Virat Kohli has a heated argument in yesterday's match against LSG. The incident happened on the 16th over of the match when Afghanisthan player Naveen-ul-haq came to bat with Amit Mishra. The matter started with the Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq saying something to the former RCB skipper during the game while he was coming into bat.
During the argument, both Mishra and the umpire intervened to settle things down. But the thing again escalated during the post-match handshake between the two teams. Naveen said something again while shaking hands with Kohli. Kohli didn't hold himself back and gave it back before Glenn Maxwell moved the LSG pacer away.
The matter continued when Gautam Gambhir interfered in the matter. He supported his teammate and took Mayers away when he was discussing with Kohli. Later Gambhir & Kohli have a heated argument and Rahul came into the matter and tried to calm down Kohli. Both Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were discussing the matter and Kohli was explaining the incident to Rahul. Naveen who was passing by and refused to apologize to Kohli.
Later in the official encouragement team video on the official page of RCB where players celebrated their win over LSG. Here in the video, Kohli told; "If you can give it, you gotta take it" to all who had an argument with him.
AB de Villiers has the record for winning the most P.O.T. awards in IPL history. Among Indians, Rohit Sharma has won the most player of the match awards in the tournament.
While team victories are the ultimate goal in IPL, the 'Player of the Match' (P.O.T.M) award is the direct recognition of a player's game-changing performance.
Winning P.O.T.M a couple of times shows how a player has outshined the rest and truly dominated the game. We will now explore the players with most P.O.T.M awards in IPL.
Keep an eye out, as Rohit Sharma is remarkably close to reaching the top.
1. AB de Villiers (25 P.O.T.M Awards)
AB de Villiers holding his M.O.M for RCB in a match in IPL 2021. Image | Firstpost
The "Mr. 360" of cricket, AB de Villiers, holds the most P.O.T.M awards in IPL history with 25awards throughout his career with DC and primarily Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Whether it was fast paced fifties or scorching hundreds, his impact was undeniable. His IPL career spanned from 2008-2021, and yet no one could match his numbers in terms of Player of the match awards.
Chris Gayle receiving the P.O.T.M award for his spectacular knock of 175 runs off 66 balls in IPL 2013. Image | BBC
Whether it's the list of most sixes in IPL or highest individual scores, this West Indies legend always finds his spot in the top for all of them. Chris Gayle has the second-most P.O.T.M awards in IPL with 22awards in total.
He played for franchises like KKR, PBKS, and RCB, and won multiple awards at his prime years like 2011 (smashed 2 centuries), 2012 (claimed the Orange Cap) and of course, 2013, where he scored the monumental 175* against PWI.
3. Rohit Sharma (21 P.O.T.M Awards)
Rohit Sharma receiving the P.O.T.M award for his performance against GT in Eliminator of IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Rohit Sharma is the Indian player with most P.O.T.M awards in IPL and the third-highest in this list. He received 21 awards and is just an award away to equal Gayle's number.
Sharma received 2 P.O.T.M awards in IPL 2025; one for his 75* (45 balls) against CSK in league stage, and the other for his 81 runs off 50 balls against GT in IPL Eliminator.
As Mumbai Indians are set to play the Qualifier 2 this season, there's high chances of Rohit bagging another one (or maybe 2).
Virat Kohli receiving Super Striker of the match award along with P.O.T.M award in IPL 2021. Image | Twitter
One of the most consistent run-scorer and match-winner for RCB, Virat Kohli stands fourth with an impressive 19 P.O.T.M awards in IPL. He is like the heart of the team and doesn't need awards to measure his greatness.
Kohli has won a P.O.T.M award in IPL 2025 for his unbeaten 73 runs against Punjab Kings. He has scored 8 half-centuries so far this season and there might be another loading as RCB is set to play the Final.
Kohli received multiple P.O.T.M awards during the 2016 season where he scored the record-breaking 973 runs.
David Warner receiving a P.O.T.M Award in IPL 2022. Image | Instagram
The Australian legend, David Warner, had an incredible journey in IPL. He was the key player of every franchise that he represented, such as Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He won 18 P.O.T.M awards in IPL.
He has also been a three-times orange cap winner (2015, 2017, 2019), which tells a lot about his career peak in IPL and the shower of P.O.T.M awards in those years.
