Royal Challengers Bangalore finally ended its wait for an IPL trophy after 18 years. The franchise has witnessed some of the best players in their dugout every season, but has failed to win the trophy. The 2025 season was a special one for RCB, and the team produced a collective effort. Every player stepped up during demanding situations, whether it was the experience of Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood or Jitesh Sharma's aggressive batting and Krunal Pandya's clever off-spin.

New skipper Jitesh Sharma showcased tremendous calmness under pressure and made clever bowling changes depending on the batting team's strengths. In this piece, we discuss five players who played a big role in helping the team win the IPL trophy for the first time. We discuss these five players in detail:

1. Virat Kohli

'King Kohli' was again the core of the RCB batting line-up, showcasing aggression in his batting. The 36-year-old scored 657 runs in 15 IPL games during the 2025 season, scoring 8 half-centuries with a strike rate of 144.71. The former India skipper played an influential role while chasing big totals. The right-hander used his experience of playing in different situations. Kohli built his innings cleverly and accelerated when needed.

2. Josh Hazlewood

The Australian pacer used his experience in judging the conditions and wickets to good effect. The 34-year-old didn't allow the opposition batters to score easily. Hazlewood managed to claim crucial wickets during the run of play with his clever swing and seam movements.

His leg cutters troubled the batters on slow wickets, and he used his slower ones smartly. He claimed 22 wickets in 12 IPL games during the entire season with best bowling figures of 4/33.

See Also: 4 players who have scored 5,000-plus runs in both the IPL and Test cricket

3. Phil Salt

Phil Salt was crucial in providing acceleration as an opener. His destructive hitting destroyed the opposition's morale. The 28-year-old smashed the opposition bowlers out of the park.

The England opener read the wickets well and attacked the spinners at will. The right-hander was aggressive against pacers when they bowled short of length or when he was offered width. The England wicket-keeper batter scored 403 runs in 13 IPL games with a strike rate of 175.98 by registering 4 half-centuries.

4. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya was the core of the RCB bowling lineup in the entire season. The left-arm off-spinner mixed his deliveries cleverly. The 34-year-old caused problems for the batters with his length and bowled quicker through the air to surprise the batters. Pandya claimed 17 wickets in 15 IPL games with best bowling figures of 4/25. Krunal Pandya's inclusion added penetration in the RCB bowling lineup.

5. Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma's inclusion made the RCB batting lineup robust. The 32-year-old was bought for a sum of INR 11 crore by RCB, and the wicket-keeper batter turned out to be valuable with his powerful hitting abilities. The right-hander stepped up when needed, scoring 261 runs in 15 IPL games with a strike rate of 176.35. Jitesh Sharma can play match-winning innings, and that is exactly what he did this season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has experienced 18 seasons, where eight different teams have won the trophy, including multiple trophy successes for Mumbai Indians (5 times), Chennai Super Kings (5 times), and Kolkata Knight Riders (3 times). There are some players who have celebrated the trophy several times. 

Here, we have brought the names of the players with four or more IPL trophies. 

See Also: Top 5 players to receive the most POTM awards in the IPL

Lasith Malinga - 4 IPL trophies

Former Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga recorded four IPL trophy successes. Serving for Mumbai Indians, Malinga won IPL trophies in the 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 seasons. 

Ravindra Jadeja - 4 IPL trophies

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has celebrated four IPL trophy successes for two different teams. After becoming a crucial member of the inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals (2008), Jadeja won his last three IPL trophies for Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021, and 2023). 

Krunal Pandya - 4 IPL trophies

Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya has also won four IPL trophies. After celebrating his first three IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians (2017, 2019, and 2020), he recently won his fourth IPL trophy (IPL 2025) for his new IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Kieron Pollard - 5 IPL trophies

Former Caribbean cricketer Kieron Pollard holds the record for most IPL trophies by an overseas cricketer with five IPL trophies. Pollard lifted all his IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians, and those years were 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

MS Dhoni - 5 IPL trophies

Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni was the second captain to win five IPL trophies. MS Dhoni-led CSK won the IPL title in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. He was the first captain to defend the IPL title (2010 and 2011). 

Hardik Pandya - 5 IPL trophies

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, the younger brother of Krunal Pandya, has already celebrated with five IPL trophies, including once as a captain. Serving for Mumbai Indians, the all-rounder lifted four IPL trophies in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Later, leading the Gujarat Titans, Pandya lifted his fifth IPL trophy, which was also the team's debut season. 

