Tim David's Lone Heroics in Vain as RCB Slump to Third Consecutive Home Defeat

Tim David's Lone Heroics in Vain as RCB Slump to Third Consecutive Home Defeat

In a night of familiar heartbreak for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, Tim David emerged as a lone warrior with a fighting half-century in a losing cause against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Despite David’s resilient 50 off 26 balls, RCB could only muster 95 for 9 in their 14 overs, eventually losing the match by five wickets — their third straight defeat at home in IPL 2025.

Coming in at No. 7 with RCB reeling at 33 for 5, David struck five fours and three sixes — all three maximums coming in consecutive balls during the final over bowled by Harpreet Brar. His calculated knock not only brought respectability to RCB’s total but also earned him the Player-of-the-Match award, a rare feat in a losing effort.

“It didn’t feel so easy [to score quickly in those circumstances],” David said post-match. “I’m still trying to figure out a method to bat best in these conditions here. It’s been challenging — with rain today and pitches playing differently every game — but I’m learning.”

The 26 balls David faced were the most he's ever batted in an IPL innings, surpassing his previous high of 24 balls for Mumbai Indians in 2024. With no meaningful support from the rest of the line-up, David managed to add a valuable 21 runs for the eighth wicket with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and expertly farmed the strike after the ninth wicket fell in the 12th over.

Despite RCB’s struggles, David remained composed under pressure, earning praise from pundits for his clarity and composure. "It looked like he had a clear game plan," said Cheteshwar Pujara on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. "When you have clarity, it becomes easier. I’m sure this will boost his confidence."

Ambati Rayudu echoed the sentiment, adding, “He paced the innings beautifully. If he had a partner, RCB could’ve posted 120 or 130.”

David also created a unique IPL record — his knock is now the highest score in the lowest team total to include a half-century, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 56 in a total of 106 for 2 in an eight-over game back in 2013.

RCB’s home form, however, remains a growing concern. With varied pitch conditions and inconsistent performances, the team has yet to settle on a winning formula at the Chinnaswamy.

“We haven’t played well at home,” David admitted. “We need to find a template to win here. Tonight was tough — rain, undercovers — it’s difficult to get clarity on how the pitch will play.”

While RCB’s playoff hopes take a dent, David’s knock stood out as a silver lining — a testament to his value and form as a middle-order finisher. Still, the big-hitter hopes his next big knock helps seal a win rather than simply salvage pride.

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