The stage was set, the crowd buzzing with anticipation, and the IPL 2025 final was underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad — a fortress where cricketing legends have been made. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a team with a rich history but still chasing their maiden IPL title, faced off against the resilient Punjab Kings (PBKS). Batting first in this high-stakes final, RCB posted a challenging total of 190 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
This blog dives deep into RCB’s innings — exploring the flow of the game ball-by-ball, analyzing key performances, strategic decisions, moments of brilliance and resilience, and what this total means in the context of IPL finals and the current cricketing landscape.
The Pressure Cooker: Understanding the IPL Final Environment
IPL finals are not like any other match. The pressure is palpable — the weight of expectation from millions of fans, the dream of lifting the coveted trophy, and the knowledge that every ball could swing the match. For RCB, this was another chance to rewrite history. Despite having some of the best batsmen in the world, the title had eluded them for years, and the quest for glory added an extra layer of intensity to their approach.
Moreover, the pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium offered a balance between bat and ball. The outfield was quick, boundaries were reachable, but there was assistance for bowlers, especially spinners and swing bowlers in the twilight overs. The toss-winning captain Faf du Plessis’s decision to bat first was rooted in wanting to set a total and then use the pressure of the chase against PBKS.
Toss and Team Strategy: Why Batting First Was Crucial
Winning the toss and electing to bat is often a strategic decision in T20 cricket, especially in finals. The thought process was clear: put runs on the board and force PBKS to chase under lights with dew likely aiding the batting in the second innings.
RCB’s plan was to build a strong opening partnership to lay the foundation, keep the run rate steady in the middle overs, and then unleash the power hitters in the death overs. This classic blueprint had been effective throughout the tournament, but executing it on the IPL final stage was the real test.
The Opening Partnership: Calmness Amidst Chaos
The innings started with Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli — two of RCB’s most dependable batsmen and leaders on the field. Both were tasked with anchoring the innings, providing stability in the powerplay overs while keeping the scoreboard moving.
Faf du Plessis’s Innings: The Anchor
Du Plessis began cautiously, wary of the early movement and disciplined bowling from PBKS pacers Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh. His technique was textbook — playing late, finding gaps, and rotating strike. His 42 runs off 31 balls came with 5 boundaries, highlighting his ability to score efficiently without taking undue risks.
What stood out was his adaptability — he switched gears seamlessly, starting slowly but accelerating when required. His innings was a masterclass in pacing a T20 final innings: building momentum without losing wickets.
Virat Kohli’s Contribution: The Master of Chases Setting the Base
Kohli’s 43 runs off 35 balls were a blend of patience and aggression. Known for his ability to chase down targets, Kohli took the responsibility seriously in the final. Despite a few dot balls and tight deliveries, he found ways to score through clever placement and timing.
His running between the wickets was sharp, converting ones into twos and ensuring the strike rotated well. Kohli’s knock was the backbone of RCB’s innings, providing the stability to absorb pressure and set up for the later onslaught.
Together, their opening partnership yielded 65 runs, providing a solid platform and easing the pressure on the middle order.
Middle Overs: Navigating the Storm
The middle overs of a T20 innings are critical — the time to consolidate or accelerate. For RCB, this phase presented challenges. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer made tactical bowling changes, introducing spinners Rahul Chahar and Murugan Ashwin, who executed tight lines and disrupted the scoring rhythm.
Wickets Fall at Regular Intervals
Despite the good start, RCB lost wickets at intervals, which slowed down momentum. The middle order failed to capitalize fully on the foundation laid by the openers, with several players falling to good bowling and smart field placements.
One of the key moments was the dismissal of Glenn Maxwell for 30 off 16 balls. Maxwell’s innings was crucial — his aggressive strokeplay and innovative shots unsettled the PBKS bowlers and prevented them from settling into a rhythm.
Even though wickets fell, RCB managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, reaching 140 by the 15th over.
The Death Overs: RCB’s Final Flourish
The final five overs saw RCB unleash their firepower. The lower-middle order, led by Harshal Patel and Kyanal Pandya, launched a blistering assault.
Harshal Patel: The Death Overs Specialist
Patel’s 22 runs off 10 balls included some stunning boundaries and critical sixes that gave RCB the boost they needed. His aggressive intent was clear as he took on the PBKS bowlers with calculated risks, especially targeting the slower deliveries and spinners.
Kyanal Pandya’s Supportive Role
Pandya contributed a valuable 12 off 7 balls, rotating strike and finding gaps when the field was spread. His innings, though short, complemented Patel’s aggression perfectly.
Together, they added 50 runs in the last five overs, pushing RCB’s total to 190/9 — a score that puts immense pressure on PBKS to chase in a final.
Bowling Analysis: PBKS’s Efforts to Contain RCB
Punjab Kings fought hard with the ball, knowing that defending a total like 190 would require clinical execution.
Kagiso Rabada: The Spearhead
Rabada was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 34 runs in his four overs. His pace and swing troubled RCB batsmen, and his ability to strike early helped PBKS stay in the game.
Arshdeep Singh: Precision and Control
Singh’s 2 wickets for 29 runs demonstrated his skill in bowling yorkers and slower balls in the death overs. His control prevented RCB from scoring freely in critical moments.
Spin Department: Rahul Chahar and Murugan Ashwin
Chahar’s two wickets stemmed the flow of runs in the middle overs and added pressure on the batsmen, while Ashwin’s variations made scoring difficult. Together, they were vital in breaking partnerships and controlling momentum.
Tactical Insights: How Decisions Shaped the Innings
RCB’s decision to promote Glenn Maxwell up the order allowed them to exploit fielding restrictions and accelerate scoring during the middle overs. This move paid dividends as Maxwell’s aggressive innings kept RCB ahead of the required run rate.
Conversely, PBKS’s use of spinners in the middle overs successfully stemmed the run rate and took wickets, showing how well both teams planned their strategies.
The late surge in runs by RCB demonstrated the importance of having a balanced lineup that could both anchor and attack as the situation demanded.
Historical Context: How Does 190/9 Stack Up in IPL Finals?
In IPL history, totals around 190 have often been considered winning scores, especially on balanced pitches. However, finals bring added pressure and unpredictability. There have been thrilling chases above 190, but defending such a total requires sharp bowling, fielding, and mental strength.
RCB’s total is competitive and puts the onus on PBKS to play a controlled but aggressive innings in the chase.
Psychological and Tactical Pressure on PBKS
Chasing 191 in an IPL final is a monumental task. PBKS must start aggressively to keep up with the run rate but balance this with the risk of losing early wickets. The pressure of the occasion can lead to mistakes, and RCB’s bowlers will look to capitalize on that.
The mental game will be as important as the physical. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer will need to lead by example and ensure his team maintains composure throughout.
Key Players to Watch in the Chase
- Shreyas Iyer: As captain and batsman, his innings will set the tone.
- Mayank Agarwal: Known for his aggressive starts, his role is crucial in providing momentum.
- Romario Shepherd: His all-round abilities make him a key player in pressure situations.
Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions
Social media and cricket pundits have praised RCB’s innings for its balance and resilience. Experts highlight Kohli’s calmness, Maxwell’s aggression, and Patel’s finishing as match-defining performances. Fans are excited about the thrilling contest that awaits in the chase.
Conclusion: RCB’s 190/9 Sets the Stage for an Epic Final
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s innings of 190/9 was a testament to their blend of skill, strategy, and mental toughness. While there were moments of vulnerability, the team’s ability to fight back and finish strong exemplifies the qualities required to win an IPL final.
As PBKS take the crease, the stage is set for a thrilling battle where every run, wicket, and moment will be etched into IPL folklore.