Royal Challengers Bengaluru left Chinnaswamy for the last time this league phase with a measured, yet convincing, six-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans. A fifth win in seven nudged them up to second, and it was anchored by Virat Kohli’s 81 from 44 and Devdutt Padikkal’s brisk 55 off 27.
Key facts first. Titans posted 206, a total that has often proved just enough in Bengaluru. RCB replied with 207 for 4, getting home with four balls to spare. The decisive passage was a 115-run stand between Kohli and Padikkal that shifted both run-rate and momentum.
“I mean, we had to assess the wicket early on,” Kohli said afterwards. “Because A, they have a quality bowling attack, and B, with a chase of 200 (206) in Bangalore, we know we’re only one partnership away.” His initial chat with the left-handed Jacob Bethell was simple: settle, read conditions, then attack. Padikkal, walking in at No.3, accelerated immediately, striking at over 200 without ever looking rushed.
“You know, the first boundary off [Kagiso] Rabada was magnificent,” Kohli noted. That stroke set the tone. Padikkal pierced gaps rather than slogging across the line, something Kohli made a point of stressing: “You never see him slogging the ball.”
While Padikkal attacked, Kohli played the familiar finisher. “I was just trying to stay in the game enough so that he doesn’t feel all the pressure. And it was my responsibility to try and hit boundaries at the right times.” When Padikkal fell, the chase might have tightened, yet Krunal Pandya’s calm 23 from 12 ensured Titans were never allowed back in.
Outside the dressing-room, admiration keeps growing. Former South Africa quick Dale Steyn offered the blunt verdict: “Kohli is the best chaser to have played the game.” Ian Bishop, on commentary duty, described the Indian as “remarkably consistent,” a view hard to contest given tonight’s evidence.
The batting order looks deeper than in recent seasons. “We have a tremendous batting line-up,” Kohli reminded reporters. He pointed to the contrast between classical shot-makers such as Padikkal and the power of Tim David or Romario Shepherd. The internal brief, he said, is uncomplicated: see the ball, back your option.
Titans’ own innings, decent for 16 overs, again slowed at the death; only 32 came from the final four overs. On a ground where late surges are essential, that left them light. Captain Hardik Pandya admitted afterwards that an extra 15 might have changed the complexion.
RCB now embark on three away fixtures before returning to their adopted second home in Raipur. Playing in front of a full Chinnaswamy, though, still excites Kohli. “It’s just a special place to play cricket,” he said, hoping a playoff returns them to the city.
A playoff berth is not yet guaranteed – the table remains crowded – but Kohli’s side look balanced, confident and, crucially, clear on roles. For now, they head to Delhi on 27 April, Kohli’s original home ground, carrying form, points and a partnership that may already define their season.
