24 Apr 2025: RCB vs RR at M. Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Captains: RCB – Rajat Patidar; RR – Riyan Parag
Venue & Conditions
The iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is renowned as a batting paradise, thanks to its short boundaries and true bounce, often producing high-scoring encounters. However, the evening dew can make the ball slippery in the second half, complicating bowling efforts under lights
Team Form & Standings
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
- Record: 5 wins, 3 losses (10 points), NRR +0.472
- Home woes: Yet to win at Chinnaswamy (0-3); perfect away record (4-0)
- Table position: 4th spot, eyeing a top-four finish
- Record: 5 wins, 3 losses (10 points), NRR +0.472
- Rajasthan Royals:
- Record: 2 wins, 6 losses (4 points), NRR –0.633
- Recent form: Three straight defeats, struggling to ignite playoff charge
- Table position: 8th, needing a must-win to stay in contention
- Record: 2 wins, 6 losses (4 points), NRR –0.633
Head-to-Head at a Glance
| Overall (33 matches) | At Bengaluru (9 matches) | |
| RCB wins | 16 | 3 |
| RR wins | 14 | 4 |
| No results | 3 | 2 |
Rajasthan Royals hold a slight edge at Chinnaswamy, having won four of nine encounters, while RCB will be desperate to level the ledger and secure their maiden home victory this season.
Key Battles to Watch
- Rajat Patidar (RCB):
- Captain this season, 209 runs so far (1 half-century) at 31.57 SR
- His calm leadership and batting form will be pivotal in unlocking RR’s attack.
- Captain this season, 209 runs so far (1 half-century) at 31.57 SR
- Virat Kohli (RCB):
- Leading the charge with 322 runs (4 fifties), proving once again why he’s among the world’s best.
- Leading the charge with 322 runs (4 fifties), proving once again why he’s among the world’s best.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR):
- Top RR batter with 307 runs (strike rate 152.41), the young left-hander thriving on quick runs.
- Top RR batter with 307 runs (strike rate 152.41), the young left-hander thriving on quick runs.
- Riyan Parag (RR):
- Thrust into captaincy, Parag’s spin-all-round ability and tactical nous will be tested under pressure.
- Thrust into captaincy, Parag’s spin-all-round ability and tactical nous will be tested under pressure.
- Bowling Match-up:
- RCB’s pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj must exploit early movement.
- RR’s revamped attack features Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga, bolstering a unit restructured post-mega auction.
- RCB’s pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj must exploit early movement.
Outlook & Prediction Factors
- Toss: Winning the toss could be key; dew often nudges teams to field first.
- Middle-over control: Spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga vs RCB’s lower order will be critical.
- Powerplay performance: RCB must negate RR’s powerplay threat led by Sandeep Sharma.
- Home pressure: RCB’s home-ground struggles add an intriguing subplot — will Patidar’s men conquer their jinx?
With playoff positions at stake, this high-voltage clash at Chinnaswamy promises fireworks under lights.
