Sat. May 31st, 2025

Jitesh Sharma Powers RCB into IPL Qualifier 1

The league phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 came to an exciting end with stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma making cricket history with a fabulous unbeaten 85 that guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) into Qualifier 1. Also contributing was Virat Kohli, who added a steady 54, as they led their team to a heroic six-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 70 of the IPL 2025 at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. With the victory, RCB achieved the third highest run chase in IPL history and finished in second spot on the points table with 19 points.

This emphatic win led by Jitesh Sharma set the stage for a hotly contested Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, while Gujarat Titans will also face Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. You can catch every ball, or get updates as to what is happening at LiveMatches.in, the ultimate destination for cricket lovers.

A Run Chase for the Ages

Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli provided a solid foundation with a brisk opening stand of 61. Salt was a hundred miles an hour scoring a quick 30 from 19 deliveries with six lovely fours before he was dismissed by Akash Singh.

Then came a mini collapse, with Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone both falling in quick succession to reduce RCB to 90/3. Virat Kohli, however, went about his business fluently, racing to his eighth fifty of the season and became the first batter to reach 9000 runs in IPL. He scored 54 from 31 balls in a classic Kohli type innings.

Just as he seemed like he was set to win the match with another brilliant innings, Kohli fell to a soft dismissal caught by Ayush Badoni off Avesh Khan. With the score 123/4 and 90 more runs needed to win off the final 7 overs, there was an opportunity for a new hero to emerge.

Enter Jitesh Sharma – The Gamechanger

Jitesh Sharma, the stand-in RCB skipper, took the opportunity. His batting was power-hitting under pressure. He walked out at a tough spot of the innings, but immediately went after the LSG bowling unit. He scored his maiden IPL half-century, in an amazing time of 22 balls, making batting seem easy.

With support from Mayank Agarwal, who was calm, cool and ensured to score a highly effective 41 off 23 balls through running brilliantly and 6 hitting. The two were able to add an unbroken partnership of 107 for the fifth wicket. Their composure, commitment and calculated aggression ensured that things were moving smoothly for RCB. Especially noteworthy was his 18th over when Jitesh smashed Will O’Rourke for 21 (2 x 4s & 3 x 6), making a fist of things, including two better controlled sixes which cemented the over and the innings, changing its balance.

Jitesh Sharma provided an uplifting finish hitting a big six from a loose delivery from Ayush Badoni to finish the game and RCB, at 18.4 overs, at 230 for 4. His 85 not out from 33 balls (with 8 boundaries and 6 sixes), was achieved with effortless ease, and was a classy statement in his coming out.

Pant’s Century in Vain

Earlier, LSG’s skipper Rishabh Pant provided rays of hope by scoring a fantastic unbeaten 118 off 61 balls at the Ekana Stadium, making everybody forget the horrendous campaign he had last time round. Pant’s innings, which contained 11 fours and 8 sixes, was his second century in IPL cricket.

Pant’s partnership with Mitchell Marsh (67 off 37) ensured the innings total was impressive. In the end, the pair ended-up with 142 runs for the second wicket and split-together LSG’s boundaries with the RCB bowlers. Marsh, after passing 600 runs in IPL 2025, stroked 4 fours & 5 sixes, providing the entertainment for the match.

Despite the fireworks, LSG’s 227/3 was insufficient to defend against a rampant Royal Challengers Bengaluru team who went onto achieve the third-highest successful chase in IPL history, retaining their six-point lead at the top of the table.

Kohli’s Milestones Continue

Even in a game dominated by Jitesh Sharma’s brilliance, Virat Kohli proved why he too is still a superstar. Kohli’s strike of 54 only added to the context of an already-fancy resume as he crossed the 9000-run milestone in IPL. Kohli’s sixth half-century in chasing this season proves he remains the RCB’s batting pillar.

Strategic Masterstrokes

The tactical intelligence, if not cricketing brilliance, of RCB was apparent throughout the game. Using Jitesh Sharma as a finisher made massive sense; the way to bat still had rich rewards. Moreover, handing the ball to Bhuvneshwar Kumar at a stage that could have done some damage helped RCB contain the LSG batting onslaught where they had a significant advantage. Although Kumar went for some early runs in his return to T20 after the break, he trapped Mitchell Marsh with good thinking later in the innings and picked up the wicket to limit LSG.

On the field, RCB’s enthusiasm was dissectible. They did not waiver from their plans. Each boundary that suffered at the backend of the innings was the price of a good fight! They ensured that LSG did not go above 230 in the end, which proved to be the difference when it mattered most.

Looking Ahead: Qualifier 1 Showdown

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are firing on all cylinders and head into Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings brimming with confidence. Jitesh Sharma has been in sensational form along with Virat Kohli and the likes of Mayank Agarwal and Phil Salt, who can add some punch to the already formidable batting unit.

The bowling unit, although expensive with the ball against LSG still has players with match-winners in Thushara, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Suyash Sharma.

Punjab Kings too will be cautious of RCB’s momentum. With stakes higher than ever, it promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams ready to stamp their names on the trophy.

Final Thoughts

Jitesh Sharma‘s unbeaten 85 was about more than power — it was about character, about leadership, and most importantly, about capitalising on the moment where it mattered most. His innings under pressure not only ensured that RCB qualified for the IPL 2025 playoffs but also ensured that he became a household name.

With Kohli’s class, Sharma’s brilliance, and a team that was hungry for glory, RCB looked like serious title contenders for their first crown. Cricket fans have witnessed one of the best matches in IPL history — one where a stand-in captain was responsible for the catalyst for victory.