HIGHLIGHTS RCB vs RR IPL 2025 Match 42 - Result, Scorecard

We are back with RR's reply! The two umpires make their way out to the middle and are followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who spread out in the field. Yashasvi Jaiswal is joined by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who replaces Sandeep Sharma as the impact substitute and will open for Rajasthan Royals. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings. Away we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, now with 206 to chase at a venue known for successful pursuits, Rajasthan Royals will back themselves, but they’ll need a strong start. For RCB, this is a total they’ll happily defend, especially with the confidence of finally putting up a solid score at home. It’s all set up for a cracking second innings, so don’t go anywhere. The chase resumes in just a few minutes!

Devdutt Padikkal from RCB is in for a quick chat. He says that the surface was a bit sticky and it never got easier, and reckons that batting will be a challenge in the second innings as well. Adds that they knew beforehand how the pitch would play and strategised to run hard, and mentions that he's worked hard on his game mentally as well in order to improve. Goes on to applaud the coaches and says that he is happy with the total, but they need to do well in the Powerplay.

Rajasthan Royals had their moments, and they weren’t too bad with the ball overall. Archer was fiery, Hasaranga struck in the middle, and Sandeep was smart at the death. But a few missed chances and untimely loose deliveries hurt their cause.

Enter Devdutt Padikkal, who teamed up with Kohli to take control of the middle overs. The duo went on the attack, picking gaps and boundaries with precision, both bringing up well-earned half-centuries. However, just as RCB looked set to explode, the momentum shifted. Jofra Archer returned to dismiss Kohli, and Sandeep Sharma followed it up with a double blow in the next over, sparking a mini-collapse. The finishing act was handled by Tim David and Jitesh Sharma, who ensured RCB crossed the 200-mark, although they’ll feel they left 10-15 runs out there - another case of losing steam at a key juncture.

It wasn’t the smoothest start in terms of timing, but Phil Salt and Virat Kohli dug in against a probing new-ball spell from RR's pacers and took RCB to a solid 59/0 at the end of the Powerplay. Salt had an early life, dropped on 1 by Riyan Parag, but couldn’t capitalise, falling shortly after to Wanindu Hasaranga.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru breach the 200-run mark and will walk into the break mighty pleased with their batting effort, especially at home, where runs have been hard to come by for them this season. They finish on 205, a total that will give them real confidence heading into the second half.

Jofra Archer to Tim David, OUT! RUN OUT! There was never a second run there but they had to go for it. Jofra Archer with another hard-length delivery around off. Tim David swings it away without much timing and in front of mid-wicket. Shimron Hetmyer runs in from the deep and throws the ball to the keeper. The throw is a bit wide but Dhruv Jurel is quick t whip off the bails and David is well short. RCB finish with 205/5!

Jofra Archer to Jitesh Sharma, Banged in on a hard length now and at the batter, swung away to deep mid-wicket for a single by Jitesh.

Jofra Archer to Jitesh Sharma, FOUR! Good shot from Jitesh Sharma and the 200 also comes up for RCB! Banged into the deck and over, Sharma waits well as the ball comes slower off the deck and muscles the pull in front of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Jofra Archer to Tim David, Goes full and wide, and nails the yorker, David squeezes it behind point for a single.

The physio is out for a mandatory concussion check for Jitesh Sharma. He looks fine to continue.

Jofra Archer to Jitesh Sharma, Oh, that could have been nasty! A quick bumper from Archer, around off and middle. Jitesh Sharma takes his eyes off the ball as he looks to pull and gets a bit of a top edge onto the elbow and straight into the underside of the grill. The ball rolls to the leg side and they get one. Amanadatory conccusson check to follow but thankfully, Jitesh seems fine.

Jofra Archer to Jitesh Sharma, Brilliantly bowled! Jofra sees Jitesh moving around in the crease. Jofra spears in a yorker right at Jitesh who gets a long way across off and can't get it away.

Jofra Archer to bowl the final over!

Sandeep Sharma to Tim David, Gets the wide yorker spot-on this time and David can only jam it back to the bowler.

