Courtesy: IPL/BCCI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar acknowledged that his team’s batting performance wasn’t up to the mark which led to their five-wicket loss against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18. With Bengaluru rain reducing the match with 14 overs per side, Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer took a sly decision to field first after winning the toss. PBKS bowling attack looked extraordinary and contained the hosts on just 95/9. Except for Tim David (unbeaten 50 off 26), no RCB batter put up any competition against Punjab’s bowlers. Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Harpreet Brar picked up two wickets apiece to help their team be in a commanding position in the contest.
Defending the total, RCB’s fast-bowling duo Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood displayed fighting spirit and gave some tough moments to Punjab, but eventually Nehal Wadhera held his nerves and took the visitors home with his unbeaten 33 off 19. In the post-match presentation, Patidar hailed his bowlers but said his team’s batters could’ve done better as the conditions weren’t unpleasant for batting.
"Initially, it was sticking and two-paced, but we could have done far better as a batting unit. Partnerships are important; we have lost wickets in quick intervals, and that's a big lesson for us. We had to make that change due to certain conditions (leaving out Padikkal). The wicket wasn't that bad, it was under covers for a long time, it helped their bowlers. Credit goes to them. No matter how the wicket plays, we need to bat well and get a winning total. The bowling unit is doing pretty well; that's a big positive. The batters have played with intent; that's something pleasing. We can correct some of our mistakes in the batting unit," said Patidar.
Tim David gets POTM award despite RCB’s loss vs PBKS in IPL 2025
RCB lost the game against PBKS at home, but their batter Tim David had an incredible time in the middle. He came to bat at a time when RCB were reeling at a score of 33/5 in 6.1 overs. In the crunch situation, he dominated Punjab bowlers, who were otherwise too hot to handle for the hosts.
His unbeaten 50 off 26 helped RCB post a competitive total on the board. The Australia batter’s knock was studded with eight boundaries (five fours and three maximums). His innings also made him the recipient of the player of the match (POTM) award.
