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Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s sensational knock took PBKS past MI in Qualifier 2.
| Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI
History beckons as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings attempt to break new ground here on Tuesday.
Now into the 18th edition of the IPL, the wait for a maiden title has been long and painful for RCB and PBKS. A glorious new chapter will be written at the Narendra Modi Stadium for one of the two combatants.
Tuesday presents another chance for RCB star Virat Kohli to end his long wait for an IPL title.
| Photo Credit:
R. V. MOORTHY
For Virat Kohli, loyal to RCB from the very origins of this tournament, Tuesday presents another chance to set the record straight. Having been at the receiving end in three finals, Kohli would like to seal his legacy with a match-winning innings.
Shreyas factor
Standing at the opposite end is Shreyas Iyer, whose inspired knock on Sunday knocked heavyweight Mumbai Indians out. This grand arena is not new to Shreyas, with the Mumbaikar having led Delhi Capitals to the 2020 final, before laying his hands on the title as the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper last year.
The clinical victory over MI has turned PBKS’ abject failure in Qualifier 1 into a minor blip. RCB had run through the PBKS batting unit, but that brings little comfort to Rajat Patidar’s men. If PBKS turns up once again at full tilt, the side is near unbeatable.
RCB has thrived under the new leadership group of skipper Patidar and head coach Andy Flower. There are match-winners in every position — the sign of a truly well-oiled machine. Unlike past seasons, wherein the star players have had to bear a heavy burden, there have been contributions from all quarters this time around.
The return of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has considerably improved RCB’s chances. The Australian creates pressure with his accuracy and bounce, and could prove to be a handful if the pitch is affected by rain.
At the top of the order, Phil Salt has the magic touch. The pressure game will not affect Salt, who knows no other way than to go hammer and tongs.
Best bet
PBKS leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is the best bet to halt RCB’s scoring march. The highest wicket-taker in IPL history, Chahal will be desperate to stand on the podium as an IPL champion for the first time.
Shreyas may have stolen the limelight on Sunday, but the unit will be grateful to Nehal Wadhera for quietly making an impact.
The southpaw has the right temperament to excel in pressure situations — an invaluable quality that PBKS will call upon on Tuesday.
The consistent Josh Inglis provides ideal support to Shreyas and Wadhera.
Despite intermittent showers on Sunday, the pitch provided in excess of 400 runs on the night. PBKS and RCB have the firepower to best exploit these batting-friendly conditions. A cracker of a contest is on the cards.
Published – June 02, 2025 05:58 pm IST
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