IPL 2025: Sanjay Bangar has some suggestions for RCB ahead of the Qualifier 1

As the IPL 2025 playoffs approach, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 on May 29 in New Chandigarh. With a spot in the final at stake and the elusive IPL title still missing from their cabinet, RCB are under pressure to get their combination right. Former India cricketer and current commentator Sanjay Bangar has suggested that RCB consider tweaking their playing XI, especially in the bowling department. He believes bolstering their attack is crucial to counter PBKS’s power-packed batting lineup, which has been in formidable form throughout the season.

What can be the changes for RCB in the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025?

RCB booked their place in Qualifier 1 with a thrilling win over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their last league encounter. In that high-scoring match, LSG put up a daunting total of 227/3, riding on a magnificent century from their captain Rishabh Pant, who remained unbeaten on 118 off 61 balls. However, RCB responded in style, chasing down the massive target in just 18.4 overs. The successful chase was powered by commanding half-centuries from stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma and Virat Kohli. With momentum on their side and confidence running high, RCB now looks to fine-tune their strategy in hopes of finally clinching their maiden IPL title.

Jitesh Sharma played a sensational knock, smashing an unbeaten 85 off just 33 deliveries to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record-breaking victory. His explosive innings helped RCB pull off the third-highest successful run chase in IPL history, securing a memorable win over Lucknow Super Giants. With this result, RCB also clinched a top-two finish on the points table for the first time since 2016, giving them a crucial advantage going into the playoffs.

Ahead of their Qualifier 1 clash against Punjab Kings, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has advised a few changes to RCB's lineup. He suggested retaining pacer Nuwan Thushara, who impressed with figures of 1/26 against LSG. Bangar also recommended bringing experienced campaigners Josh Hazlewood and Tim David back into the playing XI, replacing Liam Livingstone and Romario Shepherd. These changes, he believes, would give RCB better balance, especially in the bowling department.

"Play Thushara in place of Livingstone. Then the bowling will become incredible. Then Phil Salt, Thushara, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David for Romario Shepherd. The Punjab team is against them, and Punjab have crossed 200 runs six or seven times this season," stated former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar.

Liam Livingstone's performance with the bat in IPL 2025 has been far from impressive, raising concerns about his role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru lineup. In the seven innings he has played this season, the English all-rounder has managed to score just 87 runs, failing to make a significant impact. His lack of consistency has been particularly disappointing, with one of the lowest points being a first-ball duck against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Livingstone's struggles at the crease have added pressure to RCB’s already vulnerable middle order, limiting their ability to maintain momentum during key phases of the game.

Similarly, Romario Shepherd has had a mixed season for the franchise. While he did play a memorable knock of an unbeaten 53* against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which showcased his big-hitting ability, his overall contributions have been inconsistent. With the ball, Shepherd started well in the early part of the tournament, maintaining a decent economy rate in a few games. However, his recent outing against LSG was a major setback, as he conceded 51 runs, which hurt RCB’s bowling performance significantly. Such inconsistencies with both bat and ball have raised questions about his spot in the playing XI as the team heads into the crucial Qualifier 1 clash.

"Livingstone, who is playing as an overseas batter, is not scoring runs. So, make your bowling totally strong. I feel that combination can be made," Bangar added.