Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, chasing down a 200-plus target with a decisive batting display led by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. Kohli made 81 off 44 balls and Padikkal struck 55 off 27 as the pair forged a match-changing 115-run stand in 59 deliveries, shifting momentum firmly towards Bengaluru. Krunal Pandya then wrapped up the chase with a quick 23 off 12, sealing the win with the finishing flourish needed for a successful pursuit.
Speaking after the result, Krunal Pandya said, “Anything above 200 is always a tough chase because you have to keep going at almost 10 runs per over. The way Virat and Dev (Devdutt Padikkal) batted, some of those shots were unbelievable. I’m glad I could contribute and finish the game; nothing beats getting those two points.”
RCB also showed a strong response with the ball at the end of the innings, limiting GT to just over 200 despite the Titans starting well.
Krunal added, “It was a really good wicket to bat on, but to restrict them from a position where they were almost 170 for one or two to 205 was a very commanding effort. Credit goes to all the bowlers; everyone stepped up when it mattered.”
Padikkal explained RCB’s approach during the chase, saying, “We knew we had to build a big partnership and put the team in a strong position. Once we got the start, it was about taking it as deep as possible and making sure we kept the pressure on the opposition.”
The win also brought RCB’s regular-season campaign at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to a close. Padikkal expressed appreciation for the supporters, praising the atmosphere they create. “Fans, thank you so much. You guys are really, really special. Every single game you turn up and really get behind the side no matter what,” he said.
In a separate landmark, Virat Kohli reached 800 fours and 300 sixes in the IPL. He now owns the record for the most fours in IPL history and is third on the all-time six-hitting list, behind Chris Gayle and Rohit Sharma. Kohli is also closing in on 9,000 IPL runs.
