CHAPTER 105: THE PERFECT CHASE BEGINS – PRECISION, INNOVATION, AND THE FINAL STEP TOWARD GLORY

Mumbai’s lead pacer charged in, delivering a full-length outswinger aimed at off-stump.

Kohlie watched carefully, adjusted his stance, and glided the ball past point.

Single taken.

Raj stepped up. The next ball arrived—shorter length, rising toward his gloves.

He adjusted instantly, rolling his wrists, guiding the ball past square leg with precision.

Two runs.

Commentary:"Raj’s grip control is flawless—his wrist positioning allows him to neutralize short balls without losing strike rotation!"

RajCraft was already proving its impact on shot stability and movement efficiency.

Mumbai recognized that RCB wasn’t forcing shots—they were structuring their chase methodically, ensuring that strike rotation remained high while boundary attempts were calculated.

Field compression around Kohli’s driving angles – Mumbai wanted to cut off cover drives, knowing Kohli excelled at threading gaps through off-side.

Leg-side boundary reinforcements – Trying to limit Raj’s flick shots, which were essential to his free-scoring playstyle.

Bowler rotations every two overs – Preventing RCB from settling against a single bowling type.

Despite the adjustments, RCB maintained their rhythm, ensuring every ball led to movement rather than stagnation.

RCB – 42 for no loss (4 overs)

Vairat Kohlie– 20(12), composed start*

Raj – 18(10), utilizing precision placement*

Commentary:"Mumbai expected forced shots, but RCB is playing structured cricket—this is the perfect chase strategy!"

Raj tightened his gloves again, feeling the reinforced padding ensuring wrist fluidity.

"This is exactly why I designed them—to keep control even in the toughest situations."

The match was progressing at exactly the pace RCB wanted. With 42 runs scored in the first four overs, Mumbai hadn’t managed to stall Bangalore’s chase—but they hadn’t allowed unchecked aggression either. It was now time for Raj and Kohli to navigate the tricky middle-overs phase, where Mumbai’s spinners and strategic field setups would attempt to disrupt RCB’s chase structure.

Raj adjusted his gloves once again—RajCraft’s specially designed sweat-resistant grip ensured that his hands remained comfortable even in intense situations. He could feel the difference compared to traditional gear, and in high-pressure matches like these, every small advantage mattered.

"This is where we break their hold before they get control."

RCB’s strategy was simple yet effective—maintain scoring rhythm, avoid risky shots, and time acceleration correctly rather than forcing mistakes. Mumbai’s bowlers were already positioning fielders to set up tactical traps.

Kohli nodded toward Raj at the crease. The next battle had begun.

Mumbai wasn’t going to allow Raj and Kohli to build momentum easily. Their containment strategy revolved around:

Compression around Raj’s flick shots – Limiting his natural ability to find gaps in mid-wicket and square-leg.

Spin-heavy bowling rotation – Introducing variations that forced Bangalore’s batters to adjust footwork rather than settle into stroke execution.

Pacing control instead of outright wicket-hunting – Mumbai wasn’t desperate for wickets yet; they knew forcing slower run progression was equally effective.

Raj studied their positions, noting where the gaps still remained.

"They won’t block everything. We work around what they leave open."

Mumbai’s spinner fired in a flighted delivery, angling toward off-stump.

Raj leaned in, reading the turn, and executed a controlled placement past cover for two runs.

Commentary:"Raj isn’t forcing big shots—he’s threading gaps effortlessly!"

Next ball—quicker trajectory, expecting Raj to step back.

Raj adjusted mid-swing, rolling his wrists for a late cut past short third-man.

Four runs.

Mumbai had expected hesitation. Instead, Raj had adapted instantly.

RCB – 68 for no loss (7 overs)

Virat Kohli – 33(22), using deep experience to manage strike rotation*

Raj – 29(18), executing precision placement rather than power-hitting*

Commentary:"RCB is controlling the chase—Mumbai’s bowlers haven’t forced mistakes yet!"

Mumbai realized their containment approach wasn’t working fast enough. They adjusted their bowlers:

Introducing extra flighted deliveries to bait attacking shots – Hoping for an aerial stroke into their reinforced field zones.

Shifting deep third finer – Cutting off Raj’s late cuts to prevent free boundary opportunities.

Pace reintroduction in over 10 – Trying to interrupt the gradual buildup phase before full acceleration arrived.

But Raj and Kohli weren’t shaken.

Commentary:"Mumbai expected RCB to miscalculate acceleration, but Bangalore is playing structured cricket!"

RCB – 92 for no loss (10 overs)

Vairat Kohlie – 45(30), approaching his fifty*

Raj – 40(24), maintaining placement control*

Raj adjusted his gloves once more. RajCraft had kept him perfectly stable throughout the innings.

"These gloves were designed for this. Now, we accelerate."

The tension had reached its peak. RCB stood at 92 for no loss after 10 overs, perfectly positioned to accelerate toward their target of 184. Mumbai had spent the last five overs trying to stall Bangalore’s progression, deploying field traps and calculated bowling rotations, but Raj and Kohli had kept their game precise.

But now, as Raj adjusted his gloves once more, he knew the moment for acceleration had arrived.

"We’ve kept control. Now, we push forward."

Kohli tapped his bat against the crease, scanning the field placements one last time. This was the phase where RCB would break Mumbai’s resistance and storm toward the IPL trophy.

