On April 24, 2025, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru erupted as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shattered their three-game home losing streak with a pulsating 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 42nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
This triumph was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent from RCB, who had been haunted by their inability to defend their fortress. Meanwhile, RR’s nightmare continued, as they slumped to their fifth consecutive defeat, equalling their joint-longest losing streak in IPL history from 2009-10.
The match was a spectacle of T20 cricket, blending explosive batting, cunning bowling, and dramatic momentum shifts that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The stage was set for a high-stakes showdown under the Bengaluru lights, with RCB desperate to reclaim their home pride and RR yearning to snap their losing run. RCB’s batting, led by a vintage Virat Kohli and a fiery Devdutt Padikkal, set a daunting 205/5.
RR’s chase, ignited by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s blistering start, promised a close finish, but Josh Hazlewood’s death-overs masterclass ensured RCB’s victory. This clash was a microcosm of IPL’s unpredictability, where individual brilliance and tactical nous decided the outcome.
Match Overview
RCB won the toss and opted to bat, Kohli and Padikkal, forged a 95-run partnership that set the tone. Kohli’s 70 off 42 balls, laced with 8 fours and 2 sixes, was a masterclass in adapting to the pitch’s pace and bounce. Padikkal’s 50 off 27, with 4 fours and 3 sixes, provided the early fireworks.
A mini-collapse saw RCB lose three wickets for just 7 runs between the 16th and 17th overs, triggered by Sandeep Sharma’s disciplined bowling. However, Tim David (23 off 15) and Jitesh Sharma (20 off 10) added 42 crucial runs in the death overs, propelling RCB to 205/5.
RR’s chase began with a bang, as Jaiswal (49 off 19) and Riyan Parag (22 off 10) raced to 110/3 in 9.1 overs, putting them in a strong position. But the tide turned when Krunal Pandya dismissed Parag, sparking a middle-order collapse.
Josh Hazlewood’s 19th over, conceding just 1 run while dismissing Dhruv Jurel and Jofra Archer, was the game-changer. Despite Jurel’s valiant 47 off 34, RR finished at 194/9, falling 11 runs short. Hazlewood’s 4/33 earned him the Player of the Match award, underlining his pivotal role.
RCB Batting: Virat Kohli’s Class and Devdutt Padikkal’s Fire
Virat Kohli, in the midst of a resurgent IPL 2025, delivered a vintage performance, scoring his second consecutive fifty. His 70 off 42 balls was a blend of elegance and aggression, with flicks and drives accounting for 24 of his runs. Kohli’s ability to read the pitch’s extra bounce was evident, as he maintained a control percentage of 73%.
Devdutt Padikkal, opening alongside Kohli, was equally destructive, smashing 50 off 27 balls. His off-drives contributed 17 runs, and his 77% control rate showcased his dominance. Their 95-run stand in the powerplay laid a robust foundation.
The middle overs saw RCB wobble, losing Kohli, Padikkal, and Patidar in quick succession. Sandeep Sharma’s double strike, dismissing Padikkal and Patidar triggered a brief collapse, with RCB at 163/4 by the 17th over. Entered Tim David, whose unbeaten 23 off 15 balls, including some lusty blows, and Jitesh Sharma’s 20 off 10, ensured RCB crossed the 200-mark. This late flourish proved decisive, giving RCB a total that was just out of RR’s reach.
RR Bowling: Archer and Sharma’s Efforts in Vain
RR’s bowling unit showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. Jofra Archer was the standout, striking early to dismiss Kohli, who was threatening to take the game away. His pace and bounce troubled RCB’s batsmen, though his final figures weren’t detailed. Sandeep Sharma was equally effective, picking up crucial wickets, including Padikkal and Patidar, and triggering RCB’s mini-collapse. His disciplined lines restricted RCB to just 7 runs during a critical phase.
Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
RR Batting: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Blitz, Middle-Order Meltdown
RR’s chase was off to a flyer, with Yashasvi Jaiswal setting the tone with a scintillating 49 off 19 balls. His aggressive intent put RCB’s bowlers under immediate pressure, and at 110/3 after 9.1 overs, RR seemed in control. Riyan Parag’s 22 off 10 complemented Jaiswal, but his dismissal by Krunal Pandya marked the beginning of RR’s downfall. Score was 110-3 in 9.1 overs, needing 96 runs to win.
