IPL 2025 Match 37 PBKS vs RCB Key Takeaways
- RCB defeated PBKS by seven wickets in Match 37 of IPL 2025, successfully avenging their earlier loss.
- Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal both scored impressive half-centuries to anchor the chase.
- Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya picked up two wickets each to restrict PBKS to 157 runs.
- A strong comeback by RCB showcased their adaptability and dominance under pressure.
- With this victory, RCB reignited their campaign momentum in the latter half of the tournament.
Match Summary
In a gripping turnaround during Match 37 of the TATA IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated PBKS by seven wickets, reasserting their strength after a loss to the same side just days earlier in Bengaluru. The match, held at the newly-built cricket stadium in New Chandigarh, saw a disciplined bowling effort followed by a clinical chase—led by the veteran maestro Virat Kohli and young gun Devdutt Padikkal.
PBKS Started Strong But Lost Their Way
The Punjab Kings, having won the toss previously, found themselves put into bat this time by RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who sought to reverse the script from their last encounter.
PBKS openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh came out swinging. After a cautious first over against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, which yielded only two runs, they unleashed fury in the second, taking 17 runs off Yash Dayal.
Prabhsimran’s aggressive intent continued into the third over as he struck three boundaries off Bhuvneshwar, maintaining the team’s momentum. PBKS posted 62/1 at the end of the powerplay, their highest against RCB this season—a commanding start by all standards.
Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma Pulled Things Back
Just when it seemed PBKS would put up a daunting total, Krunal Pandya broke the flow by dismissing Arya in the fifth over. After the powerplay, he struck again, removing Prabhsimran and turning the tide in RCB’s favor.
The real collapse began shortly after. Romario Shepherd, making his RCB debut, made an immediate impression by dismissing PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, thanks to a superb sprinting catch by Krunal. The very next over witnessed a comical run-out of Nehal Wadhera, where both batsmen found themselves at the same end—a fielding relay that showcased RCB’s sharpness.
From 62/1, PBKS slipped to 76/4, and their innings never quite recovered.
Middle Order Collapsed Under Pressure
Josh Inglis tried to counter-attack with a spirited 29 off 17 balls, but Suyash Sharma dismantled the PBKS lower-middle order with a double-wicket over—clean bowling Inglis and Marcus Stoinis.
Marco Jansen contributed a late 25 off 20, while Shashank Singh bowled a cautious 31 not out (33 balls). However, RCB’s bowling unit, particularly in the death overs, maintained tight lines and conceded only 29 runs in the final four overs. PBKS managed a below-par 157/6 in 20 overs, well under what their start had promised.
Kohli and Padikkal Anchored the Chase with Flair
RCB’s chase got off to a wobbly start as Phil Salt once again fell to Arshdeep Singh, dismissed in the very first over, just as he had in their previous clash.
But that would be PBKS’s last real celebration.
Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal took command with a mix of calm assurance and attacking flair. By absorbing early pressure and deftly countering it, RCB ended the powerplay comfortably at 54/1.
Padikkal played one of his finest knocks of the season, reaching his first half-century of IPL 2025. He scored a fluent 61 off 35 deliveries, peppered with elegant drives and confident pulls. Though Harpreet Brar eventually dismissed him, his 103-run partnership with Kohli had already done irreparable damage to PBKS’s hopes.
Virat Kohli’s Masterclass in Chase Management
Once again, Kohli showed why he remains the ultimate chase master. Calm, composed, and clinical, he reached his 67th 50+ score in IPL history, more than any other player in the league.
With impeccable shot selection and effortless timing, he guided RCB home with an unbeaten 73 off 54 balls, ending the chase in 18.5 overs with the scoreboard reading 158/3.
This was classic Kohli—anchoring an innings without ever looking out of rhythm and finishing the job with precision.
Conclusion
RCB’s seven-wicket victory over PBKS in New Chandigarh was more than just a win—it was a statement. It underlined their ability to bounce back under pressure, adapt tactically, and execute plans to perfection. From Suyash Sharma’s timely breakthroughs to Padikkal’s resurgence and Kohli’s evergreen brilliance, the night belonged to RCB. As the league moves into its critical phase, this victory could prove pivotal for Bengaluru’s playoff hopes. For PBKS, it’s back to the drawing board—once again.
