Jaipur, April 13 (Match 28 – IPL 2025): As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up for their clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the stakes are high for both sides. For RCB, who’ve struggled at home, the switch to Jaipur might be a welcome change. Their away record this season – including wins in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai – paints a promising picture. For RR, though, it’s a question of regaining momentum after an inconsistent start and a heavy defeat in their last outing.
This Sunday afternoon encounter holds significance not just in terms of points, but also for confidence – especially with IPL 2025 fast approaching the halfway mark.
Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches: 29
RCB Wins: 15
RR Wins: 14
Last Meeting in Jaipur (2023): RR were bowled out for 59 – their lowest-ever home total – and lost by 112 runs, their biggest defeat in IPL history.
RR vs RCB Key Match Preview
✅ Venue Insight – Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Average First Innings Score (Last 10 Matches): 180
Win Record: Teams batting first and second – 5 wins each
Pitch Report: Historically tough for pacers with lowest average and strike rate among all IPL grounds. However, surface behavior this year remains unpredictable.
Weather Forecast: Hot and dry, 37°C in the evening. No rain expected.
RR vs RCB Players to Watch
🟣 Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Sanju Samson: The captain is crucial in the top order, especially if Yashasvi Jaiswal continues his lean run.
Jofra Archer: RR’s standout pacer, especially dangerous with the new ball. Watch for his face-off against Virat Kohli.
Wanindu Hasaranga / Maheesh Theekshana: Their wrist spin could be RR’s trump card against RCB’s six-hitting middle order.
🔴 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Virat Kohli: A massive presence at the top, though he’ll be wary of Sandeep Sharma, who has dismissed him seven times in IPL.
Suyash Sharma: RCB’s spin hope, especially in the middle overs where RR has struggled most – 18 wickets lost in overs 7-15.
Tim David & Jitesh Sharma: Crucial in finishing roles, especially if RR’s spinners find early success.
RR vs RCB Key Battles
Archer vs Kohli: A clash of titans – Kohli’s finesse against Archer’s raw pace.
RR Spinners vs RCB Middle Order: RCB’s Nos. 4 to 7 have hit the most sixes this season, but were silenced in the last game by DC’s spin trio.
Suyash Sharma vs RR Middle Overs: With RR repeatedly losing steam post-PowerPlay, Suyash’s control could prove match-defining.
RR vs RCB Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
Date: Sunday, April 13
Time: 03:30 PM IST
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Live Streaming: JioCinema (Free)
TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
RR vs RCB Probable XIs
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga/Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone/Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Did You Know?
RCB have taken 10 PowerPlay wickets – joint-most this season.
Sandeep Sharma vs Kohli: 7 dismissals at an average of 14.86.
RR collapsed for 59 vs RCB in 2023 – third-lowest total in IPL history.
