Coaches told me to hit the stumps: Suyash Sharma

In the recent IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 matchup in New Chandigarh, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets, advancing them to their first final since 2016. One of the key architects of the victory was leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, whose exquisite variations perplexed the opposition hitters as he finished with 3 for 17, earning him Player of the Match honours.

Suyash attributed his victory to a mantra from his coaches, adding that he had been continually supported by them and was taught to concentrate on hitting the stumps.

“The coaches have told me one thing: I must hit the stumps, regardless of whether I deliver a googly, legbreak, or flipper. So I attempt to finish as many balls as possible on the stumps. The pitch did provide some assistance. That, I believe, is why my googly was difficult to pick,” Suyash remarked in the post-match interview.

Suyash Sharma built on PBKS’s great start, which had them at 59 for 5.

His second delivery, a well-executed googly, confused Shashank Singh, who missed a massive swing across the line. Musheer Khan, PBKS’ Impact Player, took his place in the crease following his dismissal. However, the youngster’s IPL debut ended in disappointment when Suyash trapped him lbw in three deliveries with yet another googly.

In his follow-through, the youthful spinner outfoxed all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who misread the delivery and lost his off-stump in the process. RCB captain Rajat Patidar discussed Suyash’s role and execution.

“The way Suyash contributed, the way he bowled his line and length, it was remarkable. As a captain, I’m rather certain of his bowling abilities. He has to spend the majority of his time on the stumps. That’s his strength. And his wrong’un is extremely difficult to pick for batters. So I constantly give him specific ideas. I don’t want him to be confused. And I’m fine if he makes some runs,” Patidar replied.

The Punjab-based team was eventually bowled out for 101 in 14.1 overs. In response, RCB’s batters scored with relative ease. Phil Salt opened with an undefeated 56 off just 27 balls, leading the side to 106/2 in 10 overs.