Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru 28th Match Preview & Prediction | IPL 2025

The 28th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 pits Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This clash brings together two teams with contrasting fortunes: RCB, sitting comfortably in 3rd place, and RR, struggling in 7th. With a win probability of 42% for RR and 52% for RCB, this match promises to be a thrilling contest. Below is a detailed preview, analysis, and prediction based on the provided match information.

Match Information

• Match: RR vs RCB, 28th Match, Indian Premier League 2025
• DatSRHe:Sunday, April 13, 2025
• Time:7:00 PM
• Venue:Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
• Win Probability:
  • RR: 42%
  • RCB: 52%

Current Standings & Recent Performance

Points Table (as of April 11, 2025)

• RCB: 3rd place with 6 points from 5 matches (3 wins, 2 losses). Their net run rate (NRR) of +0.539 reflects a solid campaign so far.
• RR: 7th place with 4 points from 5 matches (2 wins, 3 losses). Their NRR of -0.733 indicates struggles, particularly in recent games.

Recent Form

• RR: L L W W L
  • April 09: Lost to Gujarat Titans by 58 runs
  • April 05: Beat Punjab Kings by 50 runs
  • March 30: Beat Chennai Super Kings by 6 runs
  • March 26: Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets
  • March 23: Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 44 runs
    Analysis: RR has been inconsistent, losing two of their last three games, including a heavy defeat to GT. Their wins have been convincing, but recent form suggests vulnerability.
• RCB: W W L W L
  • April 10, 2025, 24th Match, RCB vs DC
  • DC won by 6 wickets (with 13 balls remaining)
  • April 07, 2025, 20th Match, RCB vs MI
  • RCB won by 12 runs
  • April 02, 2025, 14th Match, RCB vs GT
  • GT won by 8 wickets (with 13 balls remaining)
  • March 28, 2025, 8th Match, RCB vs CSK
  • RCB won by 50 runs
  • March 22, 2025, 1st Match, RCB vs KKR
  • RCB won by 7 wickets (with 22 balls remaining)

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

• RR won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)
• RR won by 6 wickets (with 5 balls remaining)
• RCB won by 112 runs
• RCB won by 7 runs
• RR won by 7 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)

Summary: RR leads 3-2 in the last five encounters. They’ve dominated recent meetings, winning two of the last three, which could provide a psychological boost.

Squad Analysis

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

• Key Batsmen:
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal: Explosive opener, but inconsistent lately.
  • Sanju Samson (c): Captain and potential match-winner, needs to lead from the front.
  • Riyan Parag: Consistent performer this season.
  • Shimron Hetmyer: Big-hitting finisher.
• Key Bowlers:
  • Sandeep Sharma: Reliable with the new ball and in death overs.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga: Spin wizard, crucial in the middle overs.
  • Jofra Archer: If fit, a game-changer (availability uncertain).
• Strengths: Explosive batting and a versatile bowling attack.
• Weaknesses: Recent batting collapses and over-reliance on key bowlers.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

• Key Batsmen:
  • Virat Kohli: Consistent run-machine, backbone of the lineup.
  • Rajat Patidar (c): In-form batsman and leader.
  • Tim David: Power-hitter in the middle order.
• Key Bowlers:
  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Swing maestro, deadly in powerplay.
  • Josh Hazlewood: Accurate and effective in all phases.
  • Lungi Ngidi: Pace and bounce to trouble batsmen.
• Strengths: Balanced batting and a strong, varied bowling attack.
• Weaknesses: Occasional middle-order fragility.

Key Factors Influencing the Match

1. Venue:
   Sawai Mansingh Stadium favors batsmen with good bounce and pace. RR’s home advantage and crowd support could lift their spirits. Historically, teams chasing have succeeded here due to dew in the evening.
2. Recent Form:
   RCB’s 3 wins in 5 games outshine RR’s 2 wins, giving them momentum. RR’s recent heavy loss to GT could dent their confidence.
3. Batting Strength:
   RCB’s top order (Kohli, Patidar) is more reliable than RR’s, which has shown inconsistency despite its potential.
4. Bowling Depth:
   RCB’s attack, with Kumar and Hazlewood, appears more balanced and suited to exploit Jaipur’s conditions. RR relies heavily on Hasaranga and Sharma, who may struggle against RCB’s batting.
5. Head-to-Head Edge:
   RR’s 3-2 record could give them a mental edge, but RCB’s current form might neutralize this.

Match Simulation

Here’s how the match might unfold:

• Toss: Likely to be crucial. The team winning may opt to bowl first, given the chasing advantage at Jaipur.
• If RCB Bats First: Kohli and Patidar could set a platform for a total of 180-190. RR’s bowlers, led by Hasaranga, will need early wickets to restrict them.
• If RR Bats First: Jaiswal and Samson could provide a strong start, but RCB’s bowlers (Kumar, Hazlewood) might trigger a collapse, limiting RR to 160-170.
• Key Battles:
  • Jaiswal vs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Early swing vs. aggressive batting.
  • Kohli vs. Hasaranga: Consistency vs. spin trickery.
• Chasing: Dew could aid the chasing side, favoring the team batting second.

Prediction

Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Reason: RCB holds a slight edge due to their superior recent form (3 wins in 5 vs. RR’s 2), a more balanced squad, and a potent bowling attack suited to Jaipur’s conditions. While RR benefits from home advantage and a favorable head-to-head record, their inconsistency and recent struggles tilt the scales toward RCB. Expect a close contest, but RCB’s momentum and Kohli’s reliability should see them prevail.