Tim David scored an unbeaten 50 and won Player of the Match despite RCB’s third straight home defeat in IPL 2025.
In the latest IPL 2025 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered a third consecutive home defeat as they fell to Punjab Kings by five wickets in a rain-shortened 14-over contest. The only bright moment for RCB came from Tim David, whose unbeaten 50 off just 26 balls stood out in an otherwise disappointing batting effort that saw them finish at 95 for 9.
Despite the loss, David was named Player of the Match for his impactful knock. Speaking after the match, he admitted that adapting to the tricky Bengaluru surface has been a learning process.
“It didn’t feel so easy [to score quickly in those circumstances]. Definitely the boys that bat on top hand the [information on] the conditions back down, so I get a chance to see what the pitch is doing and try and play to that method. The practice pitches here have been kind of similar [to the main surfaces] and I’m trying to figure out a method of how to bat best in those conditions,” David said on the broadcast, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The RCB top-order collapsed under pressure, with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli combining for just five runs. At 33 for 5, David walked in and launched a recovery effort. His 26-ball stay was not only the longest he has faced in any IPL game but also brought him his maiden half-century in the tournament.
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Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara praised David’s presence of mind and planning, highlighting the composure he showed during tough conditions. “It looked like he was aware of the lengths the bowlers were going to bowl, and he had a clear game plan – what kind of shots he wanted to play on that pitch. When you have clarity, it becomes easier. But yeah, he used this opportunity in his favour, and I’m sure his confidence will be boosted after this,” said Pujara.
David also spoke about the importance of trusting team strategy and the coaching staff’s decision on batting positions. He said he was happy to play any role the team needed, but hoped for more deliveries to create a bigger impact.
“Tonight was difficult, trying to get some messaging [about] what the plan was to bat out there in the middle, and get a bit of clarity because if we’d lost the last wicket the innings would be over. So you have to manage the risk a little bit. Our coaching staff and management have built the squad for a certain reason, with guys that bat in certain positions,” said David.
“I am pleased, I feel like I am batting well at the moment and can contribute. But I trust the coach for putting me in where I can. If I can get an opportunity to face more balls, like today when the team needed me to, it’s important to score runs. I won’t be asking too many of those questions,” David concluded.
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