RCB’s Away Dominance Continues, Padikkal Dismisses Home Woes as Coincidence
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) continue to present a paradoxical performance in IPL 2025, boasting an unblemished away record with five consecutive victories while struggling to secure a win in their three home matches. Opener Devdutt Padikkal, instrumental in RCB’s recent seven-wicket triumph over Punjab Kings (PBKS) with a brisk 61 off 35 balls, downplayed the contrasting results, attributing the home struggles to mere coincidence.
Speaking at the post-match press conference following the victory in New Chandigarh, Padikkal emphasized the team’s overall strong performance throughout the tournament. “Our five away wins are coincidental,” he stated. “We’ve played excellent cricket, demonstrating strong unity and resilience, bouncing back quickly after each loss.” RCB’s away form has propelled them to the third spot on the points table. However, their inability to replicate this success at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium remains a concern. In all three home games, RCB batted first, posting subpar totals: 169/8, 163/7, and a rain-affected 95/9 in a 14-over match.
Padikkal dismissed pitch conditions as a factor, highlighting the batting unit’s need for quicker pitch assessment. “It’s crucial to read the pitch quickly, something we haven’t executed effectively in our home games,” he admitted. “We haven’t been up to par, but the IPL is inherently challenging. This is our current challenge, and we’re determined to find solutions.” He further emphasized the team’s commitment to strategizing for success in front of their home crowd, stating, “The Chinnaswamy deserves some wins as well.”
Meanwhile, PBKS, facing their own inconsistencies at their New Chandigarh home ground, faltered after a promising start. Reaching 62/1 in the powerplay, they lost momentum, finishing at 157/6, a target RCB chased down comfortably with seven balls to spare. PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting acknowledged the varying nature of the New Chandigarh pitch. “Each wicket in our four games here has played differently, requiring adjustments,” he explained. “We were well-placed at 62/1 after the powerplay, but consistent wicket losses, including a run-out, disrupted our momentum.” PBKS now hold a 2-2 record in New Chandigarh and will move to Dharamsala for their remaining home fixtures.
As RCB gears up to address their Chinnaswamy challenge, the question remains whether their inconsistent home form will impact their playoff prospects. For now, their dominant away performances maintain their campaign’s momentum and bolster their confidence. The team’s ability to translate their away success to their home ground will be crucial in determining their ultimate IPL 2025 standing. The upcoming home games will be a test of their adaptability and strategic adjustments, providing a clearer picture of their championship potential.
