Sehwag Slams RCB’s Batting Woes After Crushing Defeat to Punjab Kings
Former India opener Virender Sehwag didn’t hold back after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a humiliating defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 34 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. RCB’s batting lineup fell like a house of cards, managing to post a meagre 95 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a venue known for high-scoring encounters.
RCB, playing at home on April 18, found themselves completely outclassed by Punjab’s disciplined bowling attack. Big names like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma failed to get going, each falling for single-digit scores in what turned out to be one of the team’s most disappointing performances this season.
Despite a late surge by RCB’s bowlers in the second innings, Punjab Kings chased down the 96-run target, albeit with five wickets down, clinching a much-needed win. The loss further deepened RCB’s woes in the ongoing season as their inconsistency at home continues to be a concern.
Reacting to the defeat, Sehwag, known for his forthright opinions, lashed out at RCB’s batting unit, particularly targeting Rajat Patidar and the team’s overall shot selection. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag said,
“RCB batted poorly. All of them played reckless shots to get out. Not a single batter was out to a good ball. At least one batter should’ve used common sense. If they had wickets in hand, they could have reached 110 or 120 in 14 overs, which would have given them a chance to fight.”
Sehwag emphasized that the dismissals were not due to exceptional bowling but were gifted by the batters themselves through poor decision-making and lack of temperament.
He added,
“There is a difference between getting wickets and earning wickets. Patidar has to think and come up with a solution. They have not been winning at home. Their bowlers are doing well but why are their batters faltering regularly? It’s not alright if your batters continuously fail at home. Who is going to rectify that?”
RCB’s inconsistency with the bat has become a pattern this season. While the team boasts explosive talents, the top and middle order have failed to fire in unison. The dependence on individual brilliance, particularly from Kohli, has left them exposed whenever the star falters. The lack of application and adaptability on a slow Bengaluru surface further complicated matters for the hosts.
While bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Reece Topley have delivered commendable spells in several matches, the lack of runs on the board has nullified their impact. Punjab’s chase, though not without hiccups, was steady enough to underline RCB’s growing issues.
With the tournament now entering its crucial middle phase, RCB needs to regroup quickly. Batters like Patidar, Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis will need to shoulder more responsibility if the team hopes to stay in playoff contention.
As Sehwag rightly pointed out, the time for excuses is over. RCB must find answers fast—or risk another season of unfulfilled promise.
INDIA TV.
