RCB Clinches Commanding Victory Over RR: Kohli and Salt Shine in Comprehensive Chase
In a thrilling encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) powered their way to a dominant nine-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 28 of the TATA IPL 2025. The win was built on an explosive 65 from Phil Salt and an elegant 62 from Virat Kohli, as RCB chased down RR’s target of 174 with ease in just 17.3 overs.
This victory not only boosted RCB’s campaign but also showcased their consistency, with this being their fourth win in six matches, all coming away from home. Moreover, the team sported their green jersey for the game as part of their environmental sustainability initiative, a symbolic gesture that highlighted RCB’s commitment to both cricket and environmental awareness.
RR’s Strong Start, but RCB’s Bowler’s Comeback
Rajasthan Royals, playing their first home game of the season, began their innings cautiously. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson took their time to get set, focusing on building a solid foundation. By the end of the powerplay, RR were at 45/0, with Jaiswal looking particularly dangerous.
RCB’s bowlers, however, kept things tight, denying RR a breakthrough despite no wickets falling in the powerplay. The introduction of Krunal Pandya into the attack in the seventh over paid immediate dividends. Pandya deceived Sanju Samson with flight, causing the RR captain to get stumped for just 10 runs, and broke the opening stand.
The new partnership between Jaiswal and Riyan Parag was an exciting one, with the pair adding 56 runs to the scoreboard. But just as the Royals looked to accelerate, Jaiswal’s strike partner, Parag, was undone by a brilliant slower ball from Yash Dayal, departing for 30 off 22 balls.
Jaiswal, who had already made his second half-century of the season, carried on the fight. He took the attack to Josh Hazlewood, blasting a six and a four in the 16th over. But Hazlewood had the last laugh, dismissing Jaiswal LBW for a well-constructed 75 off 47 balls.
RR’s innings were rounded off by an unbeaten 35 from Dhruv Jurel, who steered them to a competitive 173/4 in their 20 overs. It was an impressive effort, but the target was always going to be challenging against a strong RCB lineup.
Salt’s Power-Hitting & Kohli’s Chase Mastery
In response, RCB came out all guns blazing. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli showed no signs of slowing down, even with the daunting chase ahead. Salt, in particular, was the aggressor, taking on RR’s bowlers with remarkable intensity. Despite facing some fiery spells from Jofra Archer and surviving a couple of dropped chances, Salt unleashed a brutal assault, targeting the on-side boundaries with power. He reached his half-century off just 28 balls, providing RCB with a fast start.
Salt’s innings of 65 off 33 balls was the cornerstone of RCB’s chase, but his dismissal in the ninth over gave RR a brief glimmer of hope. With RCB at 101/1 after 10 overs, the equation was simple: 73 runs required from the remaining 60 balls.
Virat Kohli, the undisputed ‘Chase Master’, took over the reins from Salt. Initially playing a more anchor role, Kohli gradually began to pick up the pace. With his customary elegance, Kohli brought up his half-century with a towering six. That milestone marked an extraordinary achievement for the Indian legend – his 100th T20 half-century, making him the first Indian and only the second player overall to reach this remarkable feat in the format.
As the game neared its conclusion, Kohli’s experience and composure were on full display. Together with Devdutt Padikkal, who contributed a steady 40* off 28 balls, Kohli guided RCB to victory in 17.3 overs, completing the chase with ease.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Salt’s Explosive Innings: Phil Salt’s 65 off 33 balls was a standout performance. His aggressive strokeplay set the tone for RCB’s chase, and he kept RR’s bowlers on the back foot throughout his innings.
- Virat Kohli’s Chase Mastery: Kohli’s unbeaten 62 runs were a class apart, bringing up his 100th T20 half-century in the process. His ability to shift gears in the chase is what makes him one of the best finishers in the game.
- RCB’s Depth in Batting: The partnership between Kohli and Padikkal provided the necessary stability after Salt’s departure, ensuring that RCB cruised to the target without any further hiccups.
- RR’s Inconsistent Performance: Despite strong individual performances, particularly from Jaiswal and Jurel, RR’s batting lacked the necessary firepower in the latter half of the innings. RCB’s bowlers, especially Hazlewood and Dayal, executed their plans to perfection.
Conclusion
This nine-wicket victory for RCB was a clinical display of their batting prowess and bowling discipline. The team’s ability to chase down a target of 174 in just 17.3 overs, with the help of two brilliant innings from Salt and Kohli, demonstrated why they are one of the most dangerous teams in IPL 2025.
RCB’s victory also underlined their strong away form, with four wins from six matches on the road. As they continue their quest for a title, this match could prove to be a significant confidence booster for the team, showcasing their all-round strength and depth.
With the IPL 2025 season heating up, RCB’s fans will be eagerly awaiting more performances like this from their team. The Royals, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and come up with a better plan when they face their next challenge.