Rohit Sharma - 6 IPL trophies

Rohit Sharma was the first cricketer to win six IPL trophies, as well as the first captain to win five IPL trophies. After winning his first IPL trophy for Deccan Chargers in 2009, Rohit led Mumbai Indians to win the IPL trophies in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. 

Ambani Rayudu - 6 IPL trophies

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu also won six IPL trophies, three for Mumbai Indians and three for Chennai Super Kings. He is the only player to win at least two IPL trophies for two different teams. Rayudu won his first three IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians in the 2013, 2015, and 2017 seasons. Later, serving for Chennai Super Kings, he celebrated IPL trophies in the 2018, 2021, and 2023 seasons. 

List of players with most IPL trophies

The final match of IPL 2025 was very exciting. In this match, Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Punjab Kings by 6 wickets and won the trophy. With this, RCB’s 17-year-long wait to become IPL champions finally ended. After this big win, RCB is getting congratulations from all over the world.

Krunal Pandya was the game-changer in the IPL 2025 final. The experienced all-rounder gave away only 17 runs in his four overs, with a very good economy rate of 4.25. He took the important wickets of Punjab’s hard-hitting batters Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis, which helped RCB at a crucial moment in the match.

After winning the trophy with RCB, Krunal Pandya copied his brother Hardik Pandya’s famous trophy-winning pose. In a viral photo posted on Krunal’s official X account, he was seen doing the same celebration style as his brother.

Also Read -How to Watch TNPL 2025 Live: Streaming and Broadcast Details

Hardik Pandya had done this pose after winning last year’s and this year’s Champions Trophy. Now, the same ‘Pandya Pose’ was seen again after RCB’s big win this season.

Krunal also took part in a fun post-match photoshoot, proudly holding the IPL trophy. He shared the pictures on the social media platform X and made fans happy by doing the popular “I guess we did it” pose. He added his own fun twist to the pose, which is now known as a special part of Hardik’s celebrations.

Krunal Pandya was a key player for RCB in their 2025 season. He scored 109 runs in 15 matches in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. His best score was 73 not out against Delhi Capitals. His strike rate of 126.54 also impressed the fans.

His bowling performance was also very good. He gave away runs at an economy rate of just over 8 and took 17 wickets in the season. Krunal was also named the ‘Player of the Match’ in the final against the Punjab Kings.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stars went wild celebrating their historic win in the Indian Premier League (IPL), igniting social media posts. The players all returned from Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, led by skipper Rajat Patidar and backed by icon Virat Kohli, to their hotel in very high spirits. Video footage of the arriving players showed them dancing to everyone's excitement, with Kohli, Krunal Pandya, Patidar, and the vice-captain Jitesh Sharma joining the festivities.

Though Kohli kept his dance moves minimal, it was Patidar who stole the show in the lively dancing, appearing to fully enjoy their historic win. RCB won the IPL title for the first time in franchise history with a thrilling six-wicket win over the Punjab Kings (PBKS), and after an 18-year wait, Kohli finally captured his first IPL title. After a competent performance from the spinners and standout death bowling, RCB wrapped it up despite a battling performance from Shashank Singh, who was unbeaten on 61.

In an emotional post-match interview, Kohli dedicated the win to RCB's loyal fanbase and reflected on his long journey. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime, and experience. Every season I tried to win it and gave it my all. To finally have it—it’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said, visibly moved.

Tribute to AB de Villiers

Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to his ex-teammate AB de Villiers and the huge impact he made on the franchise. “What ABD has done for the franchise is incredible. I told him, ‘this win is as much yours as it is ours.’ Even in retirement, he still remains one of the most effective players in our history,” Kohli said.

Watch the video here

Entry but make it BOLD. ❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/JihkcQCJXO

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: RCB skipper Rajat Patidar speaking 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu' after winning their Maiden IPL title

De Villiers is still RCB’s second-highest run-scorer with 4,522 runs in 157 matches, averaging 41.10 and a strike rate of 158.33. He has scored 2 hundreds and 37 fifties, and his legacy lives on and continues to inspire the team and fans.

Finally, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their long wait for a trophy, as they lifted the IPL 2025 trophy after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Final by six runs in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night (June 3).

After Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer chose to field first, RCB scored 190/9 in 20 overs. In reply, Punjab Kings managed to score 184/7 in 20 overs, while they required 29 runs in the last over. Despite hitting three sixes and one four in the final four balls of the match, as Shashank Singh scored a fighting 61 not out off 30 balls with three fours and six sixes, it wasn’t enough for the Punjab franchise. 

For RCB, opener Virat Kohli scored 43 off 35 balls, while the team also had four useful 20s. 

Among the Punjab Kings bowlers, Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) picked up three wickets each. Meanwhile, the Player of the Match Krunal Pandya had the bowling figures of 4-0-17-2, and he was one among the two RCB bowlers with two wickets in the second innings, along with the pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38).

Here, we have brought the top 3 moments that changed the IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS

WATCH: RCB finally lift IPL Trophy after 18-year wait – Iconic Moment!

Virat Kohli's innings, which Punjab Kings missed

Although Virat Kohli may face criticism for his slow knock by scoring 43 off 35 balls with three fours, his presence allowed the other batters to play comfortably, and most importantly, rotating the strike continued in the crucial middle overs. His presence didn’t allow many dot balls for RCB in the middle overs (7th to 15th overs), as RCB played only nine dot balls during the period, while PBKS played 20 dot balls (excluding leg byes). Meanwhile, Kohli played only three dot balls in the match, including two dot balls in the middle overs (excluding his dismissal). Although RCB were losing wickets in their possible dominant moments, Kohli’s presence assured the balance in the innings to drive the team to a challenging total.

Krunal Pandya: Andy Flower’s special name proved once again

Krunal Pandya was the hero for RCB in the first game of the season when they beat the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata. It was just a glimpse of his incredible IPL 2025 story, as the head coach Andy Flower was desperate to secure him for RCB in the IPL 2025 auction after previously working with him for the Lucknow Super Giants.

In the IPL 2025 final, Krunal delivered the best bowling figures of the match, 4-0-17-2, along with the most dot balls (12 dot balls). The left-arm spinner superbly controlled Punjab Kings’ middle overs while he took two important wickets of the set batters Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis (39). Krunal finished the season with 17 wickets, the joint second-most wickets for RCB in the IPL 2025, along with the best economy rate (at least bowled in two innings) for his team this season (8.23). 

Early dismissal of captain Shreyas Iyer  

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer played many inspiring innings for his franchise in the IPL 2025. The leading run-scorer of the team this season was crucial for the Final as PBKS were expecting another strong batting performance from him. Coming to bat at no.4 in the ninth over after the dismissal of the set opener Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS skipper Iyer scored only one run as he was caught behind playing a lazy cut while facing the second delivery of the innings. That dismissal cost the team hugely, as they failed to rotate the strike properly. 

In a pulsating IPL 2025 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged past Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs to clinch their maiden IPL title. The match was a rollercoaster, filled with emotional highs and moments of brilliance from both sides. Here's how the players and coaches reacted to the unforgettable night:

Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain)

“This is really special — for me, for Virat, and for all the RCB fans. They’ve stood by us through thick and thin. 190 was a strong total on this pitch, and our bowlers executed beautifully.

I have immense faith in Krunal — he's my go-to man under pressure. The pacers — Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Dayal, and Romario — all stepped up when it mattered most.

Leading RCB with Kohli playing under me is a dream. He deserves this more than anyone. This win is for him and every RCB fan.

One line for the fans — EE SALA CUP NAMDU!”

Shreyas Iyer (PBKS Captain)

“We are dejected, yes — but proud. We restricted RCB to 190, which was below par in our eyes. Our bowlers tried hard, especially Krunal. But hats off to RCB; they held their nerves.

I'm very proud of our youngsters. This experience will serve them well. The goal now is to come back stronger and lift the trophy next year.

We’ve built a core here — one full of heart, hunger, and belief. This campaign has shown that we can compete with the best, and I truly believe this is just the beginning of a new era for PBKS.

The support from the owners, coaches, and fans has been phenomenal. They believed in us even when we were written off, and that belief carried us through tight matches all season.

There are plenty of positives — our fearlessness, the emergence of young talent, and our ability to handle pressure. This final was painful, but it’s also fuel. We’re coming back hungrier, stronger, and with unfinished business.”

Virat Kohli

“18 long years. I’ve given my everything to this team — my youth, my prime. I dreamt of this day, and finally, it’s here.

AB de Villiers deserves this too. He’s been an integral part of this journey.

