Royal Challengers Bengaluru returned to winning ways in IPL 2025 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Punjab Kings—the very team they had previously lost to at home. Devdutt Padikkal (61), Virat Kohli (73*), and a disciplined bowling unit led the way as RCB chased down the target in 18.5 overs.
Although Kohli and Padikkal shared a 103-run partnership, the groundwork for the win was laid by the bowlers. At one stage, PBKS were cruising at 62 for 1 after just over six overs. However, RCB’s bowlers bowled with discipline and consistently chipped away at the PBKS batting line-up to stem the scoring rate.
Krunal Pandya, the spin-bowling all-rounder, was the standout performer with the ball. Suyash Sharma, the leg-spinner, also claimed two wickets. The dangerous Priyansh Arya was Krunal’s first victim, mistiming a loft to Tim David at mid-off. The duo combined again to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh.
RCB soon tightened their grip on the game. Romario Shepherd, who came in for Liam Livingstone, removed Shreyas Iyer. A terrible mix-up between Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera resulted in the latter being run out. From 42 for 0, PBKS stumbled to 76 for 4.
Shashank Singh, batting at No. 6, struggled to accelerate and managed only 31 off 33 balls. Marco Jansen contributed an unbeaten 25 off 20. Full credit also goes to the pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who exploited the old ball’s swing to deliver pinpoint yorkers and concede just 28 runs in the last four overs.
In reply, RCB lost Phil Salt early for just one run. Kohli and Padikkal then effectively sealed the contest with their partnership. A hallmark of Kohli’s innings was his adept use of the crease to counter the spinners. One shot that stood out was a cover drive off Harpreet Brar in the seventh over, created by manufacturing room. Padikkal, meanwhile, showcased his reach with a couple of classy lofts off Xavier Bartlett and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Harpreet removed Padikkal, while Chahal dismissed Rajat Patidar. Kohli and Jitesh Sharma then guided RCB home. With five teams now level on 10 points, RCB sit third and PBKS fourth—separated only by net run rate.
Brief scores: PBKS 157/6 in 20 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 33; Krunal Pandya 2-25, Suyash Sharma 2-26) lost to RCB 159/3 in 18.5 overs (Virat Kohli 73*, Devdutt Padikkal 61) by seven wickets.