Match 42, IPL 2025 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally put an end to their home ground woes with a hard-fought 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Match 42 of the Indian Premier League 2025. Despite pressure moments, RCB held their nerve in the death overs to seal the win in front of an electric home crowd.

RCB Finally Deliver at Home

After three successive home losses, Rajat Patidar’s men were desperate to reverse their fortunes. Batting first again – for the fourth time in a row at home – RCB posted an imposing 205. Phil Salt fell early, but a 95-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal laid a strong foundation. Rajasthan pulled things back briefly, but big-hitting cameos from Tim David and Jitesh Sharma powered Bengaluru past the 200-run mark.

RCB’s batting depth remains a major asset, with Salt, Kohli, Padikkal, Livingstone, Jitesh, and David forming a formidable top six. Their bowling unit – spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma controlling the middle overs – ensured a complete performance.

Royals Collapse Under Pressure – Again

For the Royals, it was déjà vu. A promising chase fell apart yet again in the final overs. Chasing 206, they looked well in control at 100/0 in 8 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal (49) and Dhruv Jurel gave them a strong base, but once the spinners came in, the momentum shifted. Despite needing just 17 off the last two overs, RR couldn’t close it out. Hazlewood’s penultimate over (1 run, 2 wickets) and Yash Dayal’s composed final six balls sealed the fate.

This marks Rajasthan’s fourth straight loss and a likely end to their playoff hopes. With just two wins in eight matches, they now sit eighth on the table.

The Turning Point

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 18th over, which went for 22 runs, brought RR right back into the game. But Hazlewood’s magic in the 19th flipped the script again. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya’s tight spells in the middle overs were crucial in stalling the Royals' momentum after a rapid start.

Post-Match Reactions

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar praised the team’s collective effort, especially the bowlers who came back strongly after a tough start. He acknowledged the importance of having experienced heads in high-pressure situations and gave credit to the fans for sticking with them.

Riyan Parag, captain of the Royals, missed chances and poor execution in crunch moments. He stressed that while the players have been given the freedom to express themselves, they now need to step up and take ownership.

Previous Encounter Recap

When these two teams met earlier this season in Jaipur, RCB dominated. Rajasthan had posted 175, thanks to a 75 from Yashasvi Jaiswal. But RCB chased it down with ease, courtesy of Salt’s quickfire 65 and an unbeaten stand between Kohli and Padikkal.

What’s Next

RCB now join Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals on 12 points, though they trail on Net Run Rate. Meanwhile, Rajasthan will need a miraculous turnaround to stay in contention.

Next up, Chennai Super Kings face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial four-pointer at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The game could very well decide which team stays in the playoff race. That match takes place on Friday, 25 April at 7:30 PM IST.

Final Over Drama

Yash Dayal was handed the final over with RR needing 17. He stayed calm, mixing yorkers with slower deliveries. Crucial wickets, including a run-out and a catch by Salt, helped RCB defend the total. A couple of singles and dot balls later, the job was done – and the Chinnaswamy erupted in celebration.