Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Time: 3:30 PM (IST)
Live Broadcast: Sports18/Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
The IPL 2025 caravan rolls into Jaipur for a high-octane clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 28. Both teams will be looking to solidify their place in the points table as we near the halfway mark of the tournament. This is RR’s first home game of the season, and the Sawai Mansingh Stadium crowd will be eager to welcome their team back with a victory.
Team Overviews
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
The Sanju Samson-led side started IPL 2025 on a poor note with back-to-back defeats. However, they made a strong comeback with wins against Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings, showing signs of their balanced squad firing together. Unfortunately, their recent 58-run defeat to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad exposed some weaknesses, especially in their middle order and bowling depth. The Royals will be desperate to bounce back and take advantage of home conditions.
Key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag need to step up alongside the experienced Shimron Hetmyer. Jofra Archer, who struggled initially, has found form in the last three games with five wickets and an impressive economy rate. His early breakthroughs can be game-changing.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, have had a decent campaign so far, winning three out of their five matches. However, their most recent match ended in a six-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals, with their former teammate KL Rahul guiding DC to an easy win.
Despite the loss, the batting form of Phil Salt is a big positive. His aggressive starts provide the team with much-needed momentum. Virat Kohli and Liam Livingstone add strength in the middle, while Tim David’s finishing ability is another asset. Their bowling unit, led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has looked disciplined but lacks firepower in the death overs.
Head-to-Head Record
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Total Matches: 32
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RR Wins: 14
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RCB Wins: 15
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Tied: 0
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No Result: 3
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First Fixture: April 26, 2008
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Last Fixture: April 6, 2024
The head-to-head record slightly favors RCB, but RR will look to even things out on home turf.
Probable Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
Impact Player: Shubham Dubey
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Pitch Report – Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
The venue has hosted 57 IPL matches so far, and chasing teams have a clear advantage, winning 37 games compared to 20 by teams batting first. The average first-innings score here is 162, which reflects the balanced nature of the surface. The highest score is 217/6, while the lowest is a shocking 59 all-out.
Since this is the venue’s first game of IPL 2025, the surface is expected to offer some grip for spinners early on. Pacers might enjoy bounce in the powerplay, but dew could play a role in the second innings. Captains winning the toss are likely to bowl first.
Key Players to Watch
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Phil Salt (RCB): In top form this season, Salt’s explosive starts have been crucial. After a rapid 37 in the last game, he looks set for a big one.
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Jofra Archer (RR): Archer’s recent performances have been encouraging. His spell in the powerplay can dictate the momentum.
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Sanju Samson (RR): With his form being hot and cold, the skipper will be looking to anchor the innings and lead by example.
Match Scenarios & Prediction
Scenario 1:
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RR win toss and bowl
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RCB powerplay score: 60-70
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RCB total: 170-190
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Rajasthan Royals to win the match
Scenario 2:
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RCB win toss and bowl
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RR powerplay score: 50-60
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RR total: 160-180
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win the match
Match Prediction
Based on pitch history and recent form, the team bowling first is likely to have the upper hand. Both teams have firepower, but RR playing at home could be a deciding factor. If their bowlers strike early, RR could edge out a close contest.
Predicted Winner: Rajasthan Royals (if they bowl first)
But if RCB bowls first, they might just sneak away with the win.
