Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a thrilling chase at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, overcoming Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a high scoring encounter. Despite a composed century from Sai Sudharsan, the visitors fell short as Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal powered RCB to victory with confidence and intent.
After being invited to bat first by skipper Rajat Patidar, Gujarat Titans started cautiously on a surface that initially offered some resistance. Sudharsan took his time early on but gradually found rhythm, reaching a fluent hundred from 58 deliveries. His knock included clever strokeplay and innovation, helping him reach the milestone in 57 balls. Along the way, he also became the fastest to 2000 IPL runs in just 47 innings, surpassing Chris Gayle.
However, Gujarat struggled to accelerate in the closing stages. Despite being well placed at 170 for 2 after 16 overs, disciplined bowling from RCB restricted the scoring rate significantly. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma applied pressure, conceding minimal runs in the crucial phase. Gujarat eventually posted 205 for 3, a competitive total but perhaps slightly below expectations considering their strong platform.
RCB’s chase began with early excitement as Jacob Bethell showed promise before falling for a quick 14. The real momentum came from Kohli and Padikkal, who stitched together a commanding 115 run partnership for the second wicket in under ten overs. Kohli, after surviving an early dropped chance, played a controlled yet aggressive innings of 81 from 44 balls. Padikkal complemented him brilliantly, smashing 55 off just 27 deliveries, putting the opposition bowlers under constant pressure.
Even Rashid Khan could not escape their attacking approach, with both batters taking calculated risks to keep the scoreboard moving rapidly. Padikkal reached his half century in just 20 balls, setting the tone for the chase.
A brief collapse saw RCB lose wickets in quick succession, leaving them needing 31 from the final four overs. However, Krunal Pandya stepped up at the crucial moment. His aggressive strokeplay eased the pressure, bringing the target within reach. He sealed the match calmly in the penultimate over, guiding the home side to victory with seven balls remaining.
This win highlights RCB’s batting depth and ability to handle pressure situations, while Gujarat Titans will reflect on missed opportunities, especially their inability to accelerate at the death.
