Can PBKS fight RCB’s PowerPlay Beast?

Punjab Kings will have an uphill task at hand in controlling the explosive Phil Salt in their tie against RCB. The prolific opener already has 208 runs from 6 matches in IPL 2025, and averages 34.66. His ability to destroy the bowlers in the powerplay will be a major concern for PBKS, especially since they are playing the game at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru.

PBKS need to control Salt

For the unversed, Salt is the leading run-scorer in the powerplay in this season. He has hit 11 sixes and has a strike rate of 193.61 in the fist six overs. The England batter’s scores so far in IPL 2025 are 56, 32, 14, 4, 37 and 65. His knock in RCB’s previous game against RR is a perfect example of why he is such a big threat to PBKS in the powerplay.

PBKS bowlers have only managed to take six wickets in the powerplay so far in IPL 2025. Their most successful bowler surprisingly has been Glenn Maxwell, with two wickets to his name from five innings.

Arshdeep Singh has managed to bag just once scalp but has been smashed for 16 fours. Bartlett has conceded 3 fours and 2 sixes, Jansen 9 fours and 4 sixes. Omerzai and Stoinis have been highly ineffective in the powerplay for PBKS.

It will be imperative for the PBKS bowlers to ace their powerplay game against Salt on Friday. Any room for error could potentially be faced with punishment meted out by the RCB opener in a brutal fashion.

RCB will be keen on opening their account at home with a win against PBKS. While Krunal and Hazlewood hold the key with the ball, it is Salt who will be expected to play the role of an aggressor with the bat.