'That's a big lesson for us': Rajat Patidar blames it all on this unit after RCB's 5-wicket defeat vs PBKS in rain-affected IPL 2025 clash

"Initially it was sticking and two paced, but we could have done far better as a batting unit. Partnerships are important, we have lost wickets in quick intervals and that's a big lesson for us. We've had to make that change due to conditions (on leaving out Paddikal). The wicket wasn't that bad, it was under covers for a long time, it helped their bowlers, credit goes to them. No matter how the wicket plays, we need to bat well and get a winning total. The bowling unit is doing pretty well, that's a big positive. The batters have played with intent, that's something pleasing. We can correct some of our mistakes in the batting unit," Patidar said at the post-match presentation.

Electing to bat first after the delayed start, RCB endured a disastrous start from which they never managed to recover. Arshdeep Singh made an immediate impact for PBKS, striking in the very first over to dismiss Phil Salt. The left-arm seamer continued his dominance by picking up the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli with a well-directed short delivery in his second over. RCB's troubles compounded as Liam Livingstone's disappointing IPL 2025 season continued; the English all-rounder's attempt to counter the movement by charging down the pitch resulted in a miscued shot that was comfortably caught by Priyansh Arya.

 The introduction of spin further tightened the noose around RCB, with Yuzvendra Chahal striking in his very first over, leaving the home side reeling at 33 for 4 within the initial six overs. Marco Jansen then joined the wicket-taking party, and RCB soon found themselves in deep trouble, slipping to a precarious 42 for 7. Amidst the collapse, Tim David provided some resistance, holding up one end and ensuring the hosts surpassed the ignominious 49-run mark. Harpreet Brar also contributed to the wickets column, dismissing both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal. With only the last batsman remaining, David finally unleashed some aggressive shots, smashing three sixes off Harpreet Brar in the final over. He reached his maiden IPL half-century off just 26 balls, dragging RCB to a total of 95 for 9. In a dismal batting display for Bengaluru, the partnership between David and Patidar accounted for 73 runs, while the other nine batsmen collectively managed single-digit scores.   

In response, Punjab Kings openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya provided a steady start, combining cautiousness with aggression. Bhuvneshwar Kumar drew first blood for RCB, dismissing Singh for 13. However, Josh Hazlewood soon struck back for the hosts, sending Priyansh Arya back to the pavilion and pegging PBKS back at 32 for 2.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis then forged a brief partnership to take Punjab Kings past the 50-run mark. However, Hazlewood once again brought RCB back into the contest with a crucial double-wicket over. Just when the momentum seemed to be shifting, impact substitute Nehal Wadhera seized control for Punjab Kings, smashing Suyash Sharma for a six and a four in consecutive overs. The left-handed batsman remained unbeaten on a quickfire 33 off just 19 deliveries, guiding PBKS to a comfortable 5-wicket victory with 11 balls to spare.

Both PBKS and RCB will lock horns with each other once again on April 20 at the Mullanpur stadium.