Did Suyash Sharma's Googly Propel RCB to IPL 2025 Final?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Suyash Sharma's googly proved instrumental in RCB's success.
- Phil Salt's rapid fifty highlighted RCB's batting strength.
- The utilized pitch conditions played a significant role in the match.
- RCB's strategy and adaptability were key to their victory.
- This win marks RCB's first final appearance since 2016.
New Chandigarh, May 29 (NationPress) The googly emerged as a potent weapon for Suyash Sharma, paving the way for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to secure a spot in the IPL 2025 final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. The leg-spinner revealed he received a bit of assistance from the utilized pitch.
In a remarkable performance, Suyash recorded figures of 3-17, dismissing Shashank Singh, Musheer Khan, and Marcus Stoinis, which led RCB to bundle PBKS out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. The visitors chased the target down in precisely 10 overs, marking their first IPL final appearance since 2016.
“I have done well, and that's why everyone is pleased with my performance. My coaches assigned me a single task: to hit the stumps, whether I bowl a leg-break, googly, flipper, or any variation. I focus on delivering all my percentage balls on the stumps,” he stated.
“The googly is my stock delivery, and I also received some help from the pitch, which made it challenging for many to pick it. I'm not sure if I will celebrate tonight; I'll save that for June 3, and I plan to celebrate well,” Suyash added during the post-match presentation.
During the chase, opener Phil Salt dazzled with a 23-ball fifty, marking his quickest fifty in the IPL, finishing unbeaten on 56 runs off 27 balls. Salt, who has scored all his IPL 2025 fifties while batting second, felt the one-day break between their last league match and Qualifier 1 benefited them.
“It feels great right now; the ball did move a bit. I believe this was not the worst pitch we played on this season. I was focused on not getting out to Arshdeep, as he has found various ways to dismiss me in our two previous group games,” he mentioned.
“Before the match, I told Andy (Flower) that this was a blessing in disguise for us. This victory gives us the momentum; it may sound cliché, but it’s true. That’s what you need at this stage of the tournament—to hit your stride and contribute with either bat or ball,” he concluded.