Delhi: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a major setback just before the playoffs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Team star batsman Tim David suffered a hamstring injury in the last league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The incident took place during the first innings when he was fielding.

Injury during fielding

In SRH’s innings, Tim David was fielding on Deep Square leg. To stop a shot of Ishaan Kishan, he ran fast and saved the ball from crossing the boundary line. But soon after, he was seen holding his hamstring and called the medical staff. The injury looked so serious that he had to leave the ground and go out.

Despite the injury landed for batting

Despite this, Tim David later came to bat. He reached the crease after Jitesh Sharma was dismissed in the 17th over, but it was clear that he is not fully fit. Unable to run the run, David was kept under pressure from bowler Ishaan Malinga under pressure from the tight bowling and finally he was caught on the long-on.

Impact on RCB’s playoff strategy

This injury may have a direct impact on RCB’s playoff strategy. Tim David has performed brilliantly this season so far. He has scored 186 runs in 96 balls and his strike rate has been 193.8. Especially in the death overs, his hitting team has proved to be a game also.

Loses a chance to reach the top two

In this match, RCB lost by 42 runs to SRH. For SRH, Ishaan Kishan played an unbeaten 94 -run innings in 48 balls, making the team scored a big score of 231. With defeat, the hope of reaching RCB’s top-2 is also seen to be over. Now the team is third with 17 points, but their net run rate is weaker than Punjab Kings.

Fast start of Kohli-Sult

RCB started chasing a target of 232 runs. Virat Kohli and Phil Soult added 80 runs in the first seven overs. Kohli batting in an aggressive manner and put big shots on Harshal Patel and Malinga. But when Kohli was dismissed by young spinner Harsh Dubey, the direction of the match changed.

The series of wickets fell in middle order

Salt also scored a half -century in 27 balls, but then he too started cramping and he could not last long, after this, captain Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma added some runs, but the Patidar was run out and then the fall of wickets began to fall out on the first ball, and soon Jitesh and Tim David also returned to the pavilion. RCB lost the last 7 wickets in just 60 runs and the entire team was reduced to 189.

RCB concerns increased

RCB is now upset on many fronts before the playoffs. Jacob Bethel and Lungi Angidi will not already be available due to international commitments. Josh Hazelwood is also struggling with shoulder injury. Now the team has become more weak due to Tim David’s injury.