Courtesy: BCCI/IPL/X
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 1 on May 29, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) spinner Suyash Sharma emerged as the best bowler for his team against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the New Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium. In his extraordinary spell, he took 3/17 figures and became the Player of the Match (POTM). During his spell, he also got the better of Punjab’s all-rounder (IP) Musheer Khan, who broke into the game as his team’s Impact Player (IP). With Kings struggling on 60/7, they sent Musheer to support Marcus Stoinis in the middle.
In the crunch situation, Musheer’s presence at the crease was vital for PBKS as he was the last main batter who could support former Australia all-rounder and take Kings to a fighting total. After dismissing Shashank Singh, Suyash was looking confident and he got a piece of advice from Virat Kohli, who predicted Musheer’s next move and said that the 20-year-old will play sweep shot. The next delivery, Musheer attempted to attack with a sweep stroke but the ball hit his pad and the umpire gave the verdict against him. Musheer went back to the dugout with a golden duck after playing three balls.
RCB’s records at the Narendra Modi Stadium
RCB will play the final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. At the iconic venue, Bengaluru have played six games in which they won two and lost four. In the 2022 and 2024 IPL playoffs, they played against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and recorded defeats on both occasions.
This time, they will look to hold their nerves and grab the golden opportunity of winning the coveted trophy. It will be Challengers' fourth appearance in the IPL finals in their 18 years of the league. Earlier, the Bengaluru-based team qualified for the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016 editions.
