"Replace Livingstone with Thushara": Sanjay Bangar suggests changes in RCB lineup ahead of IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

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 got 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.

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.

Livingstone's performance for RCB in IPL 2025

Liam Livingstone, who is known for his destructive batting and decent bowling, has failed miserably to contribute for RCB. In seven innings, Livingstone has just managed to score 81 runs. While playing against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Livingstone gave away 51 runs in four overs. He also failed with the bat after getting out on the first delivery while chasing a mammoth target of 228.

It would be interesting to see whether RCB play with the same lineup or bring any sort of changes against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match will be played on May 29 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.