By Bharath Ramaraj
Planning, precision, and execution were the hallmarks of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) pace attack in the PowerPlay overs of Qualifier 1 of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS). In Mullanpur, RCB’s bowlers delivered a masterclass, with 28 of the 36 balls bowled on a length or back of a length, exploiting the tennis-ball bounce and subtle nip on offer. By the seventh over, PBKS were in dire straits at 52 for 5, their top order dismantled by a relentless RCB attack.
Josh Hazlewood, returning after a brief break, was the spearhead of RCB’s bowling onslaught. His ability to execute a simple yet effective plan was on full display. A prime example was the dismissal of Shreyas Iyer, who fell victim to a well-executed delivery that extracted extra bounce and a hint of movement. Iyer’s premeditated hoick across the line only resulted in an edge to the wicketkeeper. Hazlewood’s brilliance lay in letting the conditions do the talking.
Josh Inglis, too, found himself undone by the conditions. The ball hit the bat hard, and the extra bounce forced an awkward shot, resulting in a simple catch at long leg. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal chipping in with crucial wickets, RCB had a firm grip on the game by the eighth over.
Despite the early collapse, PBKS still had Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh in the middle. However, RCB’s Suyash Sharma emerged as the game-changer. The wrist spinner, often an unsung hero, delivered a stellar performance, claiming three wickets. His ability to keep the scoring in check, even in high-pressure situations, was pivotal. Two of his wickets came via the googly, as Stoinis and Shashank fell to ill-advised hoicks.
On a night where everything went RCB’s way, PBKS struggled to find their footing. Their batsmen failed to adapt to the conditions, opting for aggressive shots rather than building a steady innings. Even with the ball, PBKS couldn’t capitalize on the swing they generated, with Arshdeep Singh’s inconsistent lengths failing to make an impact.
This performance by RCB was reminiscent of the precision and execution seen in teams coached by Andy Flower. From his time with England to his current stint with RCB, Flower’s influence is evident in the meticulous planning and execution of strategies. With the Rajat Patiyar-Flower-Virat Kohli-Hazlewood axis firing on all cylinders, RCB are on the brink of their maiden IPL title.
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