Royal Challengers Bengaluru have stormed into the IPL 2025 playoffs on the back of a commanding group-stage campaign that featured nine wins, culminating in a second-place finish on the points table with 19 points.

In Qualifier 1, held on Thursday in Mullanpur, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first, putting hosts Punjab Kings in to bat in what promises to be a thrilling playoff encounter. With a direct berth to the IPL 2025 final on the line, both teams are expected to go full throttle, knowing a second chance awaits even in defeat.

Their consistent run through the league phase ensured them a coveted top-two berth for the first time since 2016. The only setbacks RCB endured this season were four losses and a washed-out encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders, which was abandoned without a ball being bowled. One of the standout moments of their campaign came in their final group-stage fixture, where they pulled off a breathtaking chase of 228 runs against Lucknow Super Giants, a win that not only underscored their firepower but also solidified their momentum heading into the playoffs.