Tim David sounded genuinely satisfied after his match-shaping 25-ball knock of 70 helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru post a competitive 250 for 3 against Chennai Super Kings. The Australian power-hitter credited the work he had done with RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik to better handle the conditions, while RCB captain Rajat Patidar went a step further—calling David the best finisher he has ever witnessed.
Key takeaways
- Tim David struck 70 off 25 balls, smashing eight sixes and adding three more boundaries.
- RCB finished on 250 for 3 before restricting CSK to 207 all out.
- David said his preparation under Dinesh Karthik helped him trust his process without adding extra pressure.
- Rajat Patidar praised David as a specialist and highlighted his consistency as a finisher.
- Patidar also singled out Krunal Pandya, who accounted for Sarfaraz Khan and Kartik Sharma in a single over.
- CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad accepted the blame after a third consecutive defeat.
David’s 70 and the role of preparation
After RCB’s big total and CSK’s eventual dismissal, David described the innings as a reflection of preparation rather than sudden changes. He noted that he does not alter his approach dramatically, but feels the confidence that comes from work done ahead of the match. David also pointed out that it is “nice” to collaborate with Dinesh Karthik, describing him as an experienced figure who understands how to operate in these types of conditions.
The RCB batter added that his familiarity with the IPL over “a few years” also helps—because when preparation is thorough, the performer is less likely to feel forced to produce on the day. Speaking at the post-match presentation, David stressed that the support and structure around him make execution feel more natural.
RCB’s captain praises his finisher, and CSK’s skipper looks inward
Rajat Patidar, who scored 48 off 19 balls, expressed delight at the way the chase-supporting innings unfolded. He called Tim David the best finisher he has ever seen and emphasized that the Australian brings both reliability and finishing ability. Patidar framed David’s consistency as a key reason RCB could convert momentum into a top score of 250 for 3.
Patidar also reserved special mention for senior all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who dismissed Sarfaraz Khan and Kartik Sharma in the same over—an impact that helped swing the contest back toward Bengaluru. Patidar said that whenever he feels pressure, he looks at KP (Krunal Pandya) and trusts his ability to deliver.
For CSK, the mood was far from upbeat. Ruturaj Gaikwad, coming off a third straight defeat, did not have much to soften the result. He suggested that if he had contributed more, the outcome might have been different, and accepted that the loss felt like it was “on” him that day. Gaikwad also reflected on the game’s state, saying CSK still held control until the 13th or 14th over of the bowling innings, but momentum slipped after that point.