Sandeep Sharma to Tim David, SIX! Just over! On a hard length and wide outside off, Tim David moves across and forces the lofted shot over a leaping Nitish Rana at deep cover for a biggie.

Sandeep Sharma to Tim David, A slower bumper from Sandeep, banged in well short and a fair bit outside off as well. Tim David tries to reach for it and uppercut but misses. No wide called, but David has reviewed. The third umpire is called in and out comes the Ball Tracker. It shows that the height of the ball was more than the batter's head height and it will be a WIDE!

Sandeep Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, Another attempted reverse flick that goes to the opposite side but this one is badly mistimed. Banged in short and outside off, Jitesh shuffles across and tries to 'flip the pancake,' but gets a toe-end of the shoulder and just to the left of the keeper. They scamper through for one.

Sandeep Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length and wide outside off, Jitesh Sharma hangs deep and shuffles across before leaning back and smashing it flat over covers for a boundary.

Sandeep Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, Wide! A bit quicker and a bit fuller but angled well outside the off stump for another wide.

Sandeep Sharma to Tim David, In the air, but will land safely! Slower bumper, banged in well short and outside off. Tim David has to really reach for the pull and miscues it badly towards the mid-wicket region for a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, Goes full and wide and finds the blockhole. Jitesh Sharma shuffles across to lap it away but misses. The ball goes off his pads to square leg for a leg bye.

Sandeep Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, Wide! Hits the deck hard and pushes it well across the tramline outside off. Sharma can't reach it and a wide is called.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim David, Banged in a bit over middle, David picks it up and pulls it aerially towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs more. 14 off that over!

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim David, FOUR! Through the legs of the fielder! Farooqi comes around the wicket and misses the wide yorker by a few inches. Tim David carves it away straight towards backward point where Shubham Dubey misses it and it goes to the fence.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim David, Good running! Back of a length and around off, heaved across and in front of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Jitesh Sharma, Short of a length and slower too, outside off, Jitesh gets the attempted cut shot off the under edge and down to short third for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Jitesh Sharma, FOUR! Jitesh tries to go here, then there and eventually gets it somewhere. Back of a length, slower and outside off, Jitesh Sharma sets up for the reverse ramp but ends up getting it off the side of the bat and over short fine leg for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tim David, Slower and into the surface over off, Tim David reaches up and pulls it down through the mid-wicket region for a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Jitesh Sharma, FOUR! A bit streaky but Jitesh won't mind! Just back of a length, not much wide of the off stump either, Jitesh Sharma backs away to cut but gets an outside edge in between the keeper and short third for a boundary.

Jitesh Sharma walks in next for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Sandeep Sharma to Rajat Patidar, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Royal Challengers Bengaluru losing wickets in a heap now! Sandeep Sharma with the leg cutter now, on a hard length and gets it to deviate away from around off. Rajat Patidar stays back and looks to slash at it but ends up getting an outside edge through to the keeper. Dhruv Jurel makes no mistake, and the RCB skipper departs cheaply.

Sandeep Sharma to Tim David, Back of a length and outside off, tapped away through covers for one more.

Sandeep Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Good length again and around off, Rajat Patidar swats it down to long on and picks up a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Rajat Patidar, Good length and in the channel, punched away off the back foot to covers.

Skipper, Rajat Patidar walks in at number 5 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Sandeep Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, OUT! CAUGHT! Nitish Rana manages to hold on and Rajasthan Royals are fighting back here. Sandeep Sharma takes pace off and bowls it into the pitch, angling it well across the left-hander. Devdutt Padikkal stays back and has to reach for it as he looks to power it over covers, but mistimes it badly and straight to the fielder. Rana loses it in the lights a bit and ends up wobbling it out. He ends up juggling it multiple times before snatching onto the ball. Devdutt departs after reaching his Fifty and RCB are now 3 down.

Sandeep Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Wide! On a full length, floated up and angled well across the off stump. Wide called.

Change? Yes, Sandeep Sharma to bowl. 2-0-23-0 so far!

Jofra Archer to Tim David, That nearly cleaned Tim David up! That is a proper nut from Archer, who seems fired up. Another quick bumper, angling it in towards the batter's face. This one climbs up quickly and angles in as well. David somehow manages to move his head away from the line of the ball.

