RCB Seal 7-Wicket Win over Punjab: Kohli Leads with 73* after Century Stand with Padikkal in IPL 2025

Apr, 21 2025

Kohli and Padikkal Light Up the Chase as RCB Outplay Punjab in Mohali

If you thought IPL 2025 had run out of surprises, you clearly missed the showdown in Mohali. Royal Challengers Bengaluru ( strong>RCB) pulled off a composed 7-wicket victory over Punjab Kings ( strong>Punjab Kings), chasing 158 with seeming ease and wrapping it up with seven balls to spare. But the scoreboard hardly tells the whole story that unraveled under the Mohali lights.

The day started with PBKS batting first, putting up 158/3. On paper, not a monster total by T20 standards, especially when you factor in the batting firepower available on modern IPL tracks. Still, Punjab had early optimism. Prabhsimran Singh offered solid resistance before falling just as he looked set. Shikhar Dhawan glued things together up top, weaving singles and the occasional boundary. Yet despite a promising platform, Punjab’s middle order couldn’t quite shift gears. Some expected fireworks never came and RCB’s bowlers, backed by sharp fielding, made runs hard to come by at the death.

Century Stand, Unexpected Drama, and Kohli’s Masterclass

Chasing 158, RCB’s approach looked measured from ball one. The real buzz came once Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal got going. Their left-right combination kept Punjab bowlers guessing, and neither wasted any time settling in. Padikkal played with crisp intent, his 55 off 38 balls littered with clean drives and adventurous pulls. Kohli, meanwhile, showcased why he remains one of cricket’s premier chasers, piling on 73 unbeaten runs in 54 deliveries. His control, interspersed with bold boundary hits, was a reminder he’s still RCB’s go-to man under the spotlight.

Their partnership, worth a cool hundred runs, pretty much flattened Punjab’s hopes. But as always, a little drama found its way in. A rushed single led to a disastrous mix-up; Padikkal, looking set, was left stranded and run out. The frustration was clear on Kohli’s face and even the TV cameras caught a few stern words with Rajat Patidar. For a moment, tension crept into RCB’s dugout. Was the door open again for Punjab?

Not quite. Despite the hiccup, RCB kept the chase on track. Even after a couple of tight overs and Patidar’s quick exit, Kohli held firm. As the target came within striking distance, it was Jitesh Sharma who slammed the door shut for good. With 7 needed, he launched Nehal Wadhera straight back for six, sending the away supporters into raptures and Punjab bowlers to their haunches.

RCB’s victory didn’t just come from big shots and star power. Quiet nerves, smart rotation, and resilience made the real difference. If you’re looking at IPL contenders who don’t blink under pressure, RCB just sent a fresh warning shot across the bow. Punjab, meanwhile, might be left rueing missed opportunities and a total that just wasn’t enough when Kohli decides to chase.