A long time fan-favorite Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat a table-topping Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Qualifier 1 clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on May 29. The match witnessed a collapse in the batting order by the Shreyas-Iyer led side.
Coming to bat first, Punjab Kings posted a mere total of 101 runs on the board. 8 of their batters failed to perform- as they got dismissed on a score of less than 10 runs. Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai were the only three players who scored in double digits.
After securing the victory, RCB captain Rajat Patidar came out at the post-match presentation and spoke about how he had everything planned. He even spoke about how Suyash contributed with his bowling (claiming 3 wickets), and that as a captain he was familiar with his capabilities.
“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. 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),” said Rajat in the post match conference.
Rajat even spoke about Phil Salt – who had completed a half-century in the match – praising him for providing great starts to the innings and how watching him from the dugout is a pleasure for the RCB captain.
“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. 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.” he added.
With this victory over Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have reached the finals of the IPL for the fourth time. The first three instances were in 2009, 2011 and 2016. Now the Rajat Patidar-led side will aim to lift the title for the first time as they will play in the final on June 3rd. Their opponent for the title deciding clash will be decided after the third playoff, which will be held on June 1st.
The post ‘As captain, I am clear…’: RCB captain Rajat Patidar on securing their place in the final of IPL 2025 appeared first on Cricket Country.
