IPL 2025: Fans go wild as Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal’s brilliance hands RCB a dominant win over Punjab Kings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a commanding performance to defeat Punjab Kings by 7 wickets with seven balls to spare in the 37th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at Mullanpur. Chasing 158, RCB rode on a sensational 109-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal to hunt down the target in just 18.5 overs. Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 73 off 54 balls, while Padikkal provided the perfect boost with a blazing 61 off 35 balls. Earlier, Punjab struggled after a brisk start, managing only 157/6 in their 20 overs despite a solid opening stand.
RCB’s top order powers a clinical chase led by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal
RCB’s pursuit began on a shaky note as Phil Salt departed cheaply in the first over, caught behind for just 1. However, the innings soon stabilized as Kohli and Padikkal combined to pile pressure on the PBKS bowlers. Padikkal was the aggressor, playing fearless cricket with five fours and four sixes en route to his 30-ball fifty. His proactive intent took RCB past 100 in just 11.4 overs. Kohli, on the other hand, rotated strike smartly and unleashed big hits when needed. After Padikkal’s dismissal, Rajat Patidar chipped in with 12 before falling to Yuzvendra Chahal, but Kohli held firm. Jitesh Sharma’s late cameo ensured there were no hiccups as RCB reached 159/3 with ease. Notably, Kohli’s composure and experience stood out, while Padikkal’s clean hitting proved decisive in setting up the chase.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli’s ice-cold celebration after running out Nehal Wadhera in PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 clash
Punjab Kings’ momentum lost after aggressive start
PBKS started aggressively, reaching 62/1 within the powerplay, thanks to Priyansh Arya (22 off 15) and Prabhsimran Singh (33 off 17). But once the duo departed, the middle order collapsed under pressure. Captain Shreyas Iyer’s struggle continued as he managed only 6 runs off 10 balls, while Josh Inglis showed promise with a 17-ball 29 before falling to Suyash Sharma. The lower order couldn’t provide much momentum either. Shashank Singh (31 not out off 33) and Marco Jansen (25 not out off 20) played useful hands but failed to accelerate. RCB’s bowling unit, led by Krunal Pandya (2/25) and Suyash Sharma (2/26), applied the brakes effectively. With no significant partnerships post the powerplay, PBKS fell nearly 15-20 runs short on a decent surface. Despite the strong start, their inability to convert it into a big total proved costly.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Devdutt Paddikal’s footwork has lot more clarity this season. Overall More balanced too. Consistently scoring runs for RCB 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 20, 2025
Typical Kohli chase. These targets are bread and butter for him.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 20, 2025
When Virat Kohli remains not out in a run chase, he makes sures to make his team win. The real finisher! pic.twitter.com/4fL57AHSXp
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) April 20, 2025
Kohli without helmet is my favorite version of Kohli 💉🔥 pic.twitter.com/NvD5QAUweU
— Kevin (@imkevin149) April 20, 2025
Death.
Taxes.
Virat Kohli in a runchase. 👑 pic.twitter.com/joz9aC9v8r— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 20, 2025
Kohli running 4 runs at 36 basically sums up his insane run in ODIs. It’s funny people come up with those selfish narratives cuz it’s that approach which held the middle order together all these years. Minimizing the risk but keeping the scorecard ticking at the same time.
— D.⛅ (@Deep_Take001) April 20, 2025
Good knock Paddikal, this is a tricky surface. Could have gone either way with Brar and Chahal against this spin suspect line up
— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) April 20, 2025
Happy that DDP is fulfilling the role that quite a few of us saw coming!
The bridge between the openers and Rajat. He’s batted with the right intent, hope he gets the support when he has a few bad games too! #IPL2025
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) April 20, 2025
Played Padikkal. Superb 👏🏼
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) April 20, 2025
Revenge successfully taken by RCB 💪#PBKSvsRCB #IPL2025
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/SNoE88TK2g #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/nDDQo4fDco— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 20, 2025
Also WATCH: Suyash Sharma cleans up Marcus Stoinis with an unplayable googly | PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2025
