Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals 42nd Match Preview & Prediction | IPL 2025

The 42nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 pits Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 11:00 PM local time. Hosted at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, this clash promises excitement as RCB looks to capitalize on their strong form, while RR aims to reverse a dismal run. Below is a detailed preview and an AI-driven prediction based on the provided match information, points table, recent performances, head-to-head records, and squad details.

Match Information

• Match: RCB vs RR, 42nd Match, IPL 2025
• Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
• Time: 11:00 PM (local time)
• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

IPL 2025 Points Table

Team	Matches	Won	Lost	Tied	NR	Points	NRR
GT	8	6	2	0	0	12	+1.104
DC	7	5	2	0	0	10	+0.589
RCB	8	5	3	0	0	10	+0.472
PBKS	8	5	3	0	0	10	+0.177
LSG	8	5	3	0	0	10	+0.088
MI	8	4	4	0	0	8	+0.483
KKR	8	3	5	0	0	6	+0.212
RR	8	2	6	0	0	4	-0.633
SRH	7	2	5	0	0	4	-1.217
CSK	8	2	6	0	0	4	-1.392

Key Insights:

• RCB ranks third with 10 points from 8 matches and a positive NRR of +0.472, reflecting consistent and convincing performances.
• RR languishes in eighth place with just 4 points from 8 matches and a negative NRR of -0.633, indicating struggles in both winning and maintaining competitiveness.

Recent Performance

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): W L W L W

• April 20, 2025: RCB vs Punjab Kings – RCB won by 7 wickets (7 balls remaining)
• April 18, 2025: RCB vs Punjab Kings – Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets (11 balls remaining)
• April 13, 2025: RCB vs RR – RCB won by 9 wickets (15 balls remaining)
• April 10, 2025: RCB vs Delhi Capitals – Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets (13 balls remaining)
• April 07, 2025: RCB vs Mumbai Indians – RCB won by 12 runs

Analysis: RCB has won 3 of their last 5 matches, showcasing resilience and the ability to rebound from losses. Their most recent victory over RR by 9 wickets highlights their dominance in that matchup.

Rajasthan Royals (RR): W L L L L

• April 19, 2025: RR vs Lucknow Super Giants – Lucknow Super Giants won by 2 runs
• April 16, 2025: RR vs Delhi Capitals – Match tied (Delhi Capitals won the Super Over)
• April 13, 2025: RR vs RCB – RCB won by 9 wickets (15 balls remaining)
• April 09, 2025: RR vs Gujarat Titans – Gujarat Titans won by 58 runs
• April 05, 2025: RR vs Punjab Kings – RR won by 50 runs

Analysis: RR has lost 4 of their last 5 matches, with their sole win coming against Punjab Kings earlier in the month. Their recent form suggests a lack of consistency and momentum.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

1. April 13, 2025: RCB won by 9 wickets (15 balls remaining)
2. Previous Encounter: RR won by 4 wickets (6 balls remaining)
3. Previous Encounter: RR won by 6 wickets (5 balls remaining)
4. Previous Encounter: RCB won by 112 runs
5. Previous Encounter: RCB won by 7 runs

Summary: RCB leads with 3 wins to RR’s 2 in their last 5 meetings. The most recent clash on April 13, 2025, saw RCB chase down RR’s total with ease, reinforcing their current edge.

Squads

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

• Playing Squad: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Swastik Chikara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Philip Salt, Manoj Bhandage, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee, Abhinandan Singh
• Key Players: Virat Kohli (consistent run-machine), Philip Salt (explosive opener), Josh Hazlewood (world-class pacer), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (economical bowler)

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

• Playing Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Kunal Singh Rathore, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Nitish Rana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Kwena Maphaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ashok Sharma, Jofra Archer
• Key Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal (dynamic batsman), Sanju Samson (reliable captain), Jofra Archer (game-changing pacer), Wanindu Hasaranga (wily spinner)

Comparison:

• Batting: RCB’s lineup, led by Kohli and Salt, appears deeper and more in-form than RR’s, which hinges on Jaiswal and Samson.
• Bowling: RR boasts a potent attack with Archer and Hasaranga, but RCB’s Hazlewood and Kumar offer control and wicket-taking ability.

Venue Analysis

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, featuring short boundaries and a flat pitch. High-scoring encounters are common, often favoring teams with robust batting units. As the home side, RCB benefits from familiarity and crowd support, potentially tilting the scales further in their favor.

AI Simulation and Prediction

Using the available data, let’s simulate the match outcome based on key factors:

Factors Considered

1. Recent Form:
   • RCB: 3 wins in 5 matches (60% win rate)
   • RR: 1 win in 5 matches (20% win rate)
2. Points Table Performance:
   • RCB: 5 wins in 8 matches (62.5% win rate), NRR +0.472
   • RR: 2 wins in 8 matches (25% win rate), NRR -0.633
3. Head-to-Head: RCB has won 3 of the last 5 matches against RR, including a convincing victory in their latest meeting.
4. Venue: M. Chinnaswamy’s high-scoring nature suits RCB’s strong batting lineup.
5. Squad Strength: RCB’s batting depth and balanced bowling give them an edge over RR’s inconsistent performers.

Simulation Scenarios

• Scenario 1: RCB Bats First
  RCB leverages their top order (Kohli, Salt, Patidar) to post a formidable 190-200 runs. RR’s chase falters against Hazlewood and Kumar, finishing at 170-180, falling short by 10-20 runs.
• Scenario 2: RR Bats First
  RR manages 180-190, driven by Jaiswal and Samson. RCB’s batting firepower chases it down with 2-3 overs to spare, thanks to Kohli and Salt’s form.

Outcome

In both scenarios, RCB emerges victorious due to superior form, home advantage, and a stronger batting unit. RR’s bowling, while threatening, may struggle to contain RCB at a venue favoring batsmen.

Final Prediction

Based on the AI simulation and analysis of recent performances, head-to-head records, squad strengths, and venue dynamics, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is predicted to win the 42nd match of IPL 2025 against Rajasthan Royals. While RR has the potential to upset with standout performances from Archer or Jaiswal, RCB’s consistency and home advantage make them the clear favorites.