Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 24: Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal led Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s charge with composed half-centuries, amassing a formidable 205/5 in their 20 overs versus Rajasthan Royals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing their maiden home victory of IPL 2025, RCB’s openers combined for a dazzling 95-run partnership: Kohli struck 70 and Padikkal compiled 50.
Despite early fire from Jofra Archer, Kohli and Phil Salt navigated the opening overs skillfully, ending the power-play at 59 without loss. Salt’s stay was cut short by a miscued sweep to Wanindu Hasaranga, but Kohli plundered his way to a rapid fifty off just 32 balls, punctuating his innings with powerful drives and deft whips.
Padikkal, meanwhile, exhibited elegance and aggression—sweeping, pulling, and drilling deliveries through the off-side. Granted a reprieve on 28 when Tushar Deshpande spilled a catch, he capitalized ruthlessly, lofting and slicing his way to a 26-ball fifty that featured back-to-back sixes.
Rajasthan’s decision to reintroduce Archer proved fruitful as he dismissed Kohli, who skimmed a slower delivery to cover, ending the threatening stand. The second new ball then triggered a mini-collapse: Padikkal holed out to mid-off, followed swiftly by Rajat Patidar’s edge to the keeper.
In the final flourish, Tim David (23*) and Jitesh Sharma (20*) whipped up brisk cameos—David carving and lofting to keep the scoreboard ticking, and Sharma innovating with delicate flicks and punches. Their efforts propelled RCB past the 200-mark for the first time at home this season.
Brief Scores
• RCB: 205/5 (20 overs)
o Virat Kohli 70, Devdutt Padikkal 50, Tim David 23*, Jitesh Sharma 20*
• RR: Yet to bat