Tim David’s undefeated 50 off just 26 balls was the only highlight of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) lacklustre performance against Punjab Kings in the most recent IPL 2025 encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The team was limited to 95 for 9 in the rain-shortened 14-over match.
Even though he was on the losing team, David was nonetheless named Player of the Match. Following the game, David acknowledged that he is still getting used to the conditions at Chinnaswamy, where the RCB club has lost three straight games and hasn’t found success this season.
“Scoring swiftly under those conditions didn’t feel that easy. I get a chance to observe what the pitch is doing and attempt to play according to that strategy because the boys who bat on top definitely hand the [knowledge on] the conditions back down. According to ESPNcricinfo, David stated on the post-match broadcast, “The practice pitches here have been kind of similar [to the main surfaces], and I’m trying to figure out a method of how to bat best in those conditions.”
When Tim David arrived, the score was 33 for 5, a disheartening collapse against Punjab’s excellent bowling. The middle order provided little assistance, and openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt combined for just five runs. In addition to being his maiden fifty in the league, David’s 26-ball innings was the longest he has ever faced in an IPL game. Cheteshwar Pujara, a former batter for India, gave David a lot of credit for his lucidity.
He appeared to have a clear strategy for the shots he wanted to play on that surface and to be aware of the lengths the bowlers would bowl. It’s easier when you have clarity. However, he made the most of this chance, and I have no doubt that this will enhance his confidence,” Pujara added.
With my batting position, have faith in the coaches: Tim David
In a league like the IPL, where all ten teams are equally strong, the Australian all-rounder also stressed the value of preparation. He added that he would like to have a greater influence if he had more deliveries to deal with.
“It was challenging to communicate [about] the strategy for batting in the middle tonight and to gain some clarity since the innings would have ended if we had lost the final wicket. Therefore, you must somewhat manage the danger. The team was assembled by our management and coaching staff with specific batting positions in mind. I’m happy because I think I’m batting well right now and can help. However, I have faith in the coach to place me where I can succeed. It’s crucial to score runs if I have the chance to face more balls, like I did today when the team needed me to. He said, “I won’t be asking the coaches too many of those questions.”
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