After enduring a string of defeats at their fortress, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally found their rhythm at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, overcoming Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs to snap a three-match home losing streak in IPL 2025.
Speaking after the match, a visibly relieved RCB batter Rajat Patidar credited the team’s composure and adaptability, particularly the bowlers, for defending a total of 205 on a surface he called “different.”
“That was a much-needed win,” Patidar said in the post-match presentation. “The way the bowlers showed courage after the 10th over was tremendous… we’ve finally cracked the code to win at the MCS.”
RCB’s Winning Formula:
- Phil Salt and Virat Kohli laid a strong foundation with a 61-run opening stand.
- Kohli top-scored with 70 off 42 balls, supported by Devdutt Padikkal, who smashed a quick 50 off 27.
- Late cameos from Tim David (23)* and Jitesh Sharma (20)* powered RCB to 205/5.
RR’s Valiant Chase Falls Short:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (49 off 19) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (16 off 10) gave RR a flying start.
- Contributions from Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, and Dhruv Jurel (47 off 34) kept RR in the game till the final overs.
- But Krunal Pandya (2/31) removed key batters, and Josh Hazlewood’s 19th over turned the tide with 2 wickets for just 1 run.
- Yash Dayal held his nerve in the final over to seal the match.
Standout Performers:
- 🏏 Virat Kohli – 70 (42)
- 🏏 Devdutt Padikkal – 50 (27)
- 🔥 Josh Hazlewood – 4/33 (Player of the Match)
- 🎯 Krunal Pandya – 2/31
Points Table Update:
- RCB climbs to 3rd with 12 points (6W, 3L)
- RR sinks to 8th with just 2 wins in 9 matches, suffering five consecutive losses
RCB’s breakthrough at home may have come just in time as the business end of the tournament approaches. With Hazlewood firing and Kohli in top form, the Bengaluru side looks poised for a strong playoff push.