This is one of the biggest moments of my life. I stayed loyal to this team, and I’ll retire with this badge. Tonight, I’ll sleep like a baby.”

Krunal Pandya (Player of the Final)

“I observed from the dugout that bowling slower was the key. You need guts in this format — I just backed myself to vary pace and stay brave.

I told Hardik, there’ll be nine trophies in the Pandya household — now it’s true! Manifested this on day one with RCB.”

Josh Hazlewood

“Winning this with RCB means everything. We've fought for this for years. You only improve in pressure situations like these — and we did.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

“We knew 180 was defendable on this pitch, and getting 190 was a bonus. Everyone executed slower balls perfectly — Krunal’s spell turned the match.”

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

Dinesh Karthik (Mentor, RCB)

“This title belongs to every RCB fan, player, and staff member. Kohli, ABD, and Gayle — they laid the foundation. Andy Flower’s vision and planning were spot-on.”

Andy Flower (RCB Head Coach)

[Received the Winners’ Trophy on behalf of RCB]
“This is a reward for discipline, belief, and vision. The boys delivered when it mattered most.”

Shashank Singh (PBKS)

*Played a valiant knock of 61 off 30.*
“We came so close. It hurts to fall short, but I'm proud of the fight. We’ll take this experience and return stronger.”

Phil Salt

“This is unreal. So proud of the boys. Becoming a father this season brought us luck. Thanks to the amazing fanbase.”

Jitesh Sharma

“I’m so happy for Virat bhai. 18 years of effort finally paid off. You do something extraordinary for others — magic happens.”

Mayank Agarwal

“Life is unpredictable. Stick with it, keep grinding — and you’ll get your moment. RCB’s journey is proof.”

Royal Challengers Bangalore has ended the drought of 18 years. RCB finally won the title of IPL 2025 in the 18th season. RCB defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the final. With this victory, the dream of Virat Kohli and all those fans of RCB was fulfilled who were dreaming of winning the title since 2008. At the same time, Punjab Kings, who reached the final after 2014 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, was heartbroken. Punjab team lost in the final.

Philp Salt could not give a great start to RCB, who came to bat first after losing the toss in Ahmedabad ground. Salt was trapped by Jamieson and he went out after scoring 16 runs in nine balls. While Virat Kohli remained firm at one end, on the other side Mayank Agarwal could only score 24 runs in 18 balls with two fours and a six and after him captain Rajat Patidar could only score 26 runs in 16 balls with one four and two sixes. Due to which RCB lost three wickets for 96 runs.

After three for 96, Kohli was trapped by Omarzai in the 15th over of the innings and he went after scoring 43 runs in 35 balls with three fours. Fans also trolled Kohli for his slow play. While in the end Jitesh Sharma scored 24 runs in 10 balls with two fours and two sixes for RCB, Arshdeep Singh kept RCB away from 200. In the last over, Arshdeep showed his flair and took three wickets. Due to which RCB's team could only reach 190 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs and remained away from 200. Arshdeep and Kyle Jamieson took the maximum three wickets for Punjab.

Punjab's middle order flopped

Punjab Kings got off to a good start. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh started in the opening. Both of them together added 43 runs for the first wicket but then Priyansh Arya was out for 24 runs. Arya was caught by Phil Salt. Now Josh Inglis came to the crease and he fully supported Prabhsimran Singh. Both of them together took the score to 72 runs. Prabhsimran was playing big shots but then Krunal Pandya dismissed him and gave a big success to RCB.

Now Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer is at the crease but Iyer flopped. Iyer was run out by Romario Shepherd for just one run. Iyer's wicket was the biggest success for RCB. Inglis was playing from the other end but he was out on a score of 98. Inglis' wicket was taken by Krunal Pandya. Inglis scored 39 runs in 23 balls. Nehal Vadhera was expected to perform brilliantly but he was out on 15 runs. Finally RCB won the finals after 17 years.

ALSO READ: WATCH: AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli celebrate together after winning IPL 2025 trophy

Twitter reactions after RCB wins Final match of IPL 2025

Finally RCB won after 18 years ❤️
congratulations RCB #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/hU28xzu450

— विक्रम 𝘬ꪊꪑꪖ𝘳 🦇 (@printf_meme) June 3, 2025

#RCBvsPBKS

Ofc we waited for so many years just to witness this 🥺❤️

Rcb won pic.twitter.com/zXwxFxzC9S

— imjobless🇮🇳 (@sam_jobless) June 3, 2025

Tea cup comedy's.
Pombala cup.
18 varusam guru saamy.
Loli pop.