The crowd erupted as Mumbai’s bowler sprinted in to deliver the first ball of over 11.

Mumbai wasn’t backing down yet. Their field setups showed maximum containment adjustments, proving that they still believed in forcing a mistake.

Extra deep fielder placed at mid-wicket – Cutting off one of Kohli’s primary scoring zones.

Full-length deliveries designed to force grounded defensive shots – Trying to keep RCB from playing aerial strokes.

Bowler speed variations every two balls – Preventing Raj from settling into easy stroke timing.

"They expect us to hesitate when acceleration begins. We accelerate with precision instead."

First ball—wide outside off, bowled fast.

Kohli adjusted instantly, slicing it past point for four runs.

Mumbai’s bowler shook his head—they knew that wasn’t supposed to be a scoring shot.

Next delivery—fuller length, angling inward.

Raj stepped forward, executing a flick past deep square leg.

Six runs.

Commentary:"Mumbai wanted RCB to hesitate before pushing forward—Raj and Kohli aren’t giving them that option!"

Mumbai’s captain adjusted again, signaling for tighter placement against Raj.

But now, RCB was in full control.

Raj’s RajCraft gloves ensured that every movement stayed fluid, every grip on his bat remained steady. The wrist stabilizers worked perfectly as he executed a smooth cover drive for another boundary.

Commentary:"Raj’s precision is a masterclass! Mumbai expected acceleration to be reckless, but it’s completely calculated!"

RCB – 148 for no loss (16 overs)

Virat Kohli – 72(46), controlling the innings flow expertly*

Raj – 66(38), executing pinpoint acceleration*

Mumbai was officially out of containment plans.

RCB had full control now.

The stadium was in absolute chaos. Every single RCB fan in the world knew this was it—the moment they had waited for, the moment the franchise had fought for, the moment that was finally within their grasp.

RCB stood at 148 for no loss after 16 overs, needing just 36 more runs from 24 balls to seal their first-ever IPL trophy. Raj and Kohli had engineered one of the most flawless run chases in IPL Final history, executing every phase with precision, control, and calculated acceleration.

But they weren’t celebrating yet. There was still work to do.

Raj tightened his gloves once more—his RajCraft wrist stabilizers ensuring no tension, no stiffness, only complete focus.

"Four overs away. Let’s finish it like champions."

Mumbai’s bowlers were visibly tense. Their captain paced near the boundary, knowing that they had exhausted every possible defensive plan. The only way they could win was forcing RCB into mistakes—but Kohli and Raj hadn’t made a single one yet.

The umpire signaled readiness. The bowler charged in.

Mumbai had lost their ability to stall RCB—but they could still push them toward a pressured finish. Their final defensive plan included:

Bowling wide deliveries to tempt reckless swings – Hoping Kohli or Raj would reach too far and edge the ball.

Extreme field compression on the off-side – Removing Kohli’s preferred angles.

Pace variations with sudden slower deliveries – Trying to force mistimed drives rather than clean boundary shots.

Raj scanned their setup, instantly noting the gaps left untouched.

"They’re blocking my off-side play, but my leg-side flicks are still open."

First ball—wide delivery, expecting a rash swing

.

Kohli watched closely, adjusted his stance, and instead tapped it toward deep third.

Single taken.

Mumbai had wanted a reckless stroke, but Kohli was too experienced to fall for it.

Raj stepped forward. The bowler sprinted in—shorter length, pushed toward off.

Raj reacted instantly—pulled it past deep square leg with controlled force.

Four runs.

Commentary:"This is COMPLETE CONTROL! Mumbai wants mistakes—RCB refuses to make them!"

RCB needed just 25 more runs from 18 balls. Mumbai’s bowlers looked increasingly defeated, but their captain kept urging them forward.

First ball—full length, angled toward off-stump.

Raj stepped in, perfectly balanced, and lofted it past covers.

Four runs!

Commentary:"Raj’s precision is UNMATCHED! He isn’t forcing shots—he’s EXECUTING THEM!"

Next ball—quicker pace, aiming for a yorker.

Raj adjusted instantly, flicking it toward fine leg.

Another boundary.

RCB was officially unstoppable.

Every single RCB supporter in the stadium was standing now, their hands clenched, their voices roaring louder than ever before.

First ball—full toss, aiming for desperation bowling.

Kohli stepped forward—SLAMMED IT THROUGH MID-WICKET!

Six runs!

RCB – 182 for no loss (19 overs)

Raj – 87(49), executing one of the best IPL Final innings ever!*

Virat Kohli – 94(56), anchoring the perfect chase!*

Commentary:"ONE RUN AWAY! THIS IS HISTORY FOR RCB!"

Raj adjusted his gloves one last time.

"Final ball. One run. Let’s finish this."

Mumbai’s bowler ran in fast, desperate to delay the inevitable.

Full length, angling toward leg.

Raj stepped forward—tapped it toward square leg—RAN FOR THE SINGLE!

MATCH OVER. RCB ARE IPL CHAMPIONS!

Commentary:"RCB HAS DONE IT! HISTORY IS MADE! RAJ AND KOHLI HAVE SEALED THE ULTIMATE WIN!"

FINAL SCORE: RCB – 184 for no loss (19.1 overs)

IPL CHAMPIONS – ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE

Raj removed his helmet, looking toward the sky, exhaling deeply.

"This... This is what we built for."

And he quietly said a dialogue which all of the fans want to hear from last 20 years

E saala cup namdu

To be continued...