In a dramatic turn of events during the IPL 2025 match on Tuesday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma found himself in a bind after mistakenly submitting an incorrect team sheet before the toss against Lucknow Super Giants. Initially, the team sheet included Rajat Patidar instead of spinner Suyash Sharma, who was intended to be the impact substitute for RCB when batting in the second innings. However, after some back and forth, RCB was able to correct the mistake, with Suyash featured in the lineup following a request made to LSG’s skipper Rishabh Pant.
Despite this blunder, RCB secured a stunning six-wicket victory, which solidified their place in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League. Set with the daunting goal of chasing 228 runs, RCB’s batsmen showcased their skills. Virat Kohli initiated the chase with an impressive 30-ball 54, while Jitesh Sharma excelled with a flamboyant 85 off just 33 deliveries. Additionally, Mayank Agarwal contributed a swift 41 off 23 balls, leading to a remarkable 107-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Lucknow Super Giants had earlier posted a formidable 227 for three, bolstered by Rishabh Pant’s sensational century—an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls—and a solid 67 from Mitchell Marsh, with Pant reaching his hundred in a blistering 54 balls.
With this victory, RCB confidently moves into the playoffs, where they will face the league’s top team, Punjab Kings, in Qualifier 1 on Thursday. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans are set to meet the Mumbai Indians in the subsequent Eliminator.
This thrilling match highlighted RCB’s resilience and capability to perform under pressure, which bodes well for their aspirations as they gear up for the playoffs.