IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Punjab Kings, First Qualifier: Who Said What?

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Final after defeating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Thursday, May 29. When PBKS plays Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 1, they will have another opportunity to get to the final.

Talking Points

1. The RCB bowlers destroy the PBKS batting.

Rajat Patidar, the captain of the RCB, chose to field first after winning the toss. His choice was instantly successful as the RCB bowlers destroyed the PBKS batting lineup. With remarkable accuracy, the rest of the bowling unit followed Yash Dayal’s early strike to start the collapse. Young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma was the most impressive performer, taking three wickets for just 17 runs. In addition, Josh Hazlewood grabbed three wickets, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took the valuable wicket of Prabhsimran Singh, who was in excellent form, and Dayal took two wickets. The task of putting the finishing nail in the coffin fell to Romario Shephered, who dismissed PBKS for just 101 in 14.1 overs.

2. When under pressure, PBKS batters struggle

The batting order for the PBKS showed a lack of knowledge and patience as they broke down under duress. With the majority of hitters continuing to make bad shots, they failed to concentrate on stabilising the innings following early setbacks. Their aggressive and reckless strategy backfired, leading to a disorganised total that left their bowlers with little to do in the crucial encounter.

3. The Royal Challengers take the aeroplane to Motera

The run chase was easily won by RCB, who were pursuing a target of 102. With sixty balls remaining, they reached the total. Phil Salt, the opener for the RCB, led the team to a resounding victory and their last appearance since 2016 with a game-winning knock and an undefeated 56 off just 27 balls. The team that wins the Qualifier 2 will now play the Finals in the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Who Said What?

Shreyas Iyer, PBKS (Losing Captain)

Not a day to forget, but we have to go to the drawing board. We were befuddled and lost a lot of wickets. Something to go back and study. Not doubting on my decisions in terms of planning. Outside of the ground, it was on point. Couldn’t execute, can’t blame our bowlers. It was such a low total. Got to work on our batting, on this wicket. In all games here, there has been variable bounce. Can’t give such reasons because we are professionals and we have to live up to it. We have lost the battle but not the war.

Rajat Patidar, RCB (Winning Captain)

We were very clear in our plans and how we have to bowl. Fast bowlers used the surface well, Suyash chipped in well. He bowls in line of the stumps, which is his strength. I don’t give him a lot of ideas, don’t want to confuse him. We had done a lot of practice throughout the tournament. One day of non-practice won’t harm you. The way [Salt] is batting in every match, the way he is giving us starts, it is a treat. I am a big fan of him. Always thank RCB fans, wherever we go, we feel like it is our home ground. One more game, let’s celebrate together!

Suyash Sharma, Player of the Match

I have performed, that is why people must be happy! My role is to hit the stumps – be it with the googly or legspin or flipper. Googly is my stock ball, there was a little help from the surface as well. We will celebrate on the 3rd [June].