6. MS Dhoni (18 P.O.T.M Awards)
MS Dhoni receiving the P.O.T.M award for his performance against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
The five-time IPL winning captain, MS Dhoni, equals the number of P.O.T.M awards as Warner with 18 awards in IPL. His unparallel impact, captaincy, and match finishing abilities has earned him this high count of awards.
In IPL 2025, Dhoni won the P.O.T.M award by delivering a match-winning knock of 26* runs off just 11 balls against LSG, which also made him the oldest player to win a P.O.T.M award in IPL history, at the age of 43 years and 280 days.
The IPL is like a festival of sports for India as we call it. It is also the festival of explosive and jaw-dropping sixes. The list for most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history is led by one and only, Chris Gayle. It is not surprising one bit, is it?
Dive into the list of several batters that are so close to match Gayle's six-hitting numbers, where some names will surely surprise you.
1. Chris Gayle (357 sixes)
Chris Gayle playing for RCB in IPL. Image | ESPNcricinfo
When it comes to hitting sixes in IPL, there is Chris Gayle, and then there's everyone else. This West Indies legend tops the chart for most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history with 357 sixes (in just141 innings)!
Gayle's IPL journey spanned from 2009 to 2021, and he was the first batsman to cross the 300-mark in terms of sixes. He displayed his batting peak with franchises like KKR, PBKS, and especially RCB.
His most memorable six-hitting moment of IPL came in 2013 when he smashed 175* runs off 66 balls against PWI, hitting 17 explosive sixes.
Rohit Sharma playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL. Image | Instagram
Known for his aggressive start and batting, Rohit Sharma, is the only batter who has hit 300+ sixes after Gayle in IPL history. He holds the second place, with 302 sixes (in 265 innings).
The hitman doesn't like to take things slow, and always delivers the ball out of the boundary with his powerful pulls and cover drives. Once he gets in his six-hitting zone, it truly gets difficult to stop him!
Sharma has consistently stood up for the team, and these numbers are about to get high as he will continue to play and dominate in IPL in the future.
3. Virat Kohli (291 sixes)
Virat Kohli playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL. Image | Instagram
When has it occurred that there's a list of excellent batting records where this man doesn't hold a spot?
Virat Kohli, the batting maestro, holds the 3rd position with 291 sixes (in 258 innings). Even though he is widely known for his exquisitecover drives and hitting smooth boundaries, his ability to time the ball perfectly out for a six has been phenomenal throughout his IPL career.
Kohli is just 9 sixes away to cross the 300-mark, that he might cross in IPL 2025 itself!
MS Dhoni playing for CSK in IPL. Image | ESPNcricinfo
MS Dhoni, like the greatest finisher he is, has hit an impressive 264 sixes (in 242 innings) in his IPL career so far. He has been brutal in the death overs and has always made sure his team takes the victory home when he his unbeaten at the crease.
Dhoni's six-hitting skills often changes the momentum of the game and puts the opposition under immense pressure, as he becomes unstoppable!
5. AB de Villiers (251 sixes)
AB de Villiers playing for RCB in IPL. Image | Facebook
The South African legend, AB de Villiers, holds several batting records and had delivered many cherishable moments for RCB throughout his IPL journey (2008-2021), and this is one of them. He is the 5th batter to have 250+ sixes in IPL history.
He hit 251 sixes (in 170 innings) which tells a lot about his phenomenal skills and love for hitting sixes. He had the ability to deliver the ball in every corner of the stadium and was called "Mr. 360" for a reason!
RCB in IPL final: Seasons when RCB qualified for IPL finals
RCB qualified for the IPL final four times so far. They first reached the final in 2009 and then qualified for the IPL finals in 2011 and 2016 before reaching the final in 2025.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been one of the most popular franchises in IPL history with millions of followers around the globe. However, despite having many great players of the game playing for them, RCB have failed to win the IPL title till now.
In the 18 seasons of the tournament, they have reached the IPL final four times so far. They first reached the final in 2009 and then qualified for the IPL finals once 2011 and another time in 2016, before reaching the final this season. Unfortunately, they have faced defeat on all three previous occasions.
