RR vs RCB Preview: The 28th match of IPL 2025 sees Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) locking horns at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Both teams are coming off defeats in their previous fixtures and will aim to rebound in this high-stakes encounter. RR, currently seventh in the points table with two wins from five games, will finally return to their original home venue after hosting matches in Guwahati earlier this season . RCB, fifth with three wins, seek to solidify their playoff credentials with another strong away performance, having already secured historic wins at Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata this season.
Head-to-Head and Historical Edge
The rivalry between these teams has been closely contested. In 32 IPL meetings, RCB narrowly lead 15-14, with three matches ending in no results . However, RR dominated their 2024 encounters, securing two comprehensive victories. This psychological advantage could play a role, especially on a pitch favouring RR’s spin-heavy attack.
Team Form and Key Concerns
Rajasthan Royals (LWWLL)
RR’s campaign has been marred by inconsistency. After two early losses, they rallied with back-to-back wins before crumbling against Gujarat Titans in a 59-run defeat. Their reliance on the Indian top order, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag – remains critical. However, the return of Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed recent games due to injury, adds depth to their spin department.
Key Players to Watch:
- Sanju Samson (C & WK): The skipper has been RR’s backbone, contributing with both bat and leadership. His ability to anchor or accelerate will be pivotal.
- Jofra Archer: Regaining rhythm after a slow start, Archer’s pace (upper 140s kph) and improved economy (6.2 in last three games) make him a threat in powerplays.
- Riyan Parag: The middle-order dynamo has shown adaptability on slower tracks and could exploit Jaipur’s turning conditions.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (LWLWW)
RCB’s away form has been stellar, with wins at traditionally challenging venues like Wankhede and Chepauk. Their batting, however, remains top-heavy, heavily reliant on Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. The middle order, featuring Liam Livingstone and Tim David, has struggled for consistency, prompting discussions about replacing Livingstone with Jacob Bethell for left-handed balance.
Key Players to Watch:
- Virat Kohli: The former captain is 50 runs shy of 1,000 IPL runs against RR and one fifty away from 100 T20 half-centuries. His duel with Sandeep Sharma—who has dismissed him seven times in the IPL, will be riveting.
- Josh Hazlewood: RCB’s pace spearhead has excelled in powerplays, taking 2/18 in his last outing. His swing could exploit Jaipur’s early bounce.
- Phil Salt: The explosive opener’s aggressive starts (strike rate 160+) set the tone for RCB’s innings ].
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium offers a balanced surface. Pacers may find early movement, while spinners like Hasaranga and RCB’s Suyash Sharma could dominate the middle overs. The average first-innings score here is 175–180, with teams batting first winning 50% of the last 10 matches.
Weather Update:
Jaipur will sizzle at 35–38°C with clear skies and no rain forecast. Dew is unlikely, reducing the toss advantage.
Tactical Insights and Probable XIs
Rajasthan Royals
RR’s strategy hinges on maximizing home conditions. Hasaranga’s return strengthens their spin trio (Theekshana, Parag), while Sandeep Sharma’s death-bowling expertise could counter Kohli. Impact substitute Kumar Kartikeya might bolster the spin attack if needed.
Probable XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande.
Impact Sub: Kumar Kartikeya.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB may retain their core but could tweak the middle order. Bethell’s inclusion would add a left-handed option against RR’s spinners. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing and Hazlewood’s accuracy will test RR’s openers early.
Probable XI:
Phil 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.
Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma.
What’s at Stake?
- RR: A win could propel them into the top half of the table, reigniting their playoff hopes.
- RCB: Consolidating their fifth spot would keep them in contention, leveraging their strong away record.
Conclusion
This clash promises a tactical battle between RR’s spin arsenal and RCB’s pace-heavy attack. With Kohli’s mastery against spin and Samson’s flair under pressure, the contest could hinge on middle-order resilience and powerplay dominance. As Jaipur braces for a scorching afternoon, fans can expect a spectacle blending strategy, skill, and sheer willpower.
Also Read:
- RCB vs CSK Preview: A Clash of Contrasting Fortunes Under Bengaluru’s Rain-Threatened Skies
- KKR vs PBKS Playing XI, Toss Update and Match Preview
- KKR vs PBKS Preview: Redemption and Rivalry Collide at Eden Gardens
For Hindi Updates: Click Here