Picture this: the sun dipping low over Mullanpur’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, the crowd roaring, and Virat Kohli, eyes locked on the ball, smashing a jaw-dropping six that sails into the stands. On April 20, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) didn’t just beat Punjab Kings (PBKS)—they demolished them in a seven-wicket thriller, avenging a bitter loss from 48 hours earlier. This wasn’t just a match; it was a statement. Led by Kohli’s unbeaten 73* and Devdutt Padikkal’s fiery 61, RCB chased 158 in 18.5 overs, cementing their status as IPL 2025 playoff contenders. Buckle up, because this RCB vs PBKS clash was pure cricketing magic!
The Backstory: A Hunger for Revenge
Two days before this Mullanpur masterclass, RCB faced heartbreak at home. In a rain-soaked 14-over game at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, PBKS outplayed them, with Arshdeep Singh dismissing Kohli early. The loss—RCB’s third straight at home—stung like a bee. But in Mullanpur, RCB arrived with fire in their bellies, determined to flip the script. “We wanted this one badly,” Kohli grinned post-match, his trademark intensity shining through. With 10 points now in their kitty, RCB climbed to third on the IPL 2025 points table, their unbeaten away record gleaming like a trophy.
This wasn’t just about points—it was personal. Fans on X were buzzing, with one tweeting, “RCB’s revenge game is ON! Kohli and Padikkal are serving #IPL2025.” Let’s dive into how RCB turned pain into glory in this thrilling IPL showdown.
Bowlers Set the Stage: Spinners Spin a Web
RCB captain Rajat Patidar called it right at the toss, opting to bowl on a pitch that promised slow turn. PBKS openers Priyansh Arya (22) and Prabhsimran Singh (33) came out swinging, peppering boundaries in a 42-run powerplay blitz. But then, RCB’s spinners entered the chat. Krunal Pandya (2/25) struck first, trapping Arya with a slider, while Suyash Sharma’s (2/27) leg-spin bamboozled Josh Inglis (29). The middle overs became a chokehold, with PBKS stumbling from 55/1 to 96/4.
The death overs? Pure class from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who conceded just one boundary in the final four overs. PBKS limped to 157/6, a total Shreyas Iyer later called “20 runs short.” X fans couldn’t stop raving, with one posting, “Krunal and Suyash owned that middle phase! RCB’s spin game is underrated #RCBvsPBKS.”
Kohli and Padikkal: A Batting Symphony
Chasing 158, RCB hit a speedbump when Phil Salt (1) nicked Arshdeep Singh to the keeper in the first over. Enter Devdutt Padikkal, the local lad with a point to prove. What followed was a 103-run partnership that blended Kohli’s ice-cool precision with Padikkal’s fiery elegance—a masterclass in IPL 2025 batting.
Padikkal, stepping in as an impact substitute, was poetry in motion. His 61 off 35 balls—laced with five fours and four sixes—was his first IPL fifty in 22 innings, a redemption arc that had fans emotional. His lofted six off Marco Jansen, bat arcing like a painter’s brush, left the crowd gasping. “Padikkal is BACK!” one X user cheered. “That six was a thing of beauty .”
Kohli, meanwhile, was the anchor RCB needed. His 73* off 54 balls—his 59th IPL fifty, overtaking David Warner’s record—was vintage Virat. From a wristy pull off Arshdeep to a cover drive off Xavier Bartlett that screamed class, he owned the chase. The highlight? An inside-out six off Yuzvendra Chahal that soared into the stands, prompting commentator RJ Mahvash to exclaim, “That’s why he’s the King!” Fans on X lost it, with one tweeting, “Kohli’s 59 fifties in IPL is INSANE. GOAT for a reason #ViratKohli.”
When Padikkal fell to Harpreet Brar, attempting a fifth six, Kohli took charge, guiding RCB home with Jitesh Sharma’s (6* off 1) match-sealing six. The Mullanpur crowd erupted, and RCB’s dugout was all smiles.
The Kohli Banter That Stole Hearts
Amid the intensity, Kohli’s playful side shone through. During a tense moment, he teased Harpreet Brar, saying, “Tere coach ko jaanta hu main” (I know your coach), leaving Brar grinning. The stump-mic gem went viral, with X users calling it “Kohli’s Punjabi charm at its peak.” One fan posted, “Virat’s banter is as good as his cover drive #IPL2025.”
Turning Points That Defined the Match
Spin Dominance: Krunal and Suyash’s eight overs for 51 runs choked PBKS’s middle order, setting a chaseable target.
Padikkal’s Blitz: His 30-ball fifty, including four sixes, took the pressure off Kohli and set the tone.
Kohli’s Mastery: His ability to rotate strike early and explode later ensured RCB stayed ahead of the asking rate.
PBKS’s Collapse: Shreyas Iyer’s 6 off 10 and Nehal Wadhera’s run-out exposed PBKS’s middle-order frailties.
Padikkal’s Redemption: A Story of Grit
For Devdutt Padikkal, this knock was more than runs—it was redemption. After a lean 2024 and limited chances in 2025, the 24-year-old reminded everyone why RCB backed him. His 61 wasn’t just a score; it was a statement. Kohli, ever the mentor, was seen guiding him during their stand, even pushing for an all-run four that showcased their hunger. “Padikkal is the bridge we needed,” one X fan tweeted. “So happy for DDP!”
Stats That Tell the Tale
Kohli’s Milestone: His 59th IPL fifty makes him the record holder for most 50-plus scores, surpassing Warner’s 58.
RCB’s Away Prowess: Five straight away wins in IPL 2025, with a net run rate of +0.472.
Padikkal’s Fireworks: His 61 off 35 balls had a strike rate of 174.28, his best in two seasons.
PBKS’s Struggle: Four single-digit scores for Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2025 highlight their middle-order woes.
What’s Next for RCB and PBKS?
RCB’s unforgettable victory boosts their playoff hopes, with 10 points from eight games. Their away form is a superpower, but three home losses at Chinnaswamy remain a concern for Patidar. Kohli, the Orange Cap leader with 634 runs, is in ominous form, making RCB a team to watch.
PBKS, now fourth with 10 points, need answers. Iyer’s form slump and a shaky middle order are red flags. “We didn’t adapt to the pitch,” Iyer admitted, hinting at soul-searching ahead of their next clash.
Why This Match Matters
This RCB vs PBKS thriller wasn’t just a game—it was a showcase of resilience, talent, and passion. Kohli’s consistency, Padikkal’s comeback, and RCB’s tactical smarts lit up Mullanpur, reminding us why the IPL is the world’s most electrifying T20 league. As one X fan put it, “RCB’s revenge was served COLD! What a night for cricket lovers .”
Get in on the Action!
Who was your MVP—Kohli’s calm, Padikkal’s fire, or the spinners’ guile? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this IPL 2025 highlight with fellow fans, and subscribe for live updates, Orange Cap races, and exclusive content. Want more? Check out our video highlights of Kohli’s six and Padikkal’s lofted drives, plus an infographic breaking down RCB’s win!
Featured Image: Kohli celebrates his fifty (BCCI). Videos: Padikkal’s sixes, Kohli’s banter (IPL). Follow us for more IPL 2025 drama!
