Two contrasting approaches clashed in Jaipur. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have structured their IPL 2025 squad to go on the offensive from the very first ball, boasting batting depth all the way to No. 8.
In contrast, Rajasthan Royals (RR) continue to enter matches lacking sufficient firepower, with Wanindu Hasaranga coming in as high as No. 7. It’s perhaps no surprise that despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s standout 75 in a total of 173, it was RCB who walked away with the win.
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Salt Sets the Tone with Smart, Savage Hitting
It’s not just the depth of RCB’s batting line-up that stands out — it’s how effectively they use it. Phil Salt, who hammered a 33-ball 65, came in with one mission: to find the boundary. And he did so 11 times.
Ahead of the game, Salt mentioned having a strategy for Jofra Archer. Though the two had never faced off before, their history goes back to their teenage days in Barbados, sharing dressing rooms and training sessions. Once on opposite sides, Salt’s intent was clear — move across the crease and open up the leg side. He took Archer for two sixes and a four with this approach.
But it wasn’t just brute power. Salt also smartly targeted the shorter boundary, which was on the leg side against Archer. When the angle changed with Sandeep Sharma, he adapted by creating space to go over mid-off, showing not just muscle but match awareness.
Neither team lost a wicket in the powerplay, but RCB scored 65 runs to Rajasthan Royals’ 45 — the second-lowest score without losing a wicket in IPL 2025. That 20-run gap in the first six overs ended up being a crucial difference.
Jaiswal Shines with Inventive Strokeplay on a Tough Surface
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s innings stood out not just for its pace — a strike rate of 160 on a sluggish pitch — but for the variety and creativity of his shot-making. Unlike many who wait for the ideal delivery, Jaiswal creates his own opportunities. His very first boundary illustrated this perfectly, as he charged at Bhuvneshwar Kumar to convert a back-of-a-length ball into a scoring chance.
He capitalized brilliantly against spin, continuing a strong trend since IPL 2023 where he averages 169.5 and strikes at 148 against slower bowlers. His willingness to play reverse sweeps and lap shots made it hard for spinners to settle into any rhythm.
Just before getting out, Jaiswal played arguably the shot of the day — a deft scoop off Josh Hazlewood, who had deliberately gone wide of off stump to shut down the leg side. Jaiswal still managed to manipulate the angle and find the boundary. He finished with a well-constructed 75 off 47 balls, featuring 10 fours and two sixes. In contrast, his batting partners managed just 47 off 49 balls, striking only four boundaries and a single six.
Support Cast Falters as Royals Pay the Price for Perfectionism
Sanju Samson endured a tough outing on a ground where he’s typically thrived — with three fifties in his last six innings in Jaipur. This time, however, he struggled to get going, crawling to 15 off 19 balls after starting 5 off 11. Dhruv Jurel was similarly slow out of the blocks with 2 off 8, and although he accelerated late during a final flourish that brought 47 runs in the last four overs, the Royals’ overly cautious approach earlier in the innings proved costly.
Adding to their woes were costly errors in the field. Rajasthan dropped four catches in the span of four overs, including reprieves for both Phil Salt (on 12, 23, and 40) and Virat Kohli (on 7), who went on to register his 100th T20 half-century — a milestone moment.
On the other side, RCB found key contributions from their bowlers. Krunal Pandya extracted the most from a sluggish surface, conceding just 29 in his four overs. Yash Dayal made a crucial breakthrough with a well-disguised slower ball that dismissed Riyan Parag just as RR were starting to build momentum. A 56-run stand was followed by a stretch of just 21 runs in 16 balls, as the innings fell flat. Jurel couldn’t find rhythm, and Jaiswal’s dismissal — sweeping Hazlewood in desperation — signaled the collapse.
The Royals have built a side that demands near-flawless execution to succeed. But in a format as volatile as T20, success often hinges on giving yourself just enough room for error — something RR seem to be missing.
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FAQs
Who were the top performers for RCB against Rajasthan Royals?
Phil Salt scored 65 off 33 balls, while Virat Kohli registered his 100th T20 half-century to lead RCB to victory.
What was Yashasvi Jaiswal’s contribution in the match against RCB?
Jaiswal scored a classy 75 off 47 balls, showcasing innovative strokeplay despite RR’s loss.
Why did Rajasthan Royals struggle despite a good start?
RR’s conservative middle-overs, dropped catches, and lack of batting depth cost them crucial momentum.
How did RCB bowlers perform on the slow Jaipur pitch?
Krunal Pandya and Yash Dayal exploited the conditions well, with Krunal maintaining a tight economy and Dayal picking a key wicket with a slower ball.
What made the difference in the powerplay between RCB and RR?
RCB scored 65 runs without losing a wicket, while RR managed only 45 — a 20-run gap that proved decisive.