Nitish Rana brought the run chase back on a track which was offering turn and steep bounce. RR were slowly and steadily cruising ahead but again Krunal Pandya brought RCB back in the game. In the 14th over, Krunal got the big wicket of Nitish Rana and score was 134-4 in 13.3 overs as RCB were again back in game.
The middle order, including Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer, failed to deliver, crumbling under pressure. Dhruv Jurel’s 47 off 34, with 3 fours and 3 sixes, kept RR in the hunt, but the loss of wickets at regular intervals derailed their chase.
Another Day, Another Masterclass 👏
Virat Kohli lights up Chinnaswamy with 70 (42) 👌
🔽 Watch | #TATAIPL | #RCBvRR | @imVkohli
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 24, 2025
RCB Bowling: Josh Hazlewood’s Heroics and Pandya’s Precision
RCB’s bowling unit, often criticized earlier in the season, rose to the occasion. Josh Hazlewood was the architect of RR’s collapse, finishing with 4/33. His 19th over, conceding just 1 run while dismissing Jurel and Archer, was a T20 bowling clinic, mixing yorkers and slower balls to devastating effect. Hazlewood’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award and praise from captain Rajat Patidar for his composure. Krunal Pandya played a crucial supporting role, taking 2/31, including the key wicket of Parag, which shifted the momentum. Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a forgettable outing, leaking 50 runs in 4 overs for just one wicket, which eased the pressure on RCB’s lower order. Yash Dayal’s 1/33, particularly his composed final over defending 11 runs, sealed RCB’s victory.
The pitch at Chinnaswamy wasn’t as flat as the scores suggested, with extra pace and bounce challenging both sides. Dew in the second innings aided RR’s chase, but RCB’s bowlers showed courage, as noted in post-match analysis. Hazlewood credited his franchise experience for his T20 growth, emphasizing quick information sharing among bowlers.
Kohli highlighted the importance of winning the toss due to dew and praised the 95-run stand with Padikkal. Captain Patidar lauded the bowlers’ comeback, stressing the value of having leaders in the squad.
Just when #RR were cruising along….
….Krunal Pandya breaks the momentum of the chase ☝
The equation is now 9️⃣3️⃣ runs from 6️⃣0️⃣ deliveries.
Updates ▶ https://t.co/mtgySHgAjc #TATAIPL | #RCBvRR | @krunalpandya24 pic.twitter.com/I26OwoD90B
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 24, 2025
Looking Ahead
This victory will inject confidence into RCB, particularly at home, where they had faltered earlier in IPL 2025. Their ability to defend a total under pressure bodes well for their playoff aspirations. For RR, the fifth straight loss is a wake-up call. Their top-order firepower is evident, but the middle order’s fragility and bowling inconsistencies need urgent attention. With the playoffs looming, both teams must refine their strategies to stay competitive.
The RCB vs RR clash on April 24, 2025, was a quintessential IPL thriller, showcasing the format’s volatility and excitement. Kohli’s class, Hazlewood’s clutch performance, and RR’s inability to close out the chase highlighted the fine margins in T20 cricket. As RCB celebrates a morale-boosting win, RR must regroup to salvage their campaign. This match will be remembered for its intensity and the individual brilliance that tipped the scales in RCB’s favor.
RCB now looks a force to reckon with given a win at home will give the team a massive self-confidence & boost. RCB’s next opponent is DC, which is scheduled on 27th April at Delhi, and a win. DC & RCB are both placed on 12 points, 6 wins with a possible clash of titans and a win for either side can most likely seal a playoff spot.
RR on the other side have got themselves to blame, given their batting weakness being badly exposed. RR now will be keen to play for pride and avoid a wooden spoon in the tournament. RR’s next match is against GT on 28th April. RR has now have lost 7 matches out of 9, and if they want to qualify forthe playoffs, they have to win every match and hope that other results go in their favor, which looks quite unrealistic to happen.
Also Read: RCB vs RR: Josh Hazlewood’s Deadly Spell Pulls Off Unthinkable Win