2009 IPL final: Lost vs Deccan Chargers by 6 runs
After beating Chennai Super Kings in the semi-finals of the second season in 2009, RCB qualified for the final. In the final at Johannesburg, RCB bowled first, winning the toss. Their captain, Anil Kumble, was on fire with a spell of 16/4 in 4 overs and restricted Deccan Chargers to 143/6 only. Herschelle Gibbs was the best batter of Deccan with an unbeaten 53 from 48 balls.
But during the chase, RCB struggled from the beginning and even with a good-looking 32 from Roelof van der Merwe, RCB fell 6 runs short of the total. Pragyan Ojha, with 28/3 in 4 overs, was the pick of the bowlers for Deccan in that final.
2011 IPL final: Heavy 58-run defeat against CSK
Two seasons later, RCB again reached the IPL final, this time under Daniel Vettori. RCB had finished at the top of the points table after the league stage, and despite losing the qualifier 1 against CSK, they qualified for the final after beating Mumbai Indians in the second eliminator.
In the final, RCB were asked to bowl first. CSK managed a huge total of 205 in the first inning, with the help of a 95 from Murali Vijay. Chris Gayle was the star with the ball for RCB with 34/2 in four overs.
During the chase, RCB crumbled, and except for Saurabh Tiwary's fighting unbeaten 42 from 34 balls, no one could get going. Virat Kohli also played a slow 32-ball 35 innings. In the end, RCB lost by 58 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up three wickets, giving away just 16 runs in four overs, for CSK.
Among the three defeats in the final, this one is the most heartbreaking for RCB fans. After finishing second in the league stage, they defeated Gujarat Lions in the qualifier 1 to enter the final.
In the final, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and decided to put runs on the board. David Warner scored a stunning 69 from 38 balls, and Ben Cutting, with an unbeaten 39 from 15 balls, took SRH to 208 in the first innings.
Unlike the two previous finals, RCB got off to a flyer during the chase. Chris Gayle smashed 76 from 38 balls while Kohli scored 54 from 35 balls, to finish with a record-breaking 973 run season.
With 67 needed from 8 overs and 8 wickets in hand, RCB struggled under pressure and eventually lost the game by 8 runs.
IPL 2025: Reached the final
RCB qualify for the IPL finals for the fourth time!
Will it be their lucky time this time in Ahmedabad?
RCB finished second in the group stage to set up a date with Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final. Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, and Yash Dayal did exceedingly well to restrict PBKS to 101 in the first inning.
Phil Salt played an incredible inning of unbeaten 56 from 27 balls to take RCB over the final in just 10 overs.
IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs
Explore how RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs with 10 different batters smashing fifties in a single IPL season. Relive the iconic moments of these ten half-centurions in IPL 2025.
Never before has an IPL team displayed such diverse batting depth as Royal Challengers Bengaluru did in IPL 2025. This season, they set a new league record by having 10 different players who each scored at least one half-century.
They broke the previous benchmark set by Mumbai Indians of nine different half-centurions in 2017. Find out how RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs to take this game to another level.
1. Virat Kohli (8 half-centuries)
Virat Kohli celebration his 8th half century of IPL 2025 against LSG. Image | Pinterest
The chase master, Virat Kohli, is leading the pack with 8 half-centuries to his name in IPL 2025. He started this season with a fifty and ended the league stage with scoring his 8th one of this season.
He's been incredibly consistent throughout, and scored 602 runs in 13 matches, with a strike rate above 147. He is also among the top 5 contenders in the race for Orange Cap.
Phil Salt celebrating his third half century in IPL 2025. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The England batter, Phil Salt, proved to be a key opener along with Kohli for the team in IPL 2025. He also started the season with scoring a fifty against KKR, and contributed with 331 runs across 11 matches played.
Rajat Patidar celebrating his second half century in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The skipper, Rajat Patidar, has not been able to fire with the bat much, but he stood up for RCB whenever he could. This season, he scored 2 half-centuries against two big teams (MI & CSK).
Patidar fifties in IPL 2025:
vs MI: 64 runs (32 balls)
vs CSK: 51 runs (32 balls)
4. Devdutt Padikkal (2 half-centuries)
Devdutt Padikkal celebrating his second half century in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Batting at no. 3, Devdutt Padikkal, has served as a vital asset for RCB in crucial games. He proved the fans how he was deserving of his position in the playing XI, by delivering spectacular knocks and 2 half-centuries.
