Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 250 for 3 against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday night at the Chinnaswamy. That number alone tells you plenty. But the story behind it belongs almost entirely to Tim David.
Image Source: The Indian Express
The Singapore-born Singaporean walked in during the 15th over after Devdutt Padikkal’s dismissal. In the 25 balls that followed, he hit three fours and eight sixes to finish unbeaten on 70. According to ESPNCricinfo, only one batter in the history of T20 cricket has scored as many runs after entering the game from the 15th over, Daniel Sams with 71 for Sussex in 2022. David pushed the record to within touching distance and did it on the biggest franchise stage in the world.
It was not just the volume of runs. It was the manner. David cleared the short Chinnaswamy boundaries with something to spare, treating the CSK bowlers as an inconvenience rather than a threat. Each slog was timed perfectly. Each six landed deeper than the last.
Around him, RCB’s innings had already been built on serious foundations. Padikkal cracked 50 off 29 before his dismissal set David loose. Captain Rajat Patidar then came in and added an unbeaten 48 off 19 balls. The final five overs produced carnage at the Chinnaswamy.
For CSK, it was another nightmare with the ball. Their bowlers have now conceded runs at a rate that makes for uncomfortable reading across every game this season. On a short boundary ground, against a batting lineup of this quality, they had no answers.
RCB, defending champions and looking every inch of it, are building serious momentum. Tim David just reminded the rest of the IPL what the back end of their innings can do.
