In a clash brimming with intensity and stakes, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 to storm into their first Indian Premier League (IPL) final in nearly a decade. But the real headline wasn’t just the margin of victory—it was the behind-the-scenes brilliance of former captain Virat Kohli, who unofficially resumed command, steering RCB with tactical precision.
Also Read:- Virat Kohli Says Goodbye to Test Cricket After 14 Iconic Years
Kohli’s Invisible Crown
Though Rajat Patidar was officially named captain for the day, it was Kohli who led the charge, controlling field placements, issuing quick-fire instructions, and advising bowlers on the fly. His on-field dominance brought back echoes of his captaincy days, as he operated like a chess grandmaster, reading the game and orchestrating PBKS’ collapse.
From repositioning fielders to adjusting bowling plans based on pitch behavior, Kohli’s involvement was magnetic. His sharp cricketing brain turned a modest bowling attack into an unrelenting force.
Also Read:- Virat Kohli House: Address | Interior | Cars | Trending News
Punjab Kings’ Strategy Misfires
PBKS opted for an all-out attacking game plan—one that backfired horribly on a pitch offering seam and bounce. Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17), and Yash Dayal (2/26) exploited the conditions beautifully, but it was Kohli’s field settings that truly squeezed the life out of PBKS’ innings.
The top order crumbled under pressure:
- Priyansh Arya was lured into a false drive and fell early.
- Prabhsimran Singh showed promise but edged one to the keeper in a pivotal moment.
- Captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS’ dependable pillar, tried to counter-attack but perished attempting a wild slog.
Within the Powerplay, Punjab were gasping at 48/4. The middle-order collapse followed swiftly.
Also Read:- Shikhar Dhawan Buys ₹69 Crore Ultra-Luxury Apartment in DLF The Dahlias, Gurugram
Suyash Sharma Seals the Deal
RCB’s leg-spinner Suyash Sharma cashed in on the chaos with a tidy 3/17, punishing PBKS batters’ poor shot selection. Even debutant Musheer Khan, brought in as an Impact Player, couldn’t resist Sharma’s guile and fell victim to a googly.
The entire PBKS innings wrapped up for a dismal 101 in just 14.1 overs at their home ground in Mullanpur.
Also Read:- Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket: What It Means for Team India and Who Could Be the Next Captain
Salt Finishes in Style
RCB’s reply was as brutal as their bowling. Phil Salt tore through the bowling attack, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls. Kohli, who had done the heavy lifting with his leadership, managed only 12 with the bat—but it didn’t matter. RCB chased down the total in just 10 overs, securing a thumping win.
What’s Next?
PBKS aren’t entirely out of the title race—they await the result of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. A win there could set up a potential rematch with RCB in the final.
Also Read:- Vaibhav Suryavanshi House: Address | Price | Interior | Trending News
In a clash brimming with intensity and stakes, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 to storm into their first Indian Premier League (IPL) final in nearly a decade. But the real headline wasn’t just the margin of victory—it was the behind-the-scenes brilliance of former captain Virat Kohli, who unofficially resumed command, steering RCB with tactical precision.
Also Read:- Virat Kohli Says Goodbye to Test Cricket After 14 Iconic Years
Kohli’s Invisible Crown
Though Rajat Patidar was officially named captain for the day, it was Kohli who led the charge, controlling field placements, issuing quick-fire instructions, and advising bowlers on the fly. His on-field dominance brought back echoes of his captaincy days, as he operated like a chess grandmaster, reading the game and orchestrating PBKS’ collapse.
From repositioning fielders to adjusting bowling plans based on pitch behavior, Kohli’s involvement was magnetic. His sharp cricketing brain turned a modest bowling attack into an unrelenting force.
Also Read:- Virat Kohli House: Address | Interior | Cars | Trending News
Punjab Kings’ Strategy Misfires
PBKS opted for an all-out attacking game plan—one that backfired horribly on a pitch offering seam and bounce. Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17), and Yash Dayal (2/26) exploited the conditions beautifully, but it was Kohli’s field settings that truly squeezed the life out of PBKS’ innings.
The top order crumbled under pressure:
- Priyansh Arya was lured into a false drive and fell early.
- Prabhsimran Singh showed promise but edged one to the keeper in a pivotal moment.
- Captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS’ dependable pillar, tried to counter-attack but perished attempting a wild slog.
Within the Powerplay, Punjab were gasping at 48/4. The middle-order collapse followed swiftly.
Also Read:- Shikhar Dhawan Buys ₹69 Crore Ultra-Luxury Apartment in DLF The Dahlias, Gurugram
Suyash Sharma Seals the Deal
RCB’s leg-spinner Suyash Sharma cashed in on the chaos with a tidy 3/17, punishing PBKS batters’ poor shot selection. Even debutant Musheer Khan, brought in as an Impact Player, couldn’t resist Sharma’s guile and fell victim to a googly.
The entire PBKS innings wrapped up for a dismal 101 in just 14.1 overs at their home ground in Mullanpur.
Also Read:- Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket: What It Means for Team India and Who Could Be the Next Captain
Salt Finishes in Style
RCB’s reply was as brutal as their bowling. Phil Salt tore through the bowling attack, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls. Kohli, who had done the heavy lifting with his leadership, managed only 12 with the bat—but it didn’t matter. RCB chased down the total in just 10 overs, securing a thumping win.
What’s Next?
PBKS aren’t entirely out of the title race—they await the result of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. A win there could set up a potential rematch with RCB in the final.
Also Read:- Vaibhav Suryavanshi House: Address | Price | Interior | Trending News