Change of ball. The fourth umpire makes a brisk entry onto the field, box of replacement balls in hand. After a quick scan, the on-field umpire picks one out, and we’re all set to resume!

Jofra Archer to Tim David, Oh, that is a real steepler from Archer! At 139 clicks, and banged in right at the batter. This one shoots off the deck and David is well beaten on the pull. Wide called and Archer isn't happy. RR do review it. The third umpire checks the ball tracker and deems it as a fair delivery.

Jofra Archer to Tim David, Pitches the ball up now and bowls it around off, Tim David blocks it off.

Jofra Archer to Tim David, FOUR! Not quite where David intended it to go, but he'll take it. Short of a length and outside off, quick too, David looks to go up and over and gets an outside edge fine down to third man for a boundary. The extra pace working against Jofra yet again.

Jofra Archer to Tim David, Beaten! Hard length outside the off stump, zipping through off the deck, Tim David looks to drive but is beaten past the outside edge.

Strategic Break! RCB have done exactly what they’ve struggled with in recent games - dominate the middle overs, and they’ve done it in style today! With runs flowing freely, they’ve built a formidable platform, setting themselves up for a massive finish, especially with the kind of firepower still waiting in the dugout. Rajasthan Royals did strike gold with the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli, and they’ll be hoping that this breakthrough opens the floodgates. They desperately need a couple more quick ones to put the brakes on this RCB charge and regain some control. Tim David is promoted up the order and comes out to bat next for Royal Challengers Bengaluru!

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, OUT! CAUGHT! Archer back into the attack, and he gets Kohli right away! Jogs in does Jofra Archer and bowls a leg cutter, slightly into the pitch and around off. Virat Kohli looks to ride the bounce and nonchalantly lift it over covers, but ends up lobbing it straight to the fielder inside the ring. Nitish Rana takes the simplest of catches, and a wonderful innings from Kohli comes to an end as he departs for 70 (42), and RCB are now 156/2. Could RR have brought Jofra on a bit sooner? Because the damage seems to be already done!

Tushar Deshpande to Devdutt Padikkal, SIX AND FIFTY FOR DDP! This is some ordinary bowling and is rightfully being punished! What an innings this has turned out to be from the southpaw. A low full toss, on off, Devdutt Padikkal clubs it over long off for a six and gets to his 50.

Tushar Deshpande to Virat Kohli, Pace off, on a length, on middle, Virat Kohli is early on the flick and top edges it in front of deep backward square leg for a single. 150 runs up for Royal Challengers Bengaluru!

Tushar Deshpande to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Just feel Tushar Deshpande is trying to do too many things at once. Goes way too short and over middle and the umpire calls it a wide.

Tushar Deshpande to Virat Kohli, SIX! Superb shot! Cannot bowl there to somebody off Virat's class! Right in the slot, on middle, Virat Kohli uses the bottom hand and flicks it off his pads over mid-wicket for a six.

Tushar Deshpande to Devdutt Padikkal, Marginally misses the yorker at the stumps, Devdutt Padikkal whips across and gets an inside edge to deep backward square leg for one.

Tushar Deshpande to Devdutt Padikkal, WIDE! Way too short and over middle, Devdutt Padikkal hops to ramp but still cannot get to it.

Tushar Deshpande to Devdutt Padikkal, Nails the yorker at the stumps, Devdutt Padikkal does equally well to dig it out.

Tushar Deshpande to Devdutt Padikkal, SIX! Easy pickings! Tushar Deshpande comes back into the attack but ends up being smacked for a boundary again on the first ball. Short and outside off, Devdutt Padikkal slices it over backward point for a biggie.

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, Full, on off, Virat Kohli punches it to cover.

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, SIX! All power and muscle! Tossed up, outside off, Virat Kohli stretches out his arms and reaches for it. Swats it straight back over the bowler's head for a biggie. RCB are sprinting in these middle overs!

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, Bowls it nicely on a fuller length, on middle and leg, Devdutt Padikkal backs away a bit and is cramped for room. Gets a thick outside edge that goes to the keeper, who fails to gobble it up. The batters take a run. Half a chance to say the least!

