Kohli and Hazlewood shine as RCB finally secures a home win in a thrilling IPL 2025 match. Check out the highlights!
Introduction:
The 42nd match of the IPL 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru delivered a high-octane contest as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their winless home run, edging Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs. In a game packed with momentum swings, Virat Kohli’s masterclass, Devdutt Padikkal’s fireworks, and Josh Hazlewood’s death-over brilliance proved decisive. For Rajasthan, a fifth straight defeat leaves their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. See also: RCB Hold Nerve to Edge PBKS by 6 Runs in IPL 25 Final
Toss and Teams: RR opt to Bowl First
Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to field, hoping to exploit any early movement under lights and chase on a typically high-scoring Chinnaswamy surface. RCB, desperate to break their home hoodoo, stuck with a familiar lineup, banking on their top order to deliver.
RCB’s Innings: Kohli and Padikkal Light Up Bengaluru
RCB’s innings began with measured intent. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli saw off a probing new-ball spell, reaching 59/0 at the end of the powerplay. Salt, however, fell soon after, unable to capitalize on an early reprieve. Enter Devdutt Padikkal, who joined Kohli to seize the initiative. See also: Rohit Sharma’s Brilliance Powers MI to 4th Straight Win
The pair combined for a dynamic 95-run partnership, mixing classical Strokeplay with aggressive running. Kohli was at his vintage best, finding gaps and clearing the ropes with ease, while Padikkal’s 50 off 27 balls injected pace into the innings. Kohli’s 70 off 42 balls anchored the effort, and by the 15th over, RCB looked set for a mammoth total at 156/1.
However, Sandeep Sharma’s double-strike and Jofra Archer’s timely wicket triggered a mini-collapse, with RCB losing three wickets for just seven runs. The momentum threatened to slip, but Tim David and Jitesh Sharma’s late blitz (42 runs in the last few overs) ensured RCB finished strongly at 205/5.
RR’s Chase: Jaiswal and Jurel Threaten, Hazlewood Holds Nerve
Rajasthan Royals’ chase started explosively, with Yashasvi Jaiswal in full flow. He smashed 49 off just 19 balls, peppering the boundaries and setting a blistering tone. Despite losing partners at the other end, RR raced to 110 in just nine overs, keeping well ahead of the required rate. See also: Harshal Patel’s 4-For Powers SRH to Historic Win Over CSK
Nitish Rana and captain Riyan Parag steadied the middle overs, both looking set to take RR home. However, Krunal Pandya’s introduction proved pivotal, as he removed Parag with his first ball, sparking a period of uncertainty for the visitors.
Dhruv Jurel (47 off 34) and Shubham Dubey kept RR in the hunt, with 18 needed off the last 12 balls. But Hazlewood’s penultimate over was a masterclass in death bowling—he conceded just one run and took two wickets, including the dangerous Jurel and Jofra Archer, ending with figures of 4/33. With 17 needed off the final over, Dubey fell first ball, and RCB closed out the contest, sealing their first home win of the season.
Bowling Highlights: Hazlewood and Krunal Deliver Under Pressure
Josh Hazlewood: The Australian pacer was the difference-maker, especially at the death. His 19th over, yielding just a single and two wickets, turned the game on its head.
Krunal Pandya: His spell broke a crucial partnership and applied the brakes in the middle overs, finishing with 2/31.
Sandeep Sharma (RR): The pick of the Rajasthan bowlers, claiming 2/45 and sparking RCB’s mid-innings wobble.
Turning Points and Tactical Calls
Kohli-Padikkal Stand: Their 95-run partnership built the foundation for RCB’s imposing total.
Hazlewood’s 19th Over: A game-defining spell that snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
RR’s Middle-Order Collapse: Despite a flying start, regular wickets in the middle overs left too much for the lower order to do.
What This Means for the Playoff Race
RCB: The win lifts RCB back into playoff contention and, crucially, breaks their home ground jinx, boosting morale for the remaining league games.
RR: Five consecutive losses leave the Royals’ campaign in tatters. Their inability to close out chases and lack of finishing firepower have become glaring weaknesses.
Conclusion
RCB’s thrilling 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals was a showcase of IPL drama—big runs, momentum shifts, and a death-bowling masterclass. Kohli’s brilliance, Padikkal’s flair, and Hazlewood’s nerves of steel finally gave the Chinnaswamy faithful something to cheer about. For Rajasthan, the road ahead looks perilous as their season continues to unravel.
