Rajat Patidar credits bowlers, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal for RCB's dominant win vs PBKS

The Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against the Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 37th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Sunday, April 20.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 7 wickets with 7 balls remaining in the high-voltage match of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

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Credit goes to the bowlers - Rajat Patidar

RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first in the match. The RCB bowling unit did a terrific job and restricted PBKS to 157/6 in 20 overs, with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling exceptionally well in death overs despite going wicketless.

Chasing the target, Virat Kohli (73*) and Devdutt Padikkal (61) showcased batting brilliance and steered RCB to a victory in the 19th over.

During the post-match presentation ceremony, RCB captain Rajat Patidar said that Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal batted brilliantly and lauded his bowlers as well. He said:

"Credit goes to the bowlers. Dev and Kohli, the way they executed their plans. The bowlers chipped in at different stages; the way they executed their plans was beautiful.

I want to win a toss there (Chinnaswamy) - Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar revealed that the message given to bowlers during the first innings was to bowl tight lines. He also expressed delight over his team's fielding efforts. He said:

"Had to bowl tight lines as the wicket was a little slow. That was the message to all the bowlers. We had a chat last night about our fielding. Everyone put in their efforts and that was beautiful."

Rajat Patidar signed off by saying that he wants to win the toss in the home game. He elaborated:

"I want to win a toss there (Chinnaswamy). We will try to play good cricket at our home ground, we will try to rectify our mistakes there."

How did RCB perform in the previous IPL match against PBKS?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a forgettable outing at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18, as they faced a five-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings in a rain-shortened 14-overs-a-side encounter.

Put in to bat, RCB were kept under pressure throughout the innings by the Punjab Kings ' bowling unit. RCB lost Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Liam Livingstone cheaply in the powerplay overs. The middle order also failed as PBKS spinners shone to leave the home side reeling at 42 for 7 by the 8th over.

While wickets kept falling at one end and RCB were reduced to 63/9, Tim David emerged asthe lone warrior for RCB. He counter-attacked with a brilliant 50* off just 26 deliveries, helping RCB post a respectable 95/9 on the board.

In the second innings, Josh Hazlewood raised hopes of RCB's win with a fiery 3-wicket spell, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in with two wickets to reduce PBKS to 81 for 5.

However, Nehal Wadhera played a composed knock of 33* runs off 19 balls to help Punjab Kings cross the finish line with 11 balls to spare.