing his impressive batting skills throughout the IPL 2025, where he has delivered some fantastic knocks this season. As a result, he is one of the top scorers in the IPL 2025, competing for the Orange Cap while also leading his team with his captaincy abilities.

Budget Picks for RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction:

Suyash Sharma is a new addition to the RCB squad, who is a fantastic right-arm leg-spinner with many variations, including googly and flipper, that can trouble RCB’s quality batting lineup. Suyash is the best value option from RCB and can earn you some good Dream11 points.

Nehal Wadhera was recently included in the PBKS playing consistently in the middle order, where he made his mark by playing some fantastic knocks with an impressive strike rate, performing wonderfully, making him the top budget pick for PBKS against RCB.

RCB vs PBKS Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:

Captain Options: Virat Kohli & Shashank Singh
Kohli has been in excellent form this season, consistently scoring big runs at the top. He recently played a match-winning knock of 62* against RR and is currently RCB's leading run scorer. His ability to play long innings, anchor the chase, or set a big target makes him a safe captaincy choice.

Shashank has emerged as PBKS' most dependable finisher, consistently delivering impactful performances in the death overs. On a batting-friendly pitch like Chinnaswamy, his aggressive style and high strike rate could result in big scores, making him a viable captaincy candidate.

Vice-Captain Options: Rajat Patidar & Shreyas Iyer
Patidar is the backbone of the RCB's middle order, stepping up when it is needed. He has been extremely consistent this season and can play both anchor and attacking roles, making him a reliable and effective vice-captain choice.

Shreyas, the PBKS captain and top-order batter, has been in excellent form, playing smart and aggressive cricket. He's also one of the top run scorers in the IPL 2025, and his leadership role adds value, making him a worthy vice-captain candidate.

RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

This team focuses on batting depth and key players. Phil Salt was chosen as the only wicketkeeper because of his ability to provide explosive starts. The batting lineup includes in-form players Kohli, Patidar, and Shreyas Iyer, as well as Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera, who can provide strong middle-order support. Marco Jansen and Liam Livingstone provide balance as all-rounders who can contribute to both departments. In bowling, Arshdeep brings left-arm variety, Hazlewood adds pace and control, and Chahal's spin threat in the middle overs is a game-changer.

• Keeper: Phil Salt
• Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh
• All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Liam Livingstone
• Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Yuzvendra Chahal

RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

This team has a better balance of experience and potential impact players. Jitesh Sharma takes the keeper position and can be a reliable finisher for PBKS. The batting core remains strong with Kohli, Iyer, and Patidar, while Priyansh Arya is a young indian talent who could surprise at the top. Shashank Singh provides finishing power. Jansen and Livingstone, both all-rounders, are included because of their ability to influence the game in both departments. Bhuvneshwar brings swing and experience to the bowling attack, while Hazlewood adds pace and Chahal's spin ensures wicket-taking potential in the middle overs.

• Keeper: Jitesh Sharma
• Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Priyansh Arya, Shashank Singh
• All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Liam Livingstone
• Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yuzvendra Chahal

RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today (Match - 34) IPL 2025:

Players to Avoid:

Romario Shephard is a right-arm bowling all-rounder from RCB who possesses great power with the bat and has the ability to clear the boundary very easily. He can bowl as a right-arm medium pacer as well in the middle overs as a good part-time bowler. However, if we look at the squad of RCB, they already have two of the same type of batsmen; Livingstone and Tim are expected to be in the playing XI, making it difficult for Shephard to earn a chance in the RCB playing XI against PBKS.

Musheer Khan is also a skilled and young all-rounder who bats in the middle order and bowls a slow left-arm orthodox, but due to his inexperience, he will not be able to play in PBKS's upcoming high-pressure match against RCB.

RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today (Match - 34) IPL 2025 Expert Advice:

Captaincy Choice:

Virat Kohli is the most reliable captaincy choice for this match. He is in excellent form, consistently scoring runs for RCB and anchoring their innings. His ability to bat deep and accelerate when necessary makes him a dependable and high-scoring captaincy pick for your Dream11 fantasy team.

Vice-Captaincy Choice:

Shreyas Iyer impressed everyone with his leadership abilities, and he additionally showcased his batting abilities as a top-order batter. He faced the most balls for his team, which gives him more opportunities to play crucial knocks and make an impact in the game, making him an ideal vice-captain choice for the next match.

Punt Picks:

Phil Salt can explode in a power play and get off to a quick start, helping him earn a lot of Dream11 points easily. Marco Jansen, on the other hand, is a versatile all-rounder who can produce breakthroughs with the ball while also contributing useful runs down the order, making him a perfect punt pick.

This Dream11 fantasy team consists of a balanced team lineup according to the Bengaluru ground, with 1 wicketkeeper, 5 batters, 2 all-rounders, and 3 bowlers, ideal for a batting-friendly pitch like Chinnaswamy, while still allowing for impactful bowlers and all-rounders.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the analysis, calculated odds, and past experience of the author. While selecting your team, consider the analysis only as supporting data while making your own decision. Sportsdunia does not work with insider news and will not be responsible for any monetary loss for the users following the analysis.