IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar Reflects on RCB’s Batting Collapse After Another Home Defeat

RCB skipper acknowledges lack of partnerships and batting discipline as key reasons behind defeat to Punjab Kings; hails bowlers for fighting spirit despite low total

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 19:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar admitted that his side’s underwhelming performance with the bat led to their five-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 clash on Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Despite the pitch offering some help to the bowlers after being under covers, Patidar stressed that the team needed to show more resilience and form meaningful partnerships.

“It was sticking and two-paced initially, but we could have done far better as a batting unit,” Patidar said in the post-match presentation. “Partnerships are crucial. We lost wickets in clusters and that hurt us. It’s a big lesson for us going forward.”

Commenting on the exclusion of Devdutt Padikkal, Patidar said it was a tactical decision based on pitch conditions.

“We had to make that change due to certain conditions. The surface supported their bowlers a bit, but no matter how it plays, we must find ways to bat better and post a winning total,” he added.

RCB managed only 95 runs in 14 overs, with Tim David’s explosive 50 off 25 balls being the lone bright spot after a collapse that saw them lose seven wickets for 42 runs.

RCB’s bowling, led by Josh Hazlewood’s fiery spell of 3/14, offered some resistance, but Punjab chased down the target with 11 balls to spare, registering a comfortable win.

Patidar praised the bowling attack and the intent shown by the batters despite the result. “The bowling unit has done well throughout, that’s a big positive. The batters have shown intent, but we need to correct some mistakes.”

The loss marked RCB’s third straight home defeat, extending their winless streak at Bengaluru this season. They will look to regroup quickly, as they face Punjab Kings once again on Sunday (April 20) in Mullanpur.