Royal Challengers Bengaluru were far too good for Rajasthan Royals in Sunday’s IPL action.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru were far too good for Rajasthan Royals in Sunday’s IPL action.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Sunday, putting on a chasing clinic to win by nine wickets and remain favourites to win the 2025 IPL title across cricket bookmakers.
Hosts RR were disjointed after being asked to bat first, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (75 from 47) managing to get on top of the RCB bowlers.
The opener batted through until the 16th over, but around him, Sanju Samson (15 from 19) and Riyan Parag (30 from 22) went slower than Rajasthan would have liked.
Dhruv Jurel (35 from 23) provided some late hitting, but RR could only manage 173/4 from their 20 overs.
That turned out to be nowhere near enough as RCB overhauled it with 15 balls to spare for the loss of just one wicket.
Openers Phil Salt (65 from 33) and Virat Kohli (62* from 45) began with an all-out assault, the visitors racing out to 92/0 in the ninth over.
There was no respite after Salt fell, as Devdutt Padikkal came to the crease and made 40 not out from 28 to see RCB over the line alongside Kohli.
The victory is Bengaluru’s fourth on the road this season and firms their odds of winning the 2025 IPL title to +400 at Nags.bet, ahead of Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at +500 apiece.
“The way bowlers executed the plans, it was nice to see,” RCB captain Rajat Patidar said after the match.
“The way we bowled in powerplay was special.
“The wicket was not easy to bat, we targeted 150-170.
“The way I get my confidence from my bowlers was special.
“They are ready to bowl at any surface and any stage.
“Really enjoyed Salt batting from dugout.
“The way VK [Kohli] rotated the strike was special.
“We are not a team that looks at venue, we look to play positive and good cricket.”
Rajasthan captain Samson agreed that the game was lost in the powerplay, and rued his side’s fielding.
“They won the game in the powerplay,” he said.
“We also dropped their catches.
“Have to give it to RCB, their intent was better.
“People have been honest in saying they committed some mistakes. We are in a good mindset.
“We have to put this game behind us, come back fresh and be confident about the next game.
“Need to keep this things aside and come back confidently.”
Rajasthan have a quick turnaround with their next game coming against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, where they are +100 underdogs at Nags.bet.