Unfortunately, Padikkal had to leave mid-season due to injury issues, but his contribution makes him the fourth batter that helped RCB create this unique history before the playoffs.
Jacob Bethell celebrating his maiden IPL fifty in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The 21-year-old Jacob Bethell is the youngest half-centurion of this season for RCB. He scored his maiden IPL fifty against Chennai Super Kings and made his mark with a banger.
Bethell fifties in IPL 2025:
vs CSK: 55 runs (33 balls)
6. Tim David (1 half-century)
Tim David after scoring his maiden IPL fifty against PBKS in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Tim David is like the backbone of RCB who stands strong along the boundary line and never lets a ball pass through! Besides his on-field contribution with his spectacular catching and fielding skills, this power-hitter has delivered with the bat too.
David scored his maiden IPL fifty against PBKS and that was a treat to watch. He comes to bat at crucial times and makes sure his team reaches a defendable total.
Krunal Pandya celebrating his century against DC in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Krunal Pandya is one of the most consistent all-rounder of this season for RCB. He has taken crucial wickets for the team and helped them earn those crucial points.
Apart from bowling, Pandya scored a match-winning half-century against Delhi Capitals. He came to bat at the time when RCB's batting order collapsed early, and delivered an amazing knock.
Romario Shepherd celebrating his half-century against CSK in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Romario Shepherd's half-century against CSK in IPL 2025 was is an explosive batting tale to talk about. His unbeaten 53* off just 14 balls left the bowlers and spectators stunned!
Shepherd single-handedly scored 33 runs off the 19th over and showered the fans with sixes.
Shepherd fifties in IPL 2025:
vs CSK: 53* runs (14 balls)
Are you not entertained? 🤩
Romario Shepherd thrilled the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with a 'blink and you miss' knock 🫡🔥
Liam Livingstone celebrating his half-century against GT in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The English all-rounder, Liam Livingstone, etched his name in the list of half-centurions for RCB by scoring one against Gujarat Titans in their league match. He helped the team reach a respectable total when they had lost all hopes in the first inning of the match.
Livingstone fifties in IPL 2025:
vs GT: 54 runs (40 balls)
10. Jitesh Sharma (1 half-century)
Jitesh Sharma celebrating his match-winning knock against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Here comes the 10th batter whose half-century was a special one for RCB. Jitesh Sharma, who became the stand-in captain for the team, scored his first fifty for the team in their last league match.
He showed no mercy to the bowlers and scored 85* off just 33 balls to help RCB chase down a big total and reach top-two in the points table.
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible playing XIs, and Fantasy Team Prediction of the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Qualifier 1 match in IPL 2025.
The first playoff match of the 18th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played tomorrow, Thursday, May 29. The first qualifier match will be played between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
After the group stage, PBKS finished first in the points table while RCB finished second. Now the team that wins the Qualifier-1 match will get a 'Ticket to the Final'.
Both the teams had a great season so far and are among the favourites to lift their maiden IPL title this year. PBKS have qualified into the playoffs after 11 years while RCB made into the top-two for the first time after 2016.
Ahead of their clash in the IPL 2025 playoffs, PBKS and RCB met twice in the league stage this year with both teams winning one game each. Now, looking for their maiden title, both PBKS and RCB are now just a win away from getting into the final. However, the losing team will also get another chance in the qualifier two.
From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Qualifier 1 in IPL 2025.
Match Details
Match: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Tournament: IPL 2025, Qualifier 1
Date: 29 May 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadiu, New Chandigarh
Streaming Details
Cricket fans from India can watch the PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 LIVE on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.
Pitch Report
The newly-constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh provides an equal contest for both the batters and the bowlers. Out of eight IPL matches played at this ground so far, the team batting first five times while the chasing team came out victorious on four occasions. The average score at this ground is around 170 runs.
Weather Report
The New PCA stadium in Mullanpur is expected to witness temperature highs of up to 40 degree Celsius and lows of 24 degree Celsius on Thursday, with the forecast predicting a mostly sunny day, with the chance of a few clouds.
PBKS vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record
Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have faced each other 35 times in the IPL history so far. Out of these 35 matches, PBKS won 18 times while RCB defeated them on 17 occasions.
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