The 34th match of IPL 2025 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 18, 2025, promises to be an exciting contest.
Both teams have had a strong start to the season, each winning four of their six matches. They sit closely on the points table, with RCB in third and PBKS just below in fourth, both with eight points.
Fantasy cricket enthusiasts are now focusing on the best captaincy picks for their Dream11 teams to maximize points in this crucial fixture.
1. Virat Kohli (RCB)
Virat Kohli is a prime candidate for captaincy in this match. The RCB star batter has been in excellent form this season, recently scoring a vital 62 runs in a commanding victory over Rajasthan Royals.
His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a dependable fantasy pick.
Additionally, Kohli’s experience and consistency at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium add to his appeal as a top captaincy choice.
2. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS)
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer is another strong contender for captaincy. Known for his calm and composed approach, Iyer is crucial in stabilizing PBKS’s batting lineup.
Despite a rare failure in the last game, he is expected to bounce back strongly. His leadership and ability to score under pressure make him a reliable captain pick for fantasy teams.
3. Philip Salt (RCB)
Philip Salt has rapidly become a valuable fantasy asset for RCB. The aggressive English opener smashed 65 runs in the previous match, forming a match-winning partnership with Kohli.
Salt’s fearless approach in the powerplay and his ability to maintain a high strike rate make him a high-impact player.
His consistency at the top of the order and potential for explosive starts make him an excellent captain or vice-captain pick for Dream11 teams.
