Rajat Patidar led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a big win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 on May 29 in Mullanpur. RCB bowled out PBKS for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs, with Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma taking three wickets each.
RCB Dominates PBKS in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
Chasing the small target, Phil Salt scored an unbeaten 56 as RCB won by 8 wickets in just 10 overs. Patidar (15*), Mayank Agarwal (19), and Virat Kohli (12) also contributed.
After the match, captain Rajat Patidar said:
“I think we were clear in our plans, how we have to bowl. I think the fast bowlers used the surface really well. The way Suyash chipped in, the way he bowled his lines and lengths, that was really good. As a captain, I am clear about his bowling. He has to target the stumps, that’s his strength.”
Captain Rajat Patidar Praises Team Strategy and Suyash Sharma
Rajat Patidar said that Suyash Sharma’s googly is very hard for batters to read. He gives Suyash freedom to bowl wicket-taking deliveries, even if it means giving away some runs. He said:
“His wrong ‘un is difficult to read for the batters. I always want to give him clear ideas, I don’t want to confuse him. I am okay if he concedes a few runs (in the process.)”
Patidar also said they weren’t worried about having little time to practice before the PBKS match. He praised Phil Salt’s batting, saying:
“We have had a lot of practice sessions throughout the tournament, so one day of not practicing won’t harm you. The way he (Salt) is batting in most of the matches. The way he is giving starts, I am a big fan of him. It’s a treat to watch him from the dugout. That’s really good.”
Rajat Patidar’s Message to Loyal RCB Fans
Finally, Patidar shared a warm message for RCB fans:
“I always thank RCB fans, not only in Chinnaswamy, but wherever we go we feel it’s our home ground. We love you, so keep supporting us. One more game and let’s celebrate together.”
RCB beat PBKS by 7 wickets on April 20 in Mullanpur.
RCB bowled first and limited PBKS to 157 runs. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma took two wickets each.
Chasing 158, RCB lost Phil Salt early, but Virat Kohli (73*) and Devdutt Padikkal (61) made a big 103-run partnership. RCB won in 18.5 overs.
