IPL 2025: Suyash Sharma’s 3/17 spins RCB into fourth final — What makes the young leggie so special?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s spinner Suyash Sharma starred with the ball, taking three crucial wickets during their dominant Qualifier 1 victory against Punjab Kings. In a remarkable spell of 3-17, Suyash dismantled Punjab’s lower order by taking the wickets of Shashank Singh, Musheer Khan, and Marcus Stoinis in quick succession.
He struck with his second delivery of the spell, a googly that bowled Shashank. Debutant Musheer, brought in as Impact Player, lasted just three balls before falling lbw to another googly. In his next over, Suyash bowled Stoinis with yet another googly. His efforts ensured PBKS were bundled out for a mere 101 runs in just 14.1 overs.
Suyash Sharma: RCB’s Quiet Trump Card Against PBKS
RCB’s campaign in this IPL has leaned heavily on trust, particularly in a limited spin department. With only two frontline spinners in their regular XI, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, the team had to make the most of what they had. While they couldn’t secure top-tier spinners in the auction, they turned to Suyash, formerly with KKR, believing in his potential to deliver when it mattered.
That belief paid off in the crucial game against Punjab Kings. On a batting-friendly Mullanpur surface where 200+ totals have often been chased down with ease, RCB’s bowlers did the early work, but it was the middle overs where the game needed control, and that’s where Suyash Sharma shone.
Brought in specifically for this role, Suyash delivered a game-defining spell. His three wickets came at a time when Punjab was looking to accelerate. While he’s not a bowler with a bag of variations like Yuzvendra Chahal or Sunil Narine, Suyash kept it simple, sticking to what the coaches asked: hit the wickets.
He doesn’t rely on big turns or mystery, his style is straightforward. What sets him apart, however, is his ability to stay disciplined, vary his pace subtly, and extract just enough grip off the pitch. He’s easy to read from the hand, but tough to line up due to the deceptive pace and revs on the ball. That subtle variation in speed, combined with smart lengths, confused the PBKS batters and helped slow down their charge in the crucial middle overs.
While Krunal Pandya struggled to replicate his past performances, Suyash’s spell brought calm and control to the innings. His bowling helped tilt the momentum in RCB’s way and was instrumental in restricting a deep batting lineup.
Read More: IPL 2025, Qualifier 1, PBKS vs RCB: Bengaluru reach fourth final, Punjab need to do soul-searching
Suyash Sharma’s USP
Suyash Sharma‘s USP as a cricketer, particularly within the RCB setup, is his ability to create pressure consistently as a leg-spinner. In a team that often banks on aggressive pace or power-hitting, his role as a pressure-builder has stood out. He has a knack for delivering frugal overs, often strangling opposition batters and forcing them into mistakes. This has led to key breakthroughs in tight situations and directly contributed to RCB victories.
His biggest strength lies in his clarity and execution. He does exactly what is asked, no frills, no experiments. Having bowled on unforgiving pitches like Bengaluru, he understands the importance of control. He might not be a big turner or a tricky bowler, but he knows how to limit big shots by sticking to tight lines and smart pace changes.
His mentality, more than his mystery, is his weapon. And on grounds with slightly larger dimensions, like the upcoming venues, Suyash becomes even more valuable. Much like how Chahal thrived in RCB colours, Suyash is learning the art of containing aggression with precision rather than deception.
Read More: Top performers for RCB on their road to the final
BOWLED HIM x 2⃣ \|/
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2025
Suyash Sharma scalps two HUGE wickets with two brilliant wrong 'uns 👏#RCB are pumped up! 💪
Updates ▶ https://t.co/FhocIrg42l#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB | #Qualifier1 | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/1gscWKzFr2
Conclusion
It hasn’t been a standout tournament for Suyash Sharma so far, but this spell against PBKS could be a turning point. Three crucial wickets, control in the middle overs, and following the plan to perfection, this performance should give him and the RCB camp a massive boost in confidence heading into the finals. Still young and developing, Suyash has shown that he has the temperament to deliver in pressure situations, and that could make all the difference in the business end of the season.
Read More: Rajat Patidar quietly takes RCB into the final in his first season as captain
