Kings go 'back to the drawing board' again as RCB ride momentum into IPL final

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was again sending his team "back to the drawing board" after a humbling defeat in the first Indian Premier League qualifier saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru instead advance to the final.

Iyer had used the same terminology after the Kings' first defeat of the tournament against Rajasthan Royals at the start of April.

Punjab responded by topping the league stage table and booking their place in Thursday's qualifier against RCB.

But they fell some way short on that stage, beaten by eight wickets with 60 balls remaining – an IPL play-off record – after being bowled out for 101 to leave Iyer and his team with plenty to ponder as they now prepare for the second qualifier.

"It's not a day to forget, but we've got to go back to the drawing board," he said. "We lost a lot of wickets. There's a lot to go back and study on.

Yet the Kings will not overreact as they near the end of a strong season, with Iyer adding: "I am not doubting my decisions, to be honest. Whatever we did in terms of planning, outside of the ground whatever we did, I think it was on point.

Fallen, not finished! pic.twitter.com/R5mkALa5wH
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 29, 2025

"It was just that we couldn't execute it on the field. We can't even blame the bowlers, as it was a low total to defend. We've got to work on our batting, especially on this wicket."

A rescheduled match against Lucknow Super Giants meant RCB finished their league stage campaign just two days before this play-off opener, yet Phil Salt, who top-scored with 56, felt the swift turnaround played in their favour.

He now hopes they have built enough momentum to carry them over the line in pursuit of a first title in Tuesday's final.

"I said before the game to Andy [Flower] that it was a blessing in disguise for us," Salt said.

"This gives us the momentum. It is a cliche but true. That's what you want at the back end of the tournament. You want to hit your straps and play a part with the bat or ball."