Virat Kohli notched up his third consecutive fifty in a run-chase during IPL 2025, with an unbeaten 73 playing a crucial role in RCB preserving their flawless chasing record this season. His innings also contributed to their continued dominance on the road. With a convincing seven-wicket win over Punjab Kings, RCB secured their fifth away victory of the campaign and remain unbeaten in away fixtures. The result lifted them to third place on the IPL 2025 points table, while Punjab’s momentum was halted following two successive wins.
The contrasting approach to spin in the middle overs proved decisive. Punjab crumbled, losing five wickets between overs 6 and 15, while RCB managed to lose just one. Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal—who also scored a half-century—kept the scoreboard ticking during this phase, preventing PBKS from applying the kind of pressure RCB had earlier exerted.
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Punjab Openers Start Strong but RCB Strike Back Through Spin
Punjab Kings’ openers wasted little time settling in after being asked to bat first. Although Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded just two runs in the opening over, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh quickly found their rhythm, smashing 39 runs in the next three overs as boundaries began to flow.
In response, RCB turned to spin, introducing Krunal Pandya into the attack—a move that paid off instantly. The left-arm spinner dismissed Arya, who perished while attempting a big shot, halting Punjab’s momentum. However, Prabhsimran kept up the aggression, notably scooping Josh Hazlewood for a six as PBKS looked to regain control.
RCB Spinners Tighten the Grip as Punjab Lose Their Way
RCB’s spinners took control of the game right after the powerplay, derailing Punjab Kings’ innings with timely strikes. Prabhsimran Singh was the first to fall, caught in the deep attempting to attack Krunal Pandya. The very next over saw Shreyas Iyer miscue a big shot off Romario Shepherd, resulting in a sharp catch by Pandya, who showcased great awareness in the field. A disastrous mix-up between Nehal Wadhera and Josh Inglis led to another blow, with Wadhera run out cheaply.
The pressure built rapidly, as PBKS managed just eight runs in the first two overs after the powerplay, and their first boundary only came in the fifth over of that phase. Just when a recovery seemed possible through a brisk 36-run partnership between Inglis and Shashank Singh, Suyash Sharma struck. He bowled Inglis with a delivery that beat him for length as he backed away, then followed it up with a peach of a googly to clean up Marcus Stoinis.
Krunal Pandya wrapped up his spell with tidy figures of 2/25, while Suyash’s double strike in one over left PBKS in disarray. The spin duo’s clinical performance ensured RCB stayed firmly in control.
Pinpoint Yorkers Seal the Deal as PBKS Crawl at the Death
RCB maintained their stranglehold in the death overs, building on the spinners’ earlier strangle to stifle any hopes of a late flourish from Punjab Kings. With key batters already back in the pavilion, Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen were left with the responsibility but found themselves handcuffed by the situation and RCB’s clinical execution.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood were relentless, nailing their yorkers with precision and offering no room for free scoring. As a result, PBKS could manage just two boundaries in the final five overs—both sixes by Jansen. The duo gave away only 28 runs in the four overs they shared at the death, underlining RCB’s dominance. A last-ball six by Jansen slightly dented the figures, but the damage was already done as PBKS limped to a below-par finish of 157.
RCB Balance Caution with Intent in Steady Start
RCB approached the chase of 158 with calculated aggression, aware that the surface didn’t lend itself to an all-out attack from the outset. The early loss of Phil Salt—dismissed via a sharp bouncer from Arshdeep Singh in the opening over—meant they were without their most explosive powerplay batter. Yet, Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli ensured the scoring momentum was never lost.
Kohli kickstarted the innings with a crisp pull shot and a flowing straight drive, collecting early boundaries to settle in. Padikkal complemented him well, smartly selecting his strokes—using the ramp and pull effectively to keep the scoreboard ticking. In the final over of the powerplay, Kohli shifted gears, taking on Marco Jansen for 12 runs to firmly place RCB in control of the chase.
Kohli-Padikkal Partnership Keeps RCB on Track
In stark contrast to Punjab’s collapse in the middle overs, RCB’s response was built on a composed yet effective 103-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal that kept the chase firmly in control. Both batters registered half-centuries, blending watchfulness with well-timed aggression to ensure there were no hiccups along the way.
Padikkal, ending a long wait for his first IPL fifty in 22 innings, reached the milestone in just 30 balls. A crucial 13-run over off Marcus Stoinis served as the turning point, giving the duo the momentum they had been building towards. While they treated Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal with caution—despite Padikkal welcoming Chahal with a six—they executed their plans efficiently. Xavier Bartlett, too, came in for some punishment during a quiet spell that still saw RCB keep the run rate in check.
Padikkal eventually fell for a fluent 35-ball 61, mistiming one to long-on off Brar, but by then, the job was mostly done. Kohli, meanwhile, brought up his 59th IPL half-century off 43 deliveries and continued to steer the innings with calm assurance.
Kohli Stays Calm as RCB Cruise to Comfortable Finish
With just 158 to chase, RCB faced no major hurdles in the final stretch thanks to Virat Kohli’s steady acceleration at the right time. Targeting Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, Kohli found key boundaries that kept the required rate well within reach.
His 34-run partnership with Rajat Patidar helped RCB maintain composure and control in the closing stages. Even though Patidar fell to Chahal with only a few runs left, the result was never in doubt. Jitesh Sharma sealed the win in style, launching a towering six that not only secured victory but also gave RCB a measure of revenge after their earlier loss to Punjab at home.
What’s Next for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru now return to their home turf, where they will face a stern test against Rajasthan Royals on April 24. With momentum on their side and an unbeaten record in chases, RCB will be keen to extend their winning run in front of their home fans.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, get a five-day breather to regroup and reassess. Their next challenge comes on April 26 when they travel to Eden Gardens to take on Kolkata Knight Riders—a fixture that will demand a much more clinical performance if they are to bounce back.
Read More: East Bengal Part Ways with Cleiton Silva After Fallout with Coach Oscar Bruzon Ahead of Super Cup
FAQs
How did Virat Kohli perform in RCB’s run chase against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025?
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 73, registering his third consecutive fifty in a chase this season. His knock was crucial in helping RCB maintain their perfect record while chasing.
What was the turning point in RCB’s bowling against Punjab Kings?
RCB’s spinners dominated the middle overs, with Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya picking up key wickets. Punjab lost five wickets between overs 6-15, derailing their momentum.
How did Devdutt Padikkal contribute to RCB’s victory over PBKS?
Devdutt Padikkal scored a brisk 61 off 35 balls, forming a 103-run partnership with Kohli. It was his first IPL fifty in 22 innings and came at a crucial time in the chase.
What role did RCB’s death bowling play in restricting PBKS?
RCB’s death bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, delivered pinpoint yorkers, conceding only 28 runs in the final four overs and allowing just two boundaries.
What are the next matches for RCB and PBKS in IPL 2025?
RCB will face Rajasthan Royals at home on April 24, while PBKS have a five-day break before playing Kolkata Knight Riders away on April 26.
