Mullanpur, May 30(HS): Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their place in the IPL 2025 final by defeating Punjab Kings by eight wickets on Thursday. This marks the fourth time the Bangalore team has reached the final. After this victory, captain Rajat Patidar thanked the fans, stating that wherever the team plays, it feels like they are playing on their home ground. Please continue to support us like this.

After the match, captain Rajat Patidar praised the bowlers, saying, We were clear about our strategies, especially in bowling. The fast bowlers made good use of the pitch. SuYash bowled very well with great line and length. I am always clear about his role – he just has to aim for the stumps. Reading his googly is not easy for the batsmen. I don’t give him too many instructions so that he doesn’t get confused.

Patidar further said, The way Phil Salt starts the innings is something to watch. I am a huge fan of his. I am always grateful to RCB fans – wherever we play, it feels like we are playing on our home ground. Please continue to support us like this.Phil Salt, who remained unbeaten on 56 runs, said, I feel very good. The ball was moving a bit, but this wasn’t the worst pitch of the season. One thought was running through my mind – 'Don’t get out to Arshdeep.' He has dismissed me in different ways twice in the league stage, so I focused on reacting to the ball.He added, I told coach Andy Flower before the match that the journey and the break might work in our favor. Now with this win, we have gained the necessary momentum, which is crucial at this stage of the tournament.

Player of the Match, leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, broke Punjab's backbone with 3 wickets in 4 overs. He said, I just did what the coach had planned. I felt very good while bowling today. I felt that no one could read my googly, which boosted my confidence. We took it like a normal match and didn’t put pressure on ourselves like in the semifinals.

He also mentioned, I have been given just one role in the team: to attack the stumps.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar