Chatter before matter: Kohli has a word with Dravid and Samson before the RCB-RR face-off.
| Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY
After experiencing the high from scaling the unassailable peaks in Chennai and Mumbai, it was a sobering experience for Royal Challengers Bengaluru when it lost both its matches at home.
The disheartening six-wicket defeat at the hand of Delhi Capitals in the last outing undid some of the momentum RCB had gained at the start of IPL 2025.
However, on Sunday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Royal Challengers will get another opportunity to extend their good away record when they take on a stuttering Rajasthan Royals.
But the visitor certainly has to improve on all fronts to win at a venue which hasn’t been intimidating for it.
Batting has been RCB’s strength with Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal looking good on surfaces suiting their styles. The Bengaluru outfit will be hoping that the wicket in Jaipur will maximise its strength.
Royals haven’t had the best of starts this season. After mixed returns from their two games in Guwahati, Royals will be hoping for a turnaround at their original home.
Lacking firepower
Sanju Samson & Co. have looked short of firepower in both departments.
In batting, RR is heavily reliant on its Indian stars who are yet to hit full stride. The inconsistent form of Yashasvi Jaiswal has hurt the side while Samson hasn’t played an innings of significance this season.
Sparks of brilliance from Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel haven’t been enough either.
The bowling, except for Jofra Archer, hasn’t been incisive and Royals have conceded 200-plus totals twice.
Royals will be wary of RCB’s batting might and will have come up with a disciplined bowling effort to rein in the visitor.
Published – April 12, 2025 08:42 pm IST
