Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a polished all-round performance to beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 7 wickets in Match 37 of the TATA IPL 2025 held in New Chandigarh. A clinical bowling display followed by a composed chase led by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal helped RCB get back to winning ways.
PBKS Start Fast, But Lose Momentum
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first, hoping for early inroads. PBKS openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh began with intent, scoring a solid 62/1 in the powerplay – the highest powerplay score against RCB this season.
However, the middle overs saw a complete shift in momentum. Krunal Pandya struck twice, removing both Arya and Prabhsimran. Romario Shepherd made an impact on debut by dismissing PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer. A chaotic run out soon after further derailed PBKS, reducing them from 62/1 to 76/4.
Despite some resistance from Josh Inglis (29 off 17), PBKS couldn’t recover fully. Suyash Sharma removed Inglis and Marcus Stoinis in a pivotal 14th over. Contributions from Shashank Singh (31* off 33) and Marco Jansen (25* off 20) helped PBKS to a modest 157/6 after 20 overs.
Kohli, Padikkal Dominate in the Chase
RCB’s chase got off to a shaky start with Phil Salt falling in the first over to Arshdeep Singh, repeating his earlier dismissal. But what followed was a masterclass in partnership building.
Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, coming in as an impact sub, took charge. The duo stitched a match-winning 103-run stand, with Padikkal playing fluently for a 35-ball 61 – his first fifty of the season. Kohli, calm and composed as ever, reached another milestone with his 67th IPL 50+ score, finishing unbeaten on 73 off 54 balls.
RCB comfortably chased down the target in 18.5 overs, ending on 158/3 to notch their fifth win of the season.
Key Performers
- Virat Kohli: 73* (54) – Anchored the chase with typical poise and control.
- Devdutt Padikkal: 61 (35) – Aggressive and fluent, set the tone early.
- Suyash Sharma: 2 wickets – Broke PBKS’ momentum with two middle-over scalps.
- Krunal Pandya: 2 wickets – Turned the game with two big breakthroughs.
- Josh Inglis: 29 (17) – Brief spark for PBKS in an otherwise faltering innings.
RCB Back in the Hunt
With this win, RCB not only avenged their earlier loss to PBKS but also added crucial points to stay in playoff contention. The form of Kohli and the emergence of Padikkal as a steady force at the top will give them plenty of confidence moving forward in IPL 2025.
Category: IPL 2025, Match Reports, Player Highlights, RCB Matches
Tags: IPL 2025, PBKS vs RCB, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer, RCB win, Match 37
