PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025: Who Was The Unsung Hero As Bengaluru Beat Punjab In Chandigarh?

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PBKS vs RCB: Virat Kohli's unbeaten 73 and Devdutt Padikkal's explosive 61 laid the foundation for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to cruise to a 7-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 37th match of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

But while the headlines may focus on the batting brilliance, it was Krunal Pandya's silent but significant bowling effort that turned the tide in RCB's favor.

PBKS Innings: A Promising Start Crumbles Under Pressure

Punjab Kings, after being put in to bat, got off to a fiery start with Priyansh Arya (22 off 15) and Prabhsimran Singh (33 off 17) going on the attack early. The duo raced to 42 inside the powerplay, putting pressure on the RCB bowlers. That's when Krunal Pandya, the experienced left-arm spinner, stepped in and quietly stole the momentum away.

Krunal dismissed both openers - Arya and Prabhsimran - in quick succession, disrupting Punjab's rhythm. His ability to vary pace and extract grip from the surface was crucial in dragging things back for RCB just when PBKS looked set for a 180-plus total.

He finished with figures of 4-0-25-2, not only dismissing two set batters but also applying the brakes at a critical juncture. His spell might not make the headlines, but it was the turning point that kept Punjab to a modest 157/6.

Josh Inglis (29 off 17) and Shashank Singh (31 off 33)* were the only other contributors of note as the middle-order collapsed under sustained pressure. Suyash Sharma (2/26) and Romario Shepherd (1/18) also chipped in, but it was Krunal's early double-strike that broke PBKS's back.

RCB Innings: Kohli's Calm and Padikkal's Punch

Chasing 158, RCB lost Philip Salt (1) in the first over to Arshdeep Singh, but that proved to be the only early joy for PBKS. From there on, it was a Kohli-Padikkal show.

Virat Kohli, leading from the front, remained unbeaten on 73 off 54 balls, showcasing his signature poise, precision, and placement. At the other end, Devdutt Padikkal was all aggression, hammering 61 off 35 balls, with 5 fours and 4 sixes. Their 103-run stand ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.

After Padikkal and Rajat Patidar (12 off 13) fell in the latter stages, Jitesh Sharma (11 off 8)* ensured the chase was wrapped up comfortably with 7 wickets in hand and 7 balls to spare.

The Unsung Hero: Krunal Pandya

While Kohli and Padikkal will deservedly hog the limelight, Krunal Pandya's spell deserves special recognition. Coming in during the powerplay, he dismissed both openers, swung the momentum back in RCB's favor, and kept things tight in the middle overs when Punjab was looking to accelerate.

His smart variations, tight lines, and match awareness set the tone for the rest of the bowling unit - a classic case of an all-rounder delivering impact even without wielding the bat.