29 May,2025 06:26 PM IST | Mullanpur | mid-day online correspondent
Despite their strong showing this year, Punjab’s playoff history remains modest (Pic: IPl/BCCI)
Shreyas Iyer's composed and tactical leadership will be under the spotlight when Punjab Kings take on a buoyant Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 on Thursday in Mullanpur. With both teams in top form, this high-stakes encounter promises to be a thriller, as Punjab look to convert momentum into a historic maiden title.
Punjab Kings head into the playoffs brimming with confidence after a commanding win over Mumbai Indians in Jaipur, which catapulted them to the top of the table. With nine wins and 19 points, PBKS finished as league leaders, thus earning two opportunities to reach the final.
This season marks a major turning point for Punjab, who have broken free from years of inconsistency and underachievement. Making the playoffs for the first time since 2014, PBKS find themselves in unfamiliar territory, but they aren't burdened by past failures. Instead, they've forged a new identity under the Shreyas Iyer-Ricky Ponting era, one built on tactical clarity, role definition, and collective belief.
The partnership between captain Iyer and head coach Ponting has brought structure and self-assurance to a side that long struggled to perform as a cohesive unit. This renewed sense of purpose has seen Punjab finally crack the consistency code, transforming them into one of the most balanced and formidable teams of the season. Players have stepped up at critical moments, and the squad now resembles a well-oiled machine, firing in all departments.
Despite their strong showing this year, Punjab's playoff history remains modest. They have reached the final just once, in 2014, when they narrowly lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by three wickets. That remains their best finish to date.
Playoff finishes by year
Overall playoff record