Where is which kind of tweet.?

Congratulations RCB 🏆🏆🔥🔥#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/4OLVm9lT7z

— A. (@DesperadoX_) June 3, 2025

Congratulations rcb for loosing the virginity finally! #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/Z58i7aEhI8

— RushikeshH (@RushikesH27027) June 3, 2025

Celebrations after #rcb won the match with #pbks .. 🔥 🔥🔥 😎🥹🥹#thanksgod #rcb #PBKSvsRCB pic.twitter.com/nqtPbhjD6G

— Telugu Trolls World (@Telugutrolls777) June 3, 2025

Chin up champs you have done enough it was just not your day #RCBvPBKS pic.twitter.com/TQA4vad3pG

— Harneet Singh 🇮🇳 (@Harneet_memer) June 3, 2025

Hardwork and patience always pays off...! Never regret just keep trying till you succeed #RCBvsPBKS
Congratulations RCB pic.twitter.com/u3GqFIGo0w

— Soul writer (@Savage4joke) June 3, 2025

RCB’s bowling unit today be like: "Tu batting kar, hum wicket lete hain!
Hazlewood, Bhuvi & Yash Dayal turned the pitch into a dance floor for wickets!
RCB fans right now: RCB Zindabad memes loading! #PBKSvsRCB #RCBvsPBKS #BowledOver #IPLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/qG9FMH9XZc

— Trilochan Bhattarai (@trilochan000) May 29, 2025

🥺mayyy mannnnn 😭😭😭#RCBvsPBKS RCB won 💥💥 pic.twitter.com/ljSz879GuN

— 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥 🚩 (@_CrushBadal) June 3, 2025

18 years of hope, heartbreak & hustle — the dream is finally real! 🏆😭

Congratulations RCB! Champions at last! ❤🔥#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/MNcg9dAqDS

— Humour Central (@humourcentralfb) June 3, 2025

Krunal Pandya's hit wicket became one of the talking points after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (RCB vs. SRH) match. During the 19th over of the second innings, Pandya went deep into the crease to phase Pat Cummins, but he ended up hitting the stumps with his bat, and that became the 17th hit wicket in the history of IPL. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad, batting first, scored 231 with the help of Ishan Kishan's 94 not out. RCB tried their best to win the game, as they looked to solidify their place in the top 2. Bengaluru started well with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli; both batters opened the innings in an aggressive manner. After the departures of Salt (62) and Kohli (43), the RCB batting line-up seems fragile against a dominating SRH bowling attack. Their skipper, Pat Cummins, claimed 3 scalps in the game, including the wicket of Salt. 

When Pandya came into bat as the number seven batter, the asking run rate was mounting, and SRH was in the driving seat. The left-hander had no option but to go take an attacking approach. During the 4th delivery of the 19th over, Krunal chose to go deep in the crease to counter Cummins' lethal yorker. Under pressure, he mistakenly hit the stumps before executing a shot. 

Read More: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Virat Kohli’s strategic input leads to Heinrich Klassen’s wicket on next ball in RCB vs SRH game

Second hit wicket of the ongoing season 

This was not the first time a cricketer threw his wicket for a hit wicket. In the ongoing IPL 2025, it was the second instance when a batter departed like this. Abhinav Manohar was also dismissed in this manner, and Kusal Mendis did the same against Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator match, it was the third instance of IPL 2025. 

List of players who went to the pavilion after hit wicket:

2008: Musavir Khote

2008: Misbah-ul

2009: Swapnil Asnodkar

2012: Ravindra Jadeja

2012: Saurabh Tiwary

2016: Yuvraj Singh

2016: Deepak Hooda

2016: David Warner

2017: Sheldon Jackson

2019: Riyan Parag

2020: Hardik Pandya

2020: Rashid Khan

2021: Jonny Bairstow

2022: Sai Sudharsan

2023: Ayush Badoni

2025: Abhinav Manohar

2025: Krunal Pandya

2025: Kusal Mendis 

In this high-pressure IPL 2025 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Krunal Pandya was dismissed in an unusual manner that added to the match drama. While chasing a challenging target of 232 runs, Pandya fell victim to the rare hit-wicket dismissal. While playing an aggressive shot, Pandya accidentally dislodged the bails with his bat before he played the shot, ending his innings far, far earlier than anyone hoped and leaving RCB in dire straits in terms of overall run rate. 