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, Full, on middle, Virat Kohli looks to heave across and gets an inside edge through his legs to short fine leg for one.

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, Sees the batter step down the track and fires it wider from him, Devdutt Padikkal just about manages to reach for it and cue ends it to short third for one.

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, SIX! Devdutt Padikkal is looking dangerous at the moment and every shot here on will be adding salt to the wounds for RR and Tushar Deshpande! Tossed up, on off, Devdutt Padikkal steps down the track, reaches to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over long off off for a biggie.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, Exceptional running! Full and on middle, Virat Kohli nudges it to the vacant mid-wicket region and pushes DDP through for the second. Wanindu Hasaranga sprints towards the ball quickly and scoops it in but cannot stop the two.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, DROPPED by Tushar Deshpande! The second one that goes down for Rajasthan Royals tonight! Hasaranga floats it full, on middle, Devdutt Padikkal looks to sweep and gets a top edge in front of deep backward square leg. Tushar Deshpande makes all the ground from the deep and dives ahead, only to spill it out. The batters take a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, Drops it short and on middle, Virat Kohli rocks back and whips it to long on for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Padikkal knocks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Picked up the googly to perfection! Devdutt Padikkal continues to make the most of this purple patch. Short and going away from the batter, outside off, DDP reaches out and cuts it through the gap between backward point and short third for four more.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, Floated full, around off, Virat Kohli looks to slog it across but only manages to get a toe-end to short fine leg region for one.

Sandeep Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Top shot! A bit too full and on middle. Devdutt Padikkal swings through the line and tonks it straight past the bowler to his right for four runs.

Sandeep Sharma to Virat Kohli, Full, on middle, Virat Kohli clips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Sandeep Sharma to Virat Kohli, EDGED, FOUR AND FIFTY! 5th half-century this season and the Run Machine continues to pile up runs for RCB! On a length, on off, Virat Kohli looks to drive it through the off side but gets a thick outside edge that goes past short third to his left for a boundary. This is also his back-to-back fifty against Rajasthan Royals!

Sandeep Sharma to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Virat Kohli, on song tonight! 100 runs up for Royal Challengers Bengaluru! On a length, on middle, VK gives himself some room and slices it over backward point for a boundary.

Sandeep Sharma to Devdutt Padikkal, Lands it full and on the pads, Devdutt Padikkal flicks it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike over.

Sandeep Sharma to Virat Kohli, Sandeep comes back into the attack and goes into the surface on a back of a length, over off, Virat Kohli pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, Tossed up, around middle and leg, Virat Kohli knocks it down to long on and picks up a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, A bit short and on off, DDP hacks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, WIDE! Sprayed down leg, on a fuller length.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, Short and on the pads, Devdutt Padikkal goes back to sweep but gets a top edge past short fine leg. Fazalhaq Farooqi gives the ball a chase and keeps it down to two.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, Full, around off, Kohli cuts it to deep backward point for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, Drags the length down and keeps it outside off, Devdutt Padikkal fetchess it across, off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Quality shot this! Wanindu Hasaranga tosses the ball up, nice and full, around off, Devdutt Padikkal makes a bit of room and then sweeps it through the gap between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, Angled well into the batter, Devdutt Padikkal presses back and flicks it away firmly through mid-wicket for a single.

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, Fired in at the pads, but this is just spilled down leg. Padikkal looks to sweep but misses. A wide is called but RR have reviewed it. On initial replay, there doesn't seem to be any pad involved, but the ball did just sneak under the gloves and the third umpire checks UltraEdge next. There is a huge spike as the ball passes the gloves and it won't be a wide but instead, it will be counted as a difficult dropped catch. Good review!

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, Flatter one, on a length around middle and leg, straightens as well, Padikkal blocks it off.

