'Play Thushara in place of Livingstone' - Sanjay Bangar suggests changes in RCB's playing XI for IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

With the IPL 2025 set for its playoffs stage, former India cricketer-turned commentator Sanjay Bangar has advised some changes in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) playing XI ahead of their Qualifier 1 clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29 in New Chandigarh. With RCB eyeing their maiden IPL title, Bangar believes they need to strengthen their bowling attack to tackle PBKS's strong batting lineup.

RCB entered the Qualifier 1 after a thrilling six-wicket win over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league match. Asked to bat first, LSG hammered 227/3 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a solid ton from their skipper Rishabh Pant (118* off 61). However, RCB chased down the total in just 18.4 overs, guided by half-centuries from stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma and Virat Kohli. 

Jitesh’s unbeaten 85 off 33 balls helped RCB register the third-highest successful chase in IPL history and sealed a top-two finish for the first time since 2016. Meanwhile, Bangar recommended retaining Nuwan Thushara, who ended with figures of 1/26 against LSG, and bringing Josh Hazlewood and Tim David back into the XI in place of Liam Livingstone and Romario Shepherd. 

"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," he said on Star Sports.

Livingstone’s contribution with the bat has been underwhelming in IPL 2025, registering only 87 runs in seven innings, including a first-ball duck against LSG. His poor performances have weakened RCB’s middle order. Similarly, Shepherd contributed with an unbeaten 53* against CSK and had a decent economy in some matches, but his bowling against LSG saw him leak 51 runs.

"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," Bangar added.