RR vs RCB IPL 2025 Highlights: Half-Centuries from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt Help Bengaluru Win Big Against Rajasthan

RR vs RCB IPL 2025 Highlights: Half-Centuries from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt Help Bengaluru Win Big Against Rajasthan

The IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned out to be a one-sided affair, with RCB pulling off a commanding win. Star performances by Virat Kohli and Phil Salt with the bat ensured a comfortable 9-wicket victory. Here's a detailed look at the match, broken down point by point for cricket lovers who want a full but simple recap of the exciting action.

1. Toss Decision and Match Setup

• Rajasthan Royals won the toss and decided to bat first.

• The match was played at a lively ground with a pitch expected to help both batters and bowlers.

• Both teams made one change each in their playing eleven.

2. Rajasthan's Start with the Bat

• RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler began cautiously.

• Bengaluru’s bowlers didn’t allow easy runs early on.

• Jaiswal was dismissed early by Mohammed Siraj for just 12 runs.

3. Jos Buttler Tries to Build Momentum

• Buttler showed signs of aggressive strokeplay but struggled to find support at the other end.

• He scored 34 runs in 27 balls with 4 boundaries.

• However, he fell trying to go big against Karn Sharma.

4. Rajasthan’s Middle-Order Collapse

• After Buttler’s dismissal, Rajasthan lost wickets in quick succession.

• Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel were all out cheaply.

• RR was struggling at 95/5 after 13 overs.

5. Late Fightback by Shimron Hetmyer

• Hetmyer tried to give Rajasthan a fighting total.

• He smashed 3 sixes and ended with a quick 38 off 22 balls.

• However, he didn’t get enough support from the lower order.

6. RCB Bowlers Shine

• Mohammed Siraj bowled with excellent rhythm, picking up 2 important wickets.

• Karn Sharma and Glenn Maxwell also contributed with breakthroughs.

• Rajasthan was eventually bowled out for 144 in 19.2 overs.

7. Bengaluru’s Run-Chase Begins

• RCB openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt started the chase confidently.

• Both looked calm and composed, showing good technique and timing.

• They made the chase look easy from the very beginning.

8. Virat Kohli’s Flawless Knock

• Kohli was at his classic best, rotating the strike and hitting timely boundaries.

• He scored a solid 65 runs from 47 balls.

• His innings included 7 fours and 1 six.

• This knock showed his experience and control under pressure.

9. Phil Salt’s Aggressive Strokeplay

• At the other end, Phil Salt played freely and with intent.

• He reached his half-century in just 30 balls.

• Salt scored 58 runs from 35 balls, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes.

• His attacking style put the pressure back on the Rajasthan bowlers.

10. Partnership That Sealed the Game

• Kohli and Salt stitched a massive 125-run partnership for the first wicket.

• Their smooth partnership broke the spirit of the Rajasthan side.

• RCB looked in full control by the halfway mark.

11. Easy Finish for Bengaluru

• Even after Salt got out, Bengaluru needed only 20 more runs.

• Glenn Maxwell came in and hit a couple of boundaries to finish the game.

• RCB chased down the target in 15.5 overs with 9 wickets remaining.

12. Virat Kohli – Player of the Match

• Kohli’s mature innings underlined his value as a leader and batsman.

• He was named the Player of the Match for his brilliant knock.

• His smart running between the wickets and timing made a big difference.

13. Rajasthan’s Mistakes

• RR failed to build partnerships in the middle overs.

• Their bowling lacked intensity and failed to break the RCB opening stand.

• Captain Sanju Samson looked worried as his bowlers couldn’t find any answers.

14. Bengaluru's Boost in the Points Table

• This win gave Royal Challengers Bengaluru a much-needed jump in the points table.

• Their net run rate also improved thanks to the big-margin victory.

• The team’s confidence looks high going into the next matches.

15. Fan Reactions on Social Media

• Fans praised Kohli’s cool-headed batting.

• Many called Salt the “X-factor” for RCB.

• Memes and highlights of Kohli’s cover drives flooded X and Instagram after the game.

16. What This Win Means for RCB

• RCB showed balance in both bowling and batting.

• Their openers performing well takes pressure off the middle order.

• If they keep playing like this, they’ll be tough to beat in IPL 2025.

17. What Rajasthan Royals Need to Improve

• RR must fix their batting order and middle-over game plan.

• They also need more variety in bowling, especially in powerplay overs.

• Players like Samson and Parag must step up in crucial games.

18. Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches

• RCB will face Gujarat Titans next in a top-table clash.

• Rajasthan will take on Mumbai Indians in their next challenge.

• Both teams need wins to stay strong in the playoff race.

Conclusion:

RCB’s easy 9-wicket win over Rajasthan was a result of top-notch performances by Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. Their brilliant partnership made chasing the total look effortless. Rajasthan, on the other hand, will need to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to fix their batting issues. This match once again showed why IPL is full of surprises — and why cricket fans never get bored!

Stay tuned for more match highlights, analysis, and post-match reactions as the IPL 2025 season continues!

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