Kochi Kingsmen overpower VDS Indore Chargers in high-scoring thriller
- September 21, 2025
The crowd at DCS You Selects Arena 2 was treated to one of the most electrifying games of the Tranquil Developers You Selects IPL 2025 (Exhibition) as Kochi Kingsmen chased down a mammoth 202-run target to stun VDS Indore Chargers by four wickets with 17 balls remaining. It was a clash that embodied the modern T20 spirit — power hitting, fearless batting, and thrilling momentum swings that kept fans glued until the final stroke.
VDS Indore Chargers, asked to bat first, came out with intent and aggression. Their innings was anchored by the stylish Mohamed Nashir, who set the tone with a fluent 42 off 27 deliveries, striking five fours and two sixes. Deepak Rao added 17, but Indore lost early momentum with wickets tumbling at crucial stages. The middle overs, however, showcased resilience — Imran Ahmad’s 36 from 23 balls kept the run rate moving, while skipper Shri rotated his batting order smartly to ensure acceleration towards the end. Roy contributed a steady 32, bringing some calm in the midst of pressure.
The real fireworks came in the final overs when Ajinkya blasted 32 off just 9 deliveries, including four towering sixes that sent the crowd into raptures. Supported briefly by Sheji Hydru’s quick 15, Indore stormed to a commanding 202/5 in 20 overs. It was a total that seemed unassailable at the halfway mark. Their batting depth shone through, but concerns over whether their bowling could defend such a score lingered. Though their batsmen had done the heavy lifting, the responsibility shifted to the bowlers to stop the Kingsmen’s strong batting line-up on a flat Sharjah surface.
Kochi Kingsmen’s reply was a statement of intent. Despite a setback with Jeffin Saad dismissed for a duck, they showed no nerves in chasing a massive target. Arjun K Ramesh played the anchor’s role with 44 off 29 balls, building partnerships and ensuring the required rate never spiraled. At the other end, Rakshith A R delivered a knock for the ages — a blistering 63 from just 26 deliveries at a strike rate of 242.31. His innings, studded with eight fours and three sixes, blew away Indore’s bowling and tilted the balance firmly in Kochi’s favor.
The middle order joined the party as Meeraj Raj hammered 37 off 20 balls, while Krishnan added a handy 22. Even though Mudassir Ali momentarily lifted Indore with three wickets in his spell, Kochi’s batting depth proved decisive. Riyas Abdullah held his composure with an unbeaten 9, and Abhijith chipped in with crucial runs to see the chase through in the 18th over. Kochi ended on 203/6, showcasing not only power but also remarkable calmness under pressure. The victory underlined their batting strength, with multiple contributors ensuring they crossed the finish line comfortably, turning what looked like a stiff chase into a statement win.
Star of the Match – Arjun K Ramesh
Kochi Kingsmen
Anchored the chase with a composed 44 off 29 balls, building key partnerships and ensuring Kochi’s pursuit of 202 never wavered under pressure.
Master Blaster – Rakshith A R
Kochi Kingsmen
Smashed a blistering 63 from 26 deliveries, striking eight fours and three sixes, single-handedly dismantling Indore’s bowling attack and igniting Kochi’s explosive chase.
Power Arm – Mudassir Ali
VDS Indore Chargers
Claimed 3/38 in his four-over spell, removing key batsmen to momentarily lift Indore’s hopes in an otherwise one-sided display of batting dominance.
Safe Hands – Abhijith
Kochi Kingsmen
Took clean catch to dismiss Sheji Hydru off Vinu Nair’s bowling, breaking late-overs momentum and tilting the contest decisively toward Kochi during the closing passage.
“We posted a strong total but couldn’t contain their hitters. Our bowlers must improve execution under pressure to turn these games.”
Nitin Jain
Captain – VDS Indore Chargers
“Chasing 200 isn’t easy, but Rakshith’s brilliance and Arjun’s composure set us up perfectly. The team showed fearless intent tonight.”
Vinu Nair
Captain – Kochi Kingsmen
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