"If RCB qualify for the playoffs"- Ambati Rayudu's jaw-dropping Chinnaswamy Stadium assessment

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s hopes of making the IPL 2025 playoffs have taken a hit after suffering three straight defeats at home. Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu raised concerns over their form at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, adding that failing to secure home wins could dent their playoff push.

Punjab Kings clinched a five-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, April 18. RCB suffered their third straight home defeat of the season. They managed to score just 95 runs in 14 overs in a rain-curtailed game, which Punjab chased down with 11 balls to spare.

The Playoffs Are in Hyderabad and Kolkata - Ambati Rayudu Warns RCB

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Ambati Rayudu shared concerns about Royal Challengers Bengaluru's poor form at home in IPL 2025. Ambati Rayudu emphasized that teams need to win their home matches. However, Ambati Rayudu added that if RCB do manage to qualify, they could be serious title contenders.

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"I think whatever is happening at home can cost them a playoff place because they have to win at home. You can't win all your away games—other teams are also getting better every day. But if they qualify, they'll have a very, very good chance because the playoffs are in Hyderabad and Kolkata," Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo.

A cloud over RCB's playoff place?#TimeOut pic.twitter.com/oD6AR74sB5

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 19, 2025

PBKS Pacers Dismantle RCB’s Top Order in Powerplay

PBKS dismantled RCB’s top order, reducing them to 42/7 within nine overs. Arshdeep Singh set the tone by removing Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marco Jansen also opened their wicket columns, as the Punjab bowlers continued to apply pressure on the RCB batters.

Rajat Patidar (23) showed some resistance before RCB crumbled to 63/9. Tim David smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 26 balls, counter-attacking with three consecutive sixes off Harpreet Brar in the 14th over. David helped RCB reach a more respectable total, giving their bowlers a slim chance.

Tim David Named Player of the Match for 50 and Two Catches

Chasing a 96-run target, Prabhsimran Singh gave Punjab a strong start with consecutive boundaries off Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However, he was dismissed for 13. Priyansh Arya (16) followed shortly after, being removed by Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood then took the wickets of skipper Shreyas Iyer (7) and Josh Inglis (14) in the same over, leaving Punjab shaky at 56/4 after 8 overs. However, Nehal Wadhera played a composed and aggressive knock, finishing unbeaten on 33 off 19 balls.

Wadhera took on Suyash Sharma, smashing him for a four and a six in the ninth over, and followed up with two more boundaries in the next over. Marcus Stoinis (7*) sealed the win with a six over wide long-on off Yash Dayal.

Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru's defeat, Tim David was named Player of the Match for his vital 50* and two catches in the field.

Punjab Kings climbed to second place in the points table after their fifth victory in seven matches. The two teams will meet again on April 20 at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh for the reverse fixture.

Also read: Ambati Rayudu creates fresh controversy involving Sunil Narine and Jasprit Bumrah