IPL 2025, RCB vs PBKS: Virat Kohli the chase master steers Royal Challengers Bengaluru to clinical win

Chandigarh: Virat Kohli stamped his authority yet again as the undisputed chase master, crafting an unbeaten 73 to steer Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a comfortable 7-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2025 clash at the Yadavindra Singh International Stadium here on Sunday.

Chasing 158, Kohli displayed his signature composure and class, anchoring the innings after the early dismissal of Phil Salt. He shared a 103-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal, who blazed his way to 61 off just 35 balls, dismantling the PBKS bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries and a towering six to bring up his fifty.

While Padikkal fell trying to take on Harpreet Brar, Kohli kept the chase firmly in RCB’s grip. The former India captain reached his 59th IPL half-century with minimal fuss, unfurling a range of fluent strokes, including a lofted six over Yuzvendra Chahal and a whipped boundary through mid-wicket. He also survived a run-out scare in the 16th over during a mix-up with skipper Rajat Patidar.

Though Patidar departed for a cautious 12, RCB were well on course. Jitesh Sharma, sent up the order, sealed the deal with a thumping six off Nehal Wadhera in the 19th over, as Kohli remained unbeaten at the other end.

Earlier, Punjab struggled to capitalise on a decent start, finishing at 157 for 6. Krunal Pandya (2/25) and Suyash Sharma (2/26) dented the middle order, while Marco Jansen (25* off 20) and Shashank Singh (31* off 33) added valuable runs at the death.

Among the PBKS bowlers, Brar (1/27) and Chahal (1/36) managed breakthroughs, while Arshdeep Singh impressed early on but lacked support as Kohli and Padikkal dominated the middle overs.

The win gives RCB much-needed momentum in their campaign, while PBKS are left ruing another inconsistent batting display and lacklustre middle-overs bowling.

Brief Scores:

PBKS 157/6 (Prabhsimran 33, Jansen 25*; Krunal 2/25, Suyash 2/26)

RCB 159/3 in 18.3 overs (Padikkal 61, Kohli 73*; Brar 1/27, Chahal 1/36)

Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 7 wickets.