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"Big Fan" Rajat Patidar Snubs Kohli; Praises Star Opener As RCB Storm Into IPL Final

Akshita Patel

Rajat Patidar assess RCB's Qualifier 1 performance [Source: @BluntIndianGal, @imkevin149/X.com]Rajat Patidar assess RCB's Qualifier 1 performance [Source: @BluntIndianGal, @imkevin149/X.com]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru reached the IPL 2025 final after defeating Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on Thursday. Skipper Rajat Patidar was full of praise for his team, especially opener Phil Salt and spinner Suyash Sharma.

It was a dominant performance by RCB at the Mullanpur Stadium, winning the match by 8 wickets and booking their spot in the final for the fourth time in IPL history.

However, after the win, Bengaluru’s captain Rajat Patidar praised his team heavily. Though he mentioned Phil Salt and Suyash Sharma, Patidar excluded Virat Kohli from that list.

Rajat Patidar Heaps Praise On Phil Salt

In Qualifier 1, RCB bowled out PBKS for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs, with strong performances from Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Yash Dayal (2/26), and others. In reply, opener Phil Salt smashed an unbeaten 56 from 27 balls, guiding RCB to victory in only 10 overs.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar was full of praise for his team, especially spinner Suyash and opener Salt.  Sharma was the star with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 17 runs and earning the Player of the Match award.

"The way he (Salt) is batting in most of the matches. The way he is giving starts, I am a big fan of him. It's a treat to watch him from the dugout.  The way Suyash chipped in and the way he bowled his lines and lengths were really good. As a captain, I am clear about his bowling. He has to target the stumps, that is his strength. His wrong 'un is difficult for the batters to read. I always want to give him clear ideas, I do not want to confuse him. I am okay if he concedes a few runs (in the process)," Patidar said in post-match interview.

Virat Kohli, on the other hand, fell prey to Kyle Jamieson’s outswing and walked back to the pavilion with 12 off 12 balls.

Kohli Deemed Shadow Captain In RCB-PBKS Qualifier 1

Superstar Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was at his animated best as RCB stormed into the IPL 2025 final after thrashing PBKS in Qualifier 1. Although not the official captain, Kohli acted like a ‘shadow captain’, setting fields and guiding bowlers with his tactical brilliance. 

With 614 runs this season, he’s been leading from the front. Commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu said, “Even Patidar listens to him,” underlining Kohli’s stature. RCB now await their final opponent, hoping this is finally the year they lift the elusive IPL trophy.