RCB vs RR, Match 28 of IPL 2025, could become a turning point for both franchises. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, this is more than just another game—it’s a chance to bounce back after a tough home stretch. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will aim to maintain consistency, something that has often eluded them in the second half of previous seasons.
RCB vs RR: A Much-Needed Escape from Bengaluru Blues
Bengaluru’s return to the road might come as a relief. With two more defeats at the Chinnaswamy this season, they now hold the record for the most losses at a single IPL venue. As a result, a new environment could offer the mental reset they urgently need.
Interestingly, their away form has been far better. Victories in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai showcased their resilience and a middle order that’s finally clicking. Therefore, the neutral conditions in Jaipur might play to their advantage—especially against a team that’s also adapting to a fresh lineup.
RCB vs RR: Can They Break the Boom-Bust Cycle?
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have shown flashes of brilliance. However, inconsistency has been their Achilles heel. After two wins on the bounce, they suffered a heavy defeat in their last game. Historically, they’ve started tournaments strongly only to falter later.
For instance, in IPL 2024, they won eight of their first nine matches but lost momentum with four consecutive defeats. Similarly, in 2023, they claimed four wins in their opening five before managing just three wins across their next nine. Clearly, maintaining form remains a major challenge.
RCB vs RR Match Info: Venue, Timing & Weather
- Match: IPL 2025 – Match 28
- Date: Sunday, April 13
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
- Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
The weather is expected to be hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 37°C and no rain forecast. In the last two IPL seasons, this venue was particularly harsh on pacers—offering the worst average and strike rate for fast bowlers.
Moreover, the average first-innings score across 10 matches has been 180. Interestingly, results have been evenly split between teams batting first and chasing, making the toss less decisive.
RCB vs RR: Head-to-Head Record
- RCB Wins: 15
- RR Wins: 14
This rivalry has been tight, with Bengaluru narrowly leading. Therefore, another close contest could be on the cards.
RCB vs RR: Team News & Probable XI
Rajasthan Royals – Squad Update & Strategy
- Injury Update: Wanindu Hasaranga is uncertain due to personal reasons.
- Tactical Insight: RR may rely heavily on spin, especially against RCB’s explosive middle order. In their loss to Delhi, Bengaluru’s middle order managed only one six—exposing their vulnerability to spin-friendly conditions. Hence, players like Kartikeya and Hasaranga (if available) could prove critical.
Probable XI:
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 – Squad Update & Strategy
- Injury Update: No injury concerns reported.
- Tactical Insight: Bengaluru has been clinical in the PowerPlay. So far, they have picked up 10 wickets in this phase—joint-most among all teams. Meanwhile, their legspinner Suyash Sharma has played a vital role in restricting scoring during the middle overs.
Additionally, Rajasthan has struggled during overs 7–15, having lost 18 wickets in this phase. Therefore, RCB will likely target this window to break partnerships and turn the game in their favor.
Probable XI:
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
RCB vs RR: Key Stats & Matchups to Watch
- In 2023, RCB bowled out RR for 59 in Jaipur—the third-lowest team total in IPL history.
- Sandeep Sharma has dismissed Virat Kohli seven times, with an impressive average of 14.86.
- RCB’s 10 PowerPlay wickets this season came at the best average among all teams.
- Archer has taken four PowerPlay wickets, but his fellow pacers have added just two—indicating a lack of support upfront.
As a result, if RCB’s top order survives the early Archer burst, they may find scoring easier in the later phases.
RCB vs RR Captain’s Insight
“I see myself as a captain when I’m fielding, but while batting, I just focus on my game. Leadership doesn’t change my mindset—I try to stay in the moment and play for the team.”
— Rajat Patidar, RCB Captain
Final Thoughts on RCB vs RR
All things considered, RCB vs RR could be one of the most strategic matches of IPL 2025 so far. With both sides facing different types of pressure, execution in the middle overs could determine the winner. Moreover, individual battles—like Kohli vs Sandeep and Archer vs Salt—promise added drama.






