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In an important Indian Premier League 2025 face-off at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Speaking at the toss, Patidar explained the decision by emphasizing the nature of the surface and the tactical advantage of chasing. “We’re going to bowl first. Wicket looks decent, won’t change much. Batting second will give more clarity about the game and the wicket. We’re not looking at venues, just trying to play good cricket,” he said. RCB are hoping the conditions remain stable throughout the match and that the decision to chase pays off, especially in a high-pressure match that could influence their playoff hopes.
Reason behind Liam Livingstone absence from the IPL 2025 game at Mullanpur
One of the biggest headlines before the match was RCB’s bold decision to drop England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who has endured a miserable run with the bat this season. While Patidar haven’t clarified the reasoning behind Liam Livingstone’s omission, it is evident that the primary factor was the England all-rounder’s prolonged poor form in IPL 2025.
In his six innings so far, Livingstone has managed only 87 runs at an average of around 17 and a modest strike rate of approximately 123. Most of those runs came in a single knock of 51 against the Gujarat Titans. In his remaining five innings, the hard-hitting batter failed to score even 20 once a sharp decline from his previous IPL form. This poor run might have forced RCB to replace Livingstone in the playing XI. Shepherd, a dynamic Caribbean all-rounder, brings power-hitting and death bowling prowess, qualities that RCB hope can provide a spark and correct the team’s inconsistent middle-order performances.
Also WATCH: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi breaks down into tears after his dismissal – IPL 2025, RR vs LSG
Punjab Kings stick to their core as Shreyas Iyer backs consistency
While RCB made a high-profile change, Punjab have decided to maintain continuity by fielding the same team that played in their previous match. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS are backing their existing group of players to deliver consistent performances. The team will be looking to bounce back from their mixed run this season and use their settled playing XI to build rhythm and confidence. With match-winners like Marcus Stoinis, Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen in their ranks, Punjab will aim to capitalize on RCB’s mid-tournament vulnerability and secure a vital win to stay in the playoff race.
Also WATCH: Sanju Samson reacts astonishingly as Vaibhav Suryavanshi hits his first ball for a six in IPL 2025
