“Use Livingstone” Sanjay Bakar

After showcasing a dominant performance in the IPL 2025 league stage, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be up against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 of the tournament on May 29. Out of 14 matches, RCB won 9 and lost 4, while one was abandoned. What’s more interesting about the Challengers was their ability to win away matches.

Out of nine wins, eight came away from their backyard. In their previous matchup against LSG, they chased down a massive score of 227, ensuring second place in the overall standings.

Include Thushara in XI: Bangar on RCB playing XI

Ahead of the high-octane Qualifier 1 clash, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has suggested a few changes in the RCB squad. He said that the team needs to strengthen their bowling to take on the strong PBKS batting lineup.

“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,” Bangar said on Star Sports.

“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,” he further added.