Defending champions crush Gujarat to secure another final spot.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into their second consecutive IPL final by thrashing Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Dharamsala on Tuesday night. Defending their hard-earned championship title, Bengaluru posted a record-breaking 254 for five, fueled by a truly sensational unbeaten 93 from skipper Rajat Patidar off just 33 balls.
Dharamsala’s high altitude often provides extra swing for fast bowlers, but this pitch proved to be an absolute paradise for aggressive batters. Bengaluru also eclipsed the previous highest playoff total of 233, an older record ironically set by Gujarat themselves against Mumbai back in 2023.
Patidar and Kohli Dominate Early Overs
Venkatesh Iyer set an aggressive tone from the very first over, hitting multiple boundaries against Mohammed Siraj before Kagiso Rabada dismissed him. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal then took firm control of the innings. They struck the ball cleanly to end the powerplay at a dominant 76 for one. Jason Holder eventually struck twice in quick succession to remove both Kohli, who scored 43, and Padikkal, bringing brief hope to Gujarat.
Brutal Middle Order Finish
Skipper Patidar combined with Krunal Pandya to stabilize the innings before launching a brutal assault on the opposition bowling attack. They deliberately targeted Kulwant Khejroliya and veteran spinner Rashid Khan, extracting heavy runs in the closing overs. Patidar reached his half-century in merely 21 deliveries, clearing the ropes with ease. Jitesh Sharma provided a rapid cameo at the death, punishing the pacers to push the final total to a daunting 254.
Early Collapse Dooms Run Chase
Chasing such an imposing target required a solid foundation and steady nerves. Instead, Gujarat suffered an immediate and disastrous collapse. Sai Sudharsan fell cheaply in a bizarre run-out scenario. Jos Buttler followed quickly, as his promising start was halted when Bhuvneshwar Kumar shattered his stumps. Jacob Duffy tore through the top order, completely derailing the chase and effectively ending the contest within the powerplay phase.
Rahul Tewatia fought a lonely and desperate battle for Gujarat in the middle overs, scoring a gritty 68 runs off 43 balls. His fighting effort merely delayed the inevitable as wickets tumbled consistently at the other end. Duffy finished his excellent spell with three crucial scalps. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya claimed two wickets each, skittling Gujarat out for just 162 runs. Bengaluru now rests and awaits their final opponent, while Gujarat faces a second chance at redemption in Qualifier Two.
Captains knock - Rajat Patidar
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI
