IPL 2025 Match 28 RR vs RCB: Match Summary
In Match 28, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by nine wickets in one of their most impressive performances of the IPL 2025 season, lighting up Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. From explosive batting to disciplined bowling, it was a complete show of force that not only thrilled fans but also significantly impacted the tournament standings.
Let’s break down everything that happened, from toss to triumph.
Toss and Team Tactics: RCB Opt to Bowl First
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar decided to bowl first, a move that would soon turn out to be wise from a strategic standpoint. The match marked RR’s first home game of the season, and the stadium was buzzing with energy. RCB, donning their special green kits as part of their sustainability initiative, looked laser-focused right from the start.
Despite their cautious start, RR openers Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal appeared committed to establishing a solid foundation. The powerplay saw a steady flow of runs but no wickets, with RR reaching 45/0 after six overs. This was the first time RCB failed to take a powerplay wicket this season, but their bowlers did enough to prevent a scoring explosion.
Rajasthan Royals Post a Fighting Total
After a solid start, it was Krunal Pandya who finally broke the opening stand. Bowling with subtle variations, he dismissed Sanju Samson with a beautiful piece of flight that led to a stumping. Jaiswal, however, continued to anchor the innings, showing maturity and flair in equal measure.
The young left-hander, already in good touch this season, stitched together a 56-run partnership with Riyan Parag. Parag’s quick 30 off 22 balls helped keep the momentum going, but his dismissal in the 14th over by Yash Dayal slowed the Royals’ progress.
Jaiswal appeared ready for a big score as he reached his second fifty of the year. He particularly targeted Josh Hazlewood in the 16th over, smashing a six and four off consecutive deliveries. But Hazlewood struck back to trap him LBW on the final ball of the over. Jaiswal’s well-crafted 75 off 47 balls was the cornerstone of RR’s innings.
Then, in a composed and impactful cameo, Dhruv Jurel scored 35 not out off 23 balls.Thanks to his finishing touches, RR ended with a competitive total of 173/4 in their 20 overs.
RCB’s Chase: Salt and Kohli Turn Up the Heat
RCB’s response was nothing short of electric. Phil Salt came out with fire in his eyes. Known for his aggressive style, the English wicketkeeper-batsman immediately put the bowlers on the back foot. Facing Jofra Archer early on, Salt lived dangerously, surviving a few nervous moments. However, he was unstoppable once he settled into a rhythm.
He unleashed a flurry of boundaries, peppering the on-side with brute power and precise placement. His fifty came up in just 28 balls, and by the time he was dismissed by Kumar Kartikeya in the ninth over, Salt had already scored 65 off 33 balls. His blistering knock included 10 fours and 3 sixes.
Virat Kohli Anchors and Finishes in Style
While Salt played the aggressor, Virat Kohli assumed the role of the steady hand. Initially playing the anchor, Kohli paced his innings beautifully. As the required run rate dipped, he began to open up, launching a few elegant strokes of his own.
One of the game’s highlights was when Kohli hit a six to reach his half-century and reach his 100th T20 fifty. That made him the first Indian and only the second cricketer in history to achieve the milestone. Kohli lived up to his the nickname, “Chase Master,” as he flourished in a chase as usual.
He found a reliable partner in Devdutt Padikkal, who also remained unbeaten with a solid 40 off 28 balls. The duo never looked under pressure, pacing their innings with control and precision. RCB reached the target in just 17.3 overs, finishing with 175/1.
Bowling Heroes: Yash Dayal Makes His Mark
While the headlines will largely belong to the batters, RCB’s bowlers deserve plenty of credit too. Yash Dayal, in particular, stood out. The left-arm pacer from Uttar Pradesh finished with figures of 2/28 in his 4 overs. His wickets came at crucial junctures, helping RCB contain RR’s scoring and break key partnerships.
Josh Hazlewood also contributed with the crucial wicket of Jaiswal, while Krunal Pandya’s middle-overs control helped tighten the screws. Overall, RCB’s bowling was well-coordinated, intelligent, and disciplined—a team performance through and through.
Impact on the Points Table: RCB Soars, RR Slips
This win takes RCB to third place on the points table with 8 points and a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.672. What’s more impressive? All four of their wins have come away from home—a testament to their grit and adaptability.
For Rajasthan Royals, the result was a bitter pill. They now sit in seventh place with just 4 points and a worrying NRR of -0.838. While there’s still time left in the tournament, the pressure is certainly mounting.
Player of the Match: Phil Salt Shines Bright
No surprises here—Phil Salt took home the Player of the Match award for his explosive innings. His fearless approach at the top set the tone for RCB’s dominant chase. When Salt is in full swing, he can make any target look modest.
Conclusion: RCB Flex Their Muscles in IPL 2025
RCB’s nine-wicket thumping of Rajasthan Royals in Match 28 was more than just a win—it was a statement. With Salt and Kohli firing and the bowlers performing in unison, Bengaluru looks like a well-oiled machine, ready to go deep into the tournament.
For RR, it’s back to the drawing board. With a talented squad at their disposal, they’ll need to regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.
As IPL 2025 heats up, performances like these remind us why this tournament is the biggest spectacle in T20 cricket.
