RCB ROCK: Bengaluru boys storm into IPL final with massive win against Punjab Kings

No, don’t mock RCB. No, don’t say they choke and are over-hyped, year after year in the Indian Premier League. On Thursday night in Mullanpur, Rajat Patidar’s boys produced an explosive performance against Punjab Kings to storm into the 2025 IPL final. It will be held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3.

Phew, what a sigh of relief. No, don’t say that, for Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned on the heat and won a big match which such arrogance and assurance, the dream of lifting the IPL Trophy is a reality. For those who have mocked the RCB side for failing to win the title for 18 years, you have to admire the way they have played this season.

It was defining, nay, sheer domination, as they shoved Punjab Kings into dirt at the Mullanpur venue, chosen as a second option after Operation Sindoor and early monsoon had forced early rains and a change in venue. For RCB, this was not a home ground. For Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, this was familiar terrain. What one saw from RCB was intent and that mentality to peak levels above usual self to crush Punjab Kings by eight wickets. For those who say the IPL is about big hitting and massive runs and tons, the show stealers for RCB were their bowlers.

Just two days back, legend R.Ashwin had posted a cryptic post on social media as to how bowlers suffer and none cares about them. Indeed, Ashwin may have ben pleased as punch that the RCB bowlers delivered the KO punch to flatten Punjab Kings. The return of Josh Hazlewood was defining as he took important wickets, including that of Shreyas Iyer. Add to it the spin tricks of Suyash Sharma, a leg break bowler who grabbed three wickets, RCB knocked the stuffing out of the Punjab side.

One has seen leg spinners willing to take risks and bowl in the IPL. Where Suyash comes across as different is he follows the prescription given by the RCB team management, of which even DK – Dinesh Karthik – is an integral part. Youngs Suyash, just 22, from Delhi, showed he bowls an attacking line to bamboozle the Punjab batters. This was a large heart and cunning, as RCB peaked.

For those who may have missed out, at one point of time, RCB were struggling with the bowling combo. At least, that is what one was given to understand by social media experts. What people tend to forget is the IPL is long drawn. One has to sustain form over 14 league matches, where, this time, a break in schedule also had to be factored because of Operation Sindoor. Such a stoppage breaks rhythm. No, not for RCB, who were lucky to get back Josh Hazlewood in their bowling attack. Josh was superb and typical Aussie style, ready to fire on the big stage.

How RCB have peaked in the Qualifier was big. By winning this match, they can take a chill pill and prepare for vastly different conditions of the final. It does not matter who the opponent will be for RCB in the final on June 3, since they would have already started visualizing what the giant arena will be like, which is the classy Narendra Modi Stadium. Yes, RCB get rest and time to plan.

They have a great bunch who have shown in the IPL 2025 a method in planning and execution. Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB from 20028, would love to see this side peak once more, in the final. He is in a state of nirvana after retirement from Test cricket. Apart from his own batting, RCB treats Kohli as God. The champion is part of decision making and to have brought on Rajat Patidar s captain for this season has worked well.

Rajat has absorbed pressure and also learnt a lot from Kohli in leadership. Above all, to lead RCB is a honour, where in Phil Salt, the Bengaluru side has a fierce opening batter. To say that he is punitive would be stating the obvious as Phil added spice to the RCB assault with a half-ton. Salt knows, he has to come good in the final as well. Most important, RCB are playing like a team in fusion. If their massive fan base is chanting “Bring The Cup’’ that shrill cry is heard all over the world now! No matter, it be in Kannada or English.