IPL 2025: Who Said What in Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Punjab Kings, Match 34?

In a match marred by rain at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lost to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the third time in a row. The game was shortened to 14 overs per side due to weather-related delays.

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of PBKS, won the toss and chose to bowl first, which worked out well for the side. The PBKS bowlers kept tight lines and controlled lengths from the start, making it difficult for the RCB hitters to gain momentum. The bowling team as a whole made a valuable contribution, limiting RCB to just 95 runs in the 14 overs they were given.

Despite some opposition from the RCB bowlers with good-length deliveries, the PBKS hitters easily chased down the target in response. With this victory, PBKS moved up to second position in the standings and recorded their fifth IPL victory of the 2025 campaign.

After dropping their last three home games, RCB is still looking for their form. In their next games, they’ll be trying to get back together and make a big comeback.

Talking Points

1. The RCB hitters didn’t play with any sense.

In a game impacted by rain, RCB chose to bat first, and the batters had trouble getting into a rhythm right away. They chose to go hard at everything rather than timing the ball, failing to take advantage of the bowlers’ pace. They were quickly dismissed because of their belligerent and undiplomatic manner. The only bright point in the innings was Tim David, who stood tall amid the collapse with a tenacious 50 off 26 balls.

2. The RCB was totally overpowered by the PBKS bowlers.

From the beginning, the RCB batting order was dominated by the PBKS bowlers. Each bowler was given a maximum of three overs when the contest was cut to 14 overs each side, and PBKS took full advantage of the situation. Yuzvendra Chahal (2/11), Marco Jansen (2/10), and Arshdeep Singh (2/23) all bowled their whole allotment, making significant breakthroughs at regular intervals. The lower-order batsmen were dismissed by Harpreet Brar, who also contributed two wickets.

3. RCB pacers’ fighting spells

The RCB had few choices for stopping the PBKS chase because they only had 96 runs to defend. They relied on Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, two seasoned pacers who did all in their power to put pressure on the Punjabi hitters. Hazlewood was especially strong, taking three vital wickets in his three-over period while giving up just 14 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar took two wickets while bowling tight lines as well. But PBKS won easily with to Nehal Wadhera’s aggressive 33 off 19 balls, which sealed the match.

Who said what?

Rajat Patidar, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Losing Captain)

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’ve had to make that change due to conditions (on leaving out Paddikal). 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.

Shreyas Iyer, PBKS (Winning Captain)

Variety is the spice of life. We are able to experience all kinds of game. There was no thinking. We were making instinctive moves, Marco was able to etract the bounce. The rest of the bowlers helped him. To be honest, I didn’t know it would play. The bowlers did adapt really well. I didn’t see a single six hit down the ground off a pacer. Nehal was brilliant in his approach today. Personally I had a chat with Chahal. He has got the capability of bouncing back. Probably he is the best bowler in the IPL so far. Depends on the wicket.

Tim David, Player of the Match

It didn’t feel so easy. I don’t know what to say. I think definitely boys batting up communicated it to me. The practice pitches have played similar. Our coaching staff and management have built the squad for a reason. If I get an opportunity to bat up, I will look to contribute for my team.

At times when you are trying too hard, it doesn’t come off. Tonight was difficult. You had to manage risks a little bit. Would want to having a drink after the team wins. We have been faced with different conditions in each game at home. We haven’t played well at home. We need to find a template. We will have to regroup quickly as we will play Punjab.