In the first qualifier of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) crushed Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets in Mullanpur. PBKS’s batting was a complete flop and they were all out for just 101 runs.
RCB chased the target in just 10 overs and confirmed their seat in the final.
But despite this crushing defeat, PBKS fast bowling coach James Hopes’ enthusiasm remains intact. He made such a statement, which will fill the fans with enthusiasm.
“Digest the defeat, now we will come to the final through the hard way!”
Hopes spoke openly in the press conference after the match.
He said, “We played the first over well, but then everything went wrong. The game has just ended 20 minutes ago, so it is a bit difficult to digest it. But we have to forget it quickly and move on, because we have to travel tomorrow.”
Hopes made it clear that PBKS will now take the tough path to reach the final.
“We have to play another match on Sunday. Now we will do it the hard way, but I am sure that on Tuesday night we will face RCB again.”
Hopes also talked about the failure of the batsmen, but his morale did not wane.
“Our batsmen played aggressively throughout the season, but tonight they were not in form. We have to talk about this. But the pitch in Ahmedabad will be completely different. We will have to score runs quickly there.”
Hopes advised the batsmen not to doubt themselves and maintain the same aggressive style.
“Now the worst thing would be that our batsmen get scared and doubt their strategy. We have to show a bang in Ahmedabad.”
Currently PBKS is preparing to make a bang in Ahmedabad
Punjab Kings will now play in Qualifier 2 on June 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They will face the winner of the Eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.
Hopes said, “We have worked hard for two and a half months so that we get a second chance in the final. Now we have to take advantage of it.”
RCB bowlers had brought PBKS to 50/5 in the seventh over. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma took three wickets each, while Yash Dayal took two wickets.
But Hopes is confident that PBKS will make a strong comeback on the batting friendly pitch of Ahmedabad.
Will Punjab be able to forget this defeat and compete with RCB in the final? It will be interesting to see.
