During the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Suyash Sharma's unusual fielding methods caught the attention of many RCB fans. In trying to field the ball, Sharma picked it up with his cap, which in usual circumstances would incur a penalty of five runs for the batting side. My contention is RCB was able to escape this penalty because the umpires had already called the ball dead, which made the action non-offending.

The case in question suggests that the ball was dead on the ninth over. Sharma was fielding as short third man, and by the looks of it, he was attempting to cap the ball. Capping the ball or picking it up with a cap is a violation of law 28.2.1.2 and will not only result in monetary punishment, but the ball will be considered dead, and a five-run gift will be given to the batting team. The difference here is the umpires had already signaled for a dead ball; therefore, there was no punishment.

The on-field umpires talked with the third umpire to verify the events of the game. After the review, there were no penalties, so the game could go on without interruptions.

Suyash Sharma almost cost 𝗥𝗖𝗕 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘-𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗬 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀, he picked up the ball using his cap, but got away with it as the ball was declared dead.#IPL2025 #RCBvsRR | 📸 : JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/qj3YUtg3DD

— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) April 24, 2025

Also read: KKR vs PBKS : Match 44 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

RCB Clinches First Home Victory in IPL 2025

Not taking the drama into consideration, RCB triumphed at home for the first time this season as they managed to defeat RR by 11 runs at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli continued his good form by scoring 70 runs off 42 balls, while Padikkal scored a rapid 50 runs off just 27, which helped RCB set a defendable total of 205/5.

Sportsbetting.ag wrapped up the RR innings at 194 and stood at 9 in their 20 overs. The penultimate over was bowled by Josh Hazlewood, who put the brakes on the RR innings when they looked to sail to victory, giving away only one run and taking a stunning two wickets, thus winning the match for RCB.

Having won this match, RCB stood at third position in the IPL 2025 standings after this match, which showcased a stark improvement in their performance at home and hopeful RCB fans for the playoffs.