RCB Aims to Break Home Losing Streak Against PBKS in IPL Clash

BENGALURU, India — The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will strive to end their home struggles when they face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 34th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 18, 2025. Despite winning all four of their away games, RCB’s performance at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has seen two consecutive defeats.

RCB’s batsmen are feeling the pressure as they prepare to tackle one of the season’s most explosive powerplay units. Captain Rajat Patidar noted the need for his team to overcome the recent home struggles, stating, “We don’t want this to turn into a three-match trend.” Both of RCB’s home games ended with disappointing totals—169 for 8 and 163 for 7—due to the sluggish pitches that improved for chasing teams under dew conditions.

“In our last home game, we scored quickly at the start, racing to 50 in just three overs. It was a tactical measure to maximize runs against the new ball on a slow pitch,” Patidar added.

Compounding RCB’s challenges is the difficulty faced by the pace attack at their home ground. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has impressive overall statistics this season, claiming nine wickets with an economy rate of 8.65. However, his home performance has struggled, with just one wicket taken and an alarming economy of 12.1.

The Punjab Kings enter the match on a high, following a thrilling victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) two nights prior. Yuzvendra Chahal earned Player of the Match honors with a four-wicket haul, displaying his value against his former team. Chahal remains the highest wicket-taker at Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue where he has thrived in the past.

As things stand, RCB and PBKS are positioned third and fourth in the IPL standings, respectively. The winner of this match will move up to ten points, placing them level with the Delhi Capitals at the top of the table ahead of their rematch scheduled for Sunday in New Chandigarh.

RCB’s recent performances include alternating wins and losses, while PBKS has shown similar form in their last five outings. As both teams aim for consistency, RCB is anticipated to maintain their lineup after a significant nine-wicket victory against the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. Their probable lineup features key players such as Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Devdutt Padikkal.

The PBKS lineup, meanwhile, may see the potential inclusion of Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis. Team coach informed that Stoinis was favored in their last game against KKR due to his strength against spin. If Stoinis continues in the team, PBKS must decide whether to keep Maxwell in the lineup, who has struggled this season.

Maxwell’s performance has been disappointing, accumulating only 41 runs off 41 balls in five innings. His struggles echo previous seasons, leading to his release from RCB after IPL 2024. Conversely, his bowling has been a bright spot for PBKS, with an average of four wickets and an economy of 8.46.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium has presented challenges for bowlers this season, with pitches proving to be two-paced. RCB has not exceeded 170 runs while batting first in both home games so far. The head curator noted that current high heat and low humidity contribute to pitch slowness, though recent rain could alter conditions.

“Actually, I haven’t used it. I forgot that I can use saliva. When I saw Starc yesterday, it came to my mind that I can use it. I’m not sure if it will help or not, but I’ll definitely use it in the next match,” said Kumar.

Brad Haddin, PBKS’s assistant coach, summed up the team’s mentality: “It’s about clearing the head and executing. You’ve got to be brave to go deep in this tournament and that’s the mindset we want the players to have all the time.”