In a commanding display of power, precision, and poise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by nine wickets in Match 28 of the IPL 2025 season. The match took place at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on April 13, and RCB’s resounding victory pushed them to third in the points table. The win became even more impressive considering that all four of RCB’s victories this season came away from home.
RCB chased down a target of 174 runs in just 17.3 overs, led by dominant performances from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. The Royals’ early advantage faded as their bowling and fielding crumbled under the pressure of clinical batting and tight strategy.
Rajasthan Royals Post a Respectable Total
RR began the game on the front foot. Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the innings with a confident 75 off 47 balls. His knock featured a mix of aggressive stroke play and smart placement, including 10 fours and 2 sixes. His timing and footwork gave RR strong starts in the powerplay overs.
He shared a 49-run partnership with Sanju Samson, who added 15 runs before falling to a mistimed pull shot. After Samson’s dismissal, Riyan Parag joined Jaiswal at the crease. Parag played a vital supporting role, scoring a quick 30 off 22 balls. His aggressive intent allowed Jaiswal to maintain his rhythm.
Despite losing momentum in the middle overs, RR regained control in the death overs through Dhruv Jurel, who remained unbeaten with 35 off 23 balls. Jurel focused on rotating the strike and played calculated big shots during the final overs, ensuring RR reached a competitive total of 173/4.
RCB’s Bowlers Deliver a Controlled Performance
RCB’s bowlers delivered discipline and control, particularly during the powerplay and middle overs. Mohammed Siraj and Reece Topley extracted good bounce and swing early in the innings. Siraj, known for his aggression, dismissed Jos Buttler cheaply with a sharp inswinger that beat the bat and crashed into the stumps.
Topley mixed his lengths well and kept the run rate in check. In the spin department, Karn Sharma bowled economically and applied pressure during the middle overs. Glenn Maxwell contributed with a few tight overs, slowing down RR’s acceleration.
The bowling unit stuck to its plans. Yorkers, slower balls, and wide-line deliveries became common features in the death overs. Even though Jurel scored briskly at the end, the bowlers ensured RR couldn’t cross the 180-run mark.
Phil Salt and Virat Kohli Demolish RR’s Hopes
RCB’s response to the target turned into a masterclass in batting. Phil Salt, the aggressive English opener, delivered fireworks right from the start. He smashed 65 runs off just 33 deliveries, with five fours and six massive sixes. Salt played with absolute freedom, dispatching pacers and spinners with equal ease. He reached his half-century in just 28 balls.
At the other end, Virat Kohli provided calmness, timing, and class. He scored an unbeaten 62 runs off 45 balls, anchoring the chase. Kohli’s innings included four boundaries and two towering sixes. He ensured the scoreboard kept ticking while Salt provided the fireworks.
Together, they built a 92-run opening partnership, demoralizing RR’s bowlers. After Salt departed, Devdutt Padikkal joined Kohli and kept the pressure on the fielding side. Padikkal remained not out on 40 off 28 balls, hitting boundaries at regular intervals and preventing RR from building any comeback momentum.
RCB completed the chase with ease in just 17.3 overs, finishing at 175/1. The dominating performance handed RR their third loss of the season and exposed weaknesses in their bowling and fielding unit.
Fielding Errors Haunt Rajasthan
RR’s fielders contributed to their own downfall. Critical catches went down — both Phil Salt and Virat Kohli benefited from dropped chances. These lapses allowed the RCB batters to continue their onslaught.
In T20 cricket, fielding often creates or destroys momentum. RR failed to capitalize on the chances that came their way. Misfields in the inner circle and poor boundary protection cost them valuable runs. In contrast, RCB’s fielding remained sharp throughout the evening, with direct hits and boundary saves adding pressure.
Virat Kohli Creates History
Kohli’s performance didn’t just help RCB win; it also marked a historic personal milestone. He became the first Indian and only the second cricketer globally to score 100 T20 half-centuries. This record added another feather to Kohli’s already illustrious career. His calm presence at the crease, leadership on the field, and hunger for runs continue to define his legacy in the league.
Captain’s Verdict
Rajat Patidar, RCB’s interim captain in Faf du Plessis’ absence, praised the team’s execution. He highlighted the bowlers’ performance in the powerplay and the batters’ composure during the chase. Patidar lauded Salt and Kohli’s partnership as the turning point in the match.
On the other side, Sanju Samson, visibly disappointed, admitted that fielding errors and inconsistent bowling cost them the match. He acknowledged the batting contributions but stressed the need for better control with the ball and more intensity in the field. He promised a focused effort in their upcoming fixtures.
Match Summary
Rajasthan Royals
- Total: 173/4 (20 overs)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 75 (47)
- Dhruv Jurel: 35* (23)
- Riyan Parag: 30 (22)
- Best Bowler (RCB): Mohammed Siraj – 1/26 (4 overs)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Total: 175/1 (17.3 overs)
- Phil Salt: 65 (33)
- Virat Kohli: 62* (45)
- Devdutt Padikkal: 40* (28)
- Best Bowler (RR): Trent Boult – 0/31 (4 overs)
Result: RCB won by 9 wickets
Player of the Match: Phil Salt
What Comes Next
RCB now looks ahead to back-to-back matches against Punjab Kings on April 18 and 20. The franchise will carry the momentum from this victory and focus on strengthening their position in the top half of the points table. With four away wins already, they enter these fixtures with confidence.
RR faces a sterner test in their next match against table-toppers Delhi Capitals on April 16. The team needs to bounce back quickly and address the fielding and bowling gaps that cost them dearly in this game.
Conclusion
RCB’s nine-wicket win over RR showcased a team in form, united in execution, and confident in approach. The powerful opening stand, strategic bowling, and sharp fielding allowed RCB to outclass RR in every department. For Rajasthan, the result served as a wake-up call to correct flaws before the season enters its crucial second half.
The IPL 2025 continues to surprise fans with every match, and this encounter added another chapter of brilliance, milestones, and lessons in the race for the playoffs.