This dismissal was only the 17th hit-wicket in IPL history and the second at the time in IPL 2025, showing how rare this mode of dismissal is at the apex of the sport. As a moment to notice in the match, this dismissal could not have come at a worse time for RCB, as they were already under pressure against an in-form SRH bowling attack led by Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga. Pandya's exit further destabilized RCB's middle order and contributed to their eventual collapse and defeat by 42 runs. 

In spite of Krunal's unfortunate dismissal, the match had plenty of highlights, from Ishan Kishan's explosive unbeaten 94 to SRH's tremendous bowling performances. The hit-wicket incident, while rare, was a reminder of how even the smallest lapse in concentration or balance can prove costly in the fast-paced IPL environment.

Watch the video here

When was the last time you saw a Hit-Wicket .. courtesy Krunal Pandya.

Only HaaRCB can lose last 7 wickets in 24 balls 🫡🫡#RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/KPcQr1ddQR

— Atulya (@DesiMemesTweets) May 23, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Match Highlights

The Impact of a Rare Hit-Wicket Dismissal

Hit-wicket dismissals are easily the most odd ball way on which a batsman can get out and usually only happen when a batsman loses balance or mis-times a shot. For Krunal Pandya, who is typically an aggressive but still composed batsman, the dismissal will be both surprising and unfortunate because hit-wicket dismissals negatively impact a player's confidence and change the momentum to the fielding side.

From the context of the game, Krunal Pandya's dismissals increased the pressure on RCB's batting lineup. Therefore, with wickets falling around him, it was hard for the team to maintain the momentum they needed to chase down a big score. What transpired later was a rare mode of dismissal that in a way, symbolically captured RCB's struggles during the innings. As IPL 2025 moves ahead, players and teams will want to restrain such oddities and focus on being calm and composed under pressure in order to continue to pursue their playoff ambitions.

M Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru) is ready to host the IPL 2025 restart, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders (RCB vs KKR) has been scheduled for Saturday evening (May 17) in the 58th match of the season. Both teams previously met during the first game of the season at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where RCB won by seven wickets. 

Here, we are going through the Dream11 top three captains and vice-captains for the RCB vs KKR match. 

IPL 2025, Match 58: RCB vs KKR Probable XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Mayank Agarwal/Suyash Sharma (Impact Player Sub), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub), Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy

See Also: IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB Match 58- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

IPL 2025, Match 58: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Dream11 Captain choices

Virat Kohli: RCB legend Virat Kohli is the fourth leading run-scorer in the IPL 2025 with 505 runs in 11 matches, with an average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46. He recorded seven half-centuries this season, including scoring 50+ runs in the last four straight matches. 

Varun Chakravarthy: KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy is the second most wicket-taker as a spinner and fifth overall most wicket-taker in the IPL 2025 with 17 wickets in 12 matches. Although the Bengaluru pitch can be challenging for him, he is in great form with the ball, as he took two wickets in each of the last three games. 

Vaibhav Arora: KKR right-arm pacer Vaibhav Arora is the leading wicket-taker among the uncapped bowlers in the IPL 2025 with 16 wickets in 11 games. Although his economy rate this season is above 10, he is a strong wicket-taking bowler. 

Top 3 Dream11 Vice-captain choices

Andre Russell: KKR all-rounder Andre Russell had some useful moments with the ball this season, and only lately has he managed to produce his familiar dangerous batting form. In their last two games, Russell smashed 57 not out off 25 balls and 38 off 21 balls, respectively.  

Krunal Pandya: Krunal Pandya is the second leading wicket-taker for RCB this season with 14 wickets in 11 matches. RCB were desperate to secure him this season, and the reason is clearly visible now. Pandya’s batting has hardly been required this season, but when RCB were struggling at 26/3 in their 163-run chase against Delhi Capitals, Pandya scored a match-winning 73 not out off 47 balls with five fours and four sixes and had a valuable 119-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli. 

Ajinkya Rahane: KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane is the only consistent performer for the defending champions this season, as he has scored 375 runs in 11 innings with an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 146.48, including three half-centuries. In his all last four innings, Rahane scored 25+ runs.