"One more game and...": Rajat Patidar tells RCB fans to prepare for IPL 2025 glory celebrations

Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) locked horns with the Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Thursday, May 29.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh, against the Punjab Kings by 8 wickets and 60 balls remaining to seal a place in the final of the IPL 2025.

Also Read: 'Lost the battle, not the war': Shreyas Iyer declares Punjab Kings' comeback after Qualifier 1 loss

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I think we were clear in our plans - Rajat Patidar

Opting to bowl first in the match, RCB bowlers destroyed PBKS and bowled them out for 101 in 14.1 overs. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma picked up three wickets each, Yash Dayal got two wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd bagged one wicket each.

Chasing the target, Phil Salt played a brilliant knock of 56* runs. Mayank Agarwal (19), Rajat Patidar (15*), and Virat Kohli (12) also chipped in as RCB completed the run chase in 10 overs.

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Rajat Patidar said that they were clear in their plans and executed them very well. The RCB skipper Rajat Patidar also lauded young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma for his match-winning performance. He said:

"I think we were clear in our plans, how we have to bowl. I think the fast bowlers used the surface really well. The way Suyash chipped in, the way he bowled his lines and lengths, that was really good. As a captain, I am clear about his bowling. He has to target the stumps, that's his strength."

His wrong 'un is difficult to read for the batters - Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar added that reading the googly of Suyash Sharma is very tough, and they have given the leg-spinner free hand to produce wicket-taking deliveries even if he goes for runs. He said:

"His wrong 'un is difficult to read for the batters. I always want to give him clear ideas, I don't want to confuse him. I am okay if he concedes a few runs (in the process.)

Rajat Patidar further said that they were not bothered by not getting a lot of time to train for the PBKS clash and showered rich praise on Phil Salt. He said:

"We have had a lot of practice sessions throughout the tournament, so one day of not practicing won't harm you. The way he (Salt) is batting in most of the matches. The way he is giving starts, I am a big fan of him. It's a treat to watch him from the dugout. That's really good."

In the end, Patidar sent a heartwarming message to RCB fans, saying that they are one win away from IPL glory and want to celebrate it with the fans. He said:

"I always thank RCB fans, not only in Chinnaswamy, but wherever we go we feel it's our home ground. We love you, so keep supporting us. One more game and let's celebrate together."

RCB defeated PBKS in their previous IPL clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered a 7-wicket win over Punjab Kings in their previous IPL 2025 encounter in Mullanpur on April 20.

After opting to bowl first, RCB bowlers delivered a brilliant performance to restrict PBKS to 157/6. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma impressed by taking two wickets each while Romario Shepherd got one wicket.

Chasing 158, RCB lost Phil Salt for just 1 in the opening over as Arshdeep Singh cleaned him up. However, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal didn't let RCB lose momentum and stitched up a terrific 103-run stand. Padikkal blasted 61 runs off just 35 balls while Virat Kohli hit unbeaten 73 runs off 54 deliveries. Rajat Patidar (12) and Jitesh Sharma (11*) also chipped in as RCB chased down the target in 18.5 overs.