The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will witness an intriguing IPL 2025 clash as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with the struggling Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday. While RCB have enjoyed a strong season so far—remaining unbeaten in away fixtures and comfortably placed in the top four—they haven’t registered a single win at home. With two of their next three games scheduled at this venue, Faf du Plessis and Co. must find a way to crack the home code.
On the other hand, the Royals arrive in Bengaluru on the back of four consecutive defeats. They’ve endured heartbreak in tight finishes, failing to chase down nine runs in the final over against both Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. Regular skipper Sanju Samson remains sidelined with an abdominal injury, pushing Riyan Parag into the leadership role. However, Parag’s own form with the bat has been underwhelming compared to his stellar 2024 campaign.
In their previous meeting, fans were treated to a fierce duel between Jofra Archer and Phil Salt. Archer’s hostility with the ball rattled Salt, but the Englishman has since been dismissed early twice by Arshdeep Singh, showing signs of vulnerability.
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Interestingly, RCB’s struggles at home have stemmed from an unpredictable Chinnaswamy pitch. Once a paradise for batsmen, the surface now offers variable bounce and subtle grip, stifling RCB’s batting fluency after the PowerPlay. Their bowlers, too, have failed to adjust their lengths effectively.
RR’s bowling unit has lacked the edge needed to create pressure or breakthroughs. The absence of Samson has further dented their confidence. Thursday’s game offers both sides a crucial opportunity—RCB to break their home jinx and RR to revive their campaign.
Here are key battles to watch:
#1 Phillip Salt vs Maheesh Theekshana
Phil Salt, known for his explosive starts, will look to set the tone early for RCB. But standing in his way is Maheesh Theekshana, who has quietly become a PowerPlay enforcer. With his ability to skid the ball and pick up early wickets, Theekshana will test Salt’s attacking instincts. It’s a classic matchup of aggression versus control.
#2 Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Bhuvnehwar Kumar
Yashasvi Jaiswal remains one of the few bright spots in a struggling Royals batting lineup. He’ll be keen to take charge at the top, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with his swing and guile in the PowerPlay, will aim to keep Jaiswal quiet. If Bhuvi gets early movement, this could be a decisive duel.
#3 Virat Kohli vs Jofra Archer
The headline battle will be between Virat Kohli and Jofra Archer. Kohli, hungry for another big score, will have to deal with Archer’s pace and bounce up front. Archer has been clinical in the PowerPlay, and dismissing Kohli early could tilt the game RR’s way. Expect fireworks in this elite clash.
