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Rajasthan Royals
Royal Challengers Bangaluru
Itβs a classic North vs South clash as Rajasthan Royals host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 28th match of IPL 2025. With both sides having a rich rivalry since 2008, this match promises plenty of drama and high-stakes action.
The head-to-head record slightly favours RCB, who have won 15 of the 32 meetings between the two teams. Rajasthan have claimed 14 wins, while three matches ended with no result. Despite the close contest historically, itβs current form that gives RCB the edge heading into this fixture.
RCB are sitting comfortably in third place with 3 wins from 5 matches, showing more consistency than RR. On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals have struggled to find momentum, winning just 2 of their 5 games and currently placed seventh on the points table.
With Jaipurβs conditions likely to favour the spinners and local support behind RR, this one could go down to the wire. Expect fireworks.
Both teams pack big hitters like Livingstone, Hetmyer, Tim David, Powell.
The betting tip is...
Total sixes in match β Over 13.5
60 %
40 %
Rajasthan RoyalsRoyal Challengers BangaluruCurrently positioned seventh on the points table with two wins and three losses, RR will be keen to leverage their home advantage to regain momentum.
After a promising start, they've struggled to maintain form, with their last five matches yielding only two victories. Their most recent game against the Gujarat Titans ended in a narrow defeat, highlighting issues in closing out tight matches.β
RR's top order features Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Sanju Samson, followed by Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel. Shimron Hetmyer remains their sole overseas batter, making his role crucial in the middle order. The team has shown potential but needs to address collapses in the middle overs.β
The bowling unit has been bolstered by the return of Jofra Archer, who leads the pace attack alongside Sandeep Sharma and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana provide variety and control in the middle overs. However, the team has occasionally struggled with consistency in death overs.
Sanju Samson, who underwent finger surgery last month, has returned to the squad and is expected to lead the team.
Predicted Lineup: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
RCB's campaign has been marked by a mix of solid victories and closely contested losses. Notably, their bowling unit has been strengthened by the acquisitions of experienced pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, providing depth and control in the powerplay and death overs.
The batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Virat Kohli and dynamic players such as Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone, has delivered consistent performances, contributing to the team's competitive edge. The top order is anchored by Virat Kohli, with support from Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal. Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma provide firepower in the middle order, while Liam Livingstone and Tim David add depth and versatility to the lineup.
RCB's bowling arsenal includes the pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, complemented by Rasikh Salam and Yash Dayal. Spin options are bolstered by Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, offering variety and control in the middle overs.β
RCB's strategic blend of experienced internationals and emerging Indian talents will look to go all out in this match.
Predicted Lineup: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
RCB come into this match with a better-balanced squad, especially with the experience of Kohli and the firepower of Salt and Livingstone. Rajasthan's form has been patchy, and their bowling hasn't clicked consistently.
Unless Jaiswal and Samson fire big at home, RCBβs stronger middle order and death bowling edge them ahead. Back Bengaluru to win a close one.
