Under the vibrant floodlights of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, two IPL powerhouses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), lock horns on April 24, 2025, in a match that could shape their IPL 2025 campaigns. RCB, unbeaten on the road but winless at home, are desperate to break their Chinnaswamy jinx.
RR would be eyeing revenge against RCB. The two sides had locked horns earlier in IPL 2025 at RR’s home ground Jaipur where RCB quite comfortably chased down the target of 174 runs. In that encounter, RCB’s bowlers were quite exceptional and mixed their line & lengths quite smartly on a batting surface as it was a collective effort. Virat Kohli had played a match winning knock of 62 runs in 45 balls and struck 4 fours and 2 sixes and would be keen to replicate the same knock.
Meanwhile, RR, reeling from four consecutive losses, faces a do-or-die scenario to keep their playoff hopes alive. The toss could be a game-changer, with chasing teams holding a distinct advantage at this venue. With superstars like Virat Kohli, fresh off crossing 13,000 T20 runs, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has three successive fifties, ready to dazzle, this clash promises edge-of-the-seat action.
Adding to the drama, RR will miss their captain Sanju Samson, sidelined by an abdominal injury, with the young Riyan Parag taking the helm. Will RCB finally triumph at home, or can RR defy the odds and stage a comeback?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. RCB, sitting third with 10 points from 8 matches (5 wins, 3 losses, NRR +0.472), are in a strong position but need a home win to cement their playoff berth. RR, languishing in eighth with just 4 points (2 wins, 6 losses, NRR -0.633), are on the brink of elimination.
The emergence of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 34 off 20 balls in his debut, offers hope for RR, but their seniors must step up. With a packed house expected and perfect weather conditions, this match is set to deliver a spectacle worthy of the IPL’s grand stage.
Match Overview
RCB have been a force on the road, with three successful chases highlighting their batting prowess, led by the indomitable Virat Kohli. However, their home form has been a concern, with spinners struggling, picking up just one wicket in 15 overs at an economy of 9.6.
RR, on the other hand, have faltered in crunch moments, collapsing in the death overs in recent games against Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. Their mental frailties have been exposed, but their bowling, spearheaded by Jofra Archer (8 wickets) and Wanindu Hasaranga (9 wickets), remains potent.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch favors pacers, who have taken 68% of wickets this season, with an economy rate of 8.2 and an average of 22.1. RCB’s pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal will look to exploit this, particularly against RR’s openers, including the teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
RR’s strategy will hinge on Jofra Archer’s early breakthroughs and Wanindu Hasaranga’s middle-over control. The toss is critical, as teams batting second have won 60% of matches at this venue this season, a fact RCB captain Rajat Patidar is keenly aware of, having lost the toss in all three home games.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly surface, with the highest team total recorded at 287/3 and an average first-innings score of 171. Pacers have been particularly effective, accounting for 68% of wickets with a strike rate of 16.1. The lowest team total here is 82/10, indicating that bowlers can strike back if they hit the right lengths.
Head-to-Head Records
| Matches Played | 33 |
| Won by Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 16 |
| Won by Rajasthan Royals | 14 |
| Tied | 00 |
| No Result | 03 |
| First-ever Fixture | April 26, 2008 |
| Most-recent Fixture | April 13, 2025 |
RCB’s recent dominance gives them confidence, but RR’s past success at Chinnaswamy keeps the contest open.
Playing XIs and Injury Updates
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Rajasthan Royals (RR): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande
Impact Player: Sandeep Sharma
Injury Update: RR’s regular captain Sanju Samson is ruled out due to an abdominal injury, with Riyan Parag taking over leadership duties. No injury concerns have been reported for RCB.
Match Predictions
Scenario 1
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the toss and bowl
- PP Score – 55-65
- RR – 180-190
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the match
Scenario 2
- Rajasthan Royals win the toss and bowl
- PP score – 55-65
- RCB- 170-180
- Rajasthan Royals win the match
The RCB vs RR clash on April 24, 2025, is a pivotal moment in IPL 2025. RCB’s quest for a home win meets RR’s desperate need for a turnaround, setting the stage for a captivating battle. With the toss, key players, and strategic decisions likely to dictate the outcome, fans are in for a treat. Whether it’s Kohli’s masterclass or Jaiswal’s fireworks, this match at Chinnaswamy will be a defining chapter in both teams’ journeys.
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