Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their maiden IPL victory with a narrow six-run win against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad. The players shared their thoughts on this landmark achievement.
Rajat Patidar, reflecting on the team’s victory, said, “It’s really special for me, for Virat Kohli, and for all the fans who have supported us for years. They all deserve it. After Qualifier 1, we thought we could do this.”
Patidar commented on their innings score of 190, noting it was a good target considering the slow pitch. He praised the team’s execution: “The way our bowlers executed their plans was tremendous to watch.” He highlighted Krunal Pandya’s performance, saying, “He’s a wicket-taking bowler. Whenever I feel the pressure, I look to KP. I have a lot of belief in him.” He also made sure to acknowledge other key performances, including Suyash Sharma and Romario Shepherd’s breakthrough that garnered Shreyas Iyer’s wicket.
Reflecting on his experience leading the side, Patidar remarked, “It’s a great opportunity to captain Kohli. He deserves it more than anyone – Virat Kohli and all the fans. And thereafter, everyone who has supported us, the management, and the coaching staff.”
Krunal Pandya, pivotal in RCB’s success, bagged the Player of the Match award with figures of 2 for 17. He spoke candidly about his strategy: “When we batted in the first innings, I discussed with the batters, realising that bowling slower makes it difficult for batters in this format. It takes guts, but I just backed myself. Varying my pace and keeping it on the slower side created chances.”
Pandya’s experience in reading the game shone through: “I backed my gut and instinct, realising a couple of wickets in the middle would tilt the game in our favour. Slowing down created wickets, and I’m glad it worked out.”
Reflecting on his fourth IPL trophy, he shared, “It’s been pretty good, right? Ten years, four IPL trophies. I told Hardik [Pandya] too, that there’d be nine trophies in the Pandya household over 11 years.”
Phil Salt added to the joyous atmosphere, expressing, “It’s an unbelievable feeling right now. I’m so proud of the boys. Everywhere we go, we’re the best-supported team.”
Amidst the celebrations, Virat Kohli was notably jubilant, basking in RCB’s long-sought triumph.
