"I just try to finish all my percentage balls," says Suyash after win vs PBKS

In the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru came victorious by eight wickets at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

During the match, Suyash Sharma played a crucial role for the Bengaluru-based franchise. Completing three overs, the spinner returned with the figures of 17 runs and claimed three wickets. He was accompanied by premier pacer Josh Hazlewood, who, too, snapped three wickets for 21 runs.

Speaking about his stellar contribution, “I have performed well, that’s why everyone is happy for me. My coaches gave me just one role, which was to hit the stumps, whether I bowl leg-break, googly, flipper, or any other variation. I just try to finish all my percentage balls on the stumps,” said Suyash during the post-match presentation.

Further, the 22-year-old spinner expressed his confidence in lifting the title on June 3.

“It (googly) is my stock ball, and also I got a bit of help from the wicket as well, so that’s why many weren’t able to pick it up. Not quite now (whether he will be celebrating tonight), I will celebrate on the 3rd (June) and very hard as well,” he added.

Later in the second essay, RCB`s in-form opening batsman Phil Salt played an unbeaten knock of 56 runs. His match-winning knock came in just 27 balls, including six boundaries and three maximums.

Speaking about his knock, Salt stated that he just tried not to fall on Punjab pacer Arshdeep Singh`s deliveries.

“Great feeling right now, it (the ball) did move a bit. I think that was not the worst wicket to have played on this season. (Replying to what was going on in his mind during the chase) Don`t get out to Arshdeep, we played two group games (with PBKS) and he`s found different ways to get me out, so I was just trying to react to the ball.”

“I said before the game to Andy (Flower) that it was a blessing in disguise for us. (This win) Gives us the momentum, it is a cliche but true, that`s what you want at the backend of the tournament, want to hit your straps and play a part with the bat or ball,” he concluded.

RCB will now play the IPL 2025 final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

(With IANS Inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day