Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL preview | April 13

Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL Match Preview

Sunday’s early fixture in IPL 2025 brings us to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, where Rajasthan Royals (RR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in what is shaping up to be a vital clash for both teams.

RR have two wins from five outings and sit in the bottom half of the table, while RCB are slightly better off with three wins from five, placing them in playoff contention.

Rajasthan Royals return to Jaipur needing a response after a humbling 58-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans. Conceding 217 and managing just 159 in reply, they were well off the pace in all departments.

Their bowling attack lacked bite in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, while captain Sanju Samson acknowledged post-match that his team had “drifted from the game plan.” Archer remains a bright spot, with five wickets in his last three matches, and if Hasaranga returns, their middle overs could tighten up considerably.

RCB also come into this one needing a reset after a six-wicket defeat to the Delhi Capitals. Despite a strong start through Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, their middle order faltered, and their total of 169 was easily chased down.

The bowling leaned heavily on Josh Hazlewood, but when he went for over 11 an over, there was no support to fall back on. The likes of Liam Livingstone and Devdutt Padikkal are under pressure, and RCB’s lack of squad depth remains a concern.

That said, RCB’s top order has looked sharp, and Kohli has a solid history at this ground, including an unbeaten 113 on his last visit. Historically, this rivalry has been close: RCB leads the all-time head-to-head 15–14, with three no results.

With RR desperate to halt a slide and RCB keen to stay in the top half, this contest has the ingredients for a fiercely competitive clash.

RR v RCB Betting Predictions

The Royals did the double over RCB last season and have the right tools to do it again. With Archer in form and Hasaranga potentially returning, they have a bowling unit capable of exposing RCB’s fragile middle order. At home in Jaipur — where they’ve historically fared well — they look good value with cricket betting sites at over even money.

Riyan Parag has quietly become one of RR’s most reliable batters. After a duck in the opener, he’s scored 25, 37, 43* and 26 in his last four. Batting with confidence and showing maturity beyond his years, backing him to clear 20.5 with Nags.bet looks a strong bet — he’s done so in four of five innings this season.

Josh Hazlewood remains RCB’s go-to strike bowler. He’s taken eight wickets so far this campaign and has picked up 2+ wickets in 13 of his last 22 IPL matches. While he was expensive last time out, he’s often bounced back with quality spells. It’s worth banking on him doing damage again.

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