Despite RCB’s loss to Punjab Kings, Tim David earns Player of the Match for his valiant 50; urges team to find winning formula ahead of quick turnaround in Mullanpur
Bengaluru, April 19: Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffering yet another home defeat in IPL 2025, Tim David stood tall with a fighting 50 off 25 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award in a losing cause against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday.
RCB endured a dramatic collapse, slumping to 95/9 in the 14-over-a-side contest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, losing seven wickets for just 42 runs. David, however, provided the only resistance, smashing three sixes in the final over to lift RCB to a respectable score.
In the post-match presentation, David reflected on the difficult conditions and the team’s continued struggle at home.
“It didn’t feel so easy. The boys who batted before me had communicated how tricky it was. The practice pitches have played similarly. Our coaching staff has built this squad for a reason — if I get the chance to bat higher, I’ll contribute whenever I can,” David said.
“At times when you try too hard, it doesn’t come off. Tonight, you really had to manage risks. Honestly, I’d prefer this award came with a win — would have loved a drink after a victory,” he added with a smile.
David also underlined the importance of regrouping quickly as RCB prepare to face Punjab Kings again on Sunday (April 20) in Mullanpur.
“We haven’t found the right formula at home. Every game has presented different conditions, and we haven’t quite adapted. We need to settle on a template that works,” he remarked.
Though Josh Hazlewood’s brilliant spell of 3/14 gave RCB a glimmer of hope, Nehal Wadhera’s composed 33 off 19 balls* and Marcus Stoinis’s finishing six ensured PBKS chased down the target with 11 balls to spare, reaching 98/5 in 12.1 overs.
This marks RCB’s third consecutive home defeat, leaving them desperate to bounce back in the reverse fixture on Sunday.