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Nicely put away! Nagging length, floated up on leg, Devdutt Padikkal rocks back and waits well before pulling it nice and fine of Jofra Archer at deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, Good length, around the pads, nudged away towards deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, Excellent running! Sliding it into the pads, Kohli tucks it away gently and through wide mid on before racing back for the second run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, Just a hint of turn there! Tossed up outside off, turning further away, Kohli reaches across and pushes it through covers for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, The call is for two and they get it with ease! On the fuller side and around middle, Kohli leans on and wrists the ball away between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, On a dragged length and angled well across the off stump, Padikkal reaches out and taps it away through cover-point for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, Nagging length, around middle and leg, just stopping on the batter, Padikkal adjusts and blocks it off.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, Short and over middle again, this one sits up for the batter, Kohli backs away and smacks it back past the bowler. Yashasvi Jaiswal at long on, speeds to his left and puts in the dive to keep it down to a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, Drags the length short over middle and the ball holds in the deck, Padikkal rocks back and pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, Beaten again! Flatter one, a bit full and speared across the batter. Kohli looks to wait back and cut but is beaten past the outside edge.

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, Slows it up now and floats it outside off, Padikkal drives it square through the off side for another single.

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, Another quick and flat one, pushed across off, Kohli jams it out into the off side for a single.

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, Beaten! This is darted across, on a length and pretty quick as well. Kohli looks to cut but misses.

Riyan Parag to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Oh, well controlled! Fractionally short around off, turns back in and stops on the batter. Virat Kohli rocks back and manages to still pull it away powerfully and in between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Riyan Parag to Devdutt Padikkal, Nice and full, good energy through the delivery, Padikkal punches it on the up and firmly towards long off for a single.

Riyan Parag brings himself into the attack now.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, A bit fuller now and right at the stumps, Kohli just eases it to the right of the bowler, who manages to scamper across and make the stop. Just 3 runs and a wicket off Hasaranga's first over.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Devdutt Padikkal, Flatter delivery, aimed in at the pads, worked away off the back foot past square leg for a single by Devdutt Padikkal.

Devdutt Padikkal walks in at number 3 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Phil Salt, OUT! CAUGHT! Nicely bowled and RR have their first wicket! Wanindu Hasaranga tosses this one up at 85 clicks, on a fullish length and angles it into middle and leg. Phil Salt sits down for the slog sweep but gets it off the top edge and the ball goes high and over the mid-wicket region. Shimron Hetmyer comes in from the deep and takes a simple enough catch. Salt departs for 26 (23) and he never looked in control out there.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Phil Salt, On a nagging length again and around off, Salt stays leg side of the ball and looks to hammer it away but the fielder at short cover makes a fine diving stop to his right.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Virat Kohli, Slightly tossed up, a bit full and around off, Kohli rocks back and flat-bats it towards long on for one more.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Phil Salt, Into the pitch to begin with. Short and on middle, hit away off the back foot towards cow corner for a single.

Strategic Break! After a slightly jittery start, RCB have found their footing and are now cruising along nicely. The early overs were a bit nervy, but as they say, fortune favours the brave and RCB have weathered the initial storm from Rajasthan Royals. With both batters well-set at the crease, this is the perfect launchpad for RCB to build towards a formidable total. The intent is there, and this upcoming middle phase could define the innings. As for RR, they’ve had their moments with the ball, but inconsistency has hurt them. The loose deliveries have been a bit too frequent, and that dropped catch of Phil Salt might just come back to haunt them. They'll need to regroup quickly, tighten their lines, and more importantly, hunt for wickets to regain control. Wanindu Hasaranga comes into the attack now.

Sandeep Sharma to Phil Salt, Nice and full, bowling it on middle, Phil Salt clears the front leg and swats it along the ground to long on for one. RCB are flying at 59/0 after the Powerplay!

Sandeep Sharma to Virat Kohli, Takes pace off now and bowls it a bit full around off, Kohli backs away and dabs it down to the left of short fine leg for a quick single.

Sandeep Sharma to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Top shot! Pitched-up delivery in and around off stump, Virat Kohli with a classic straight drive and he nails it back past the bowler for a boundary.

Sandeep Sharma to Phil Salt, Spears in a straight yorker now and gets it full enough. Salt goes deep in the crease and jams it firmly onto the deck and over the bowler who gets a hand on it and deflects it to mid off. Single taken.

Sandeep Sharma to Phil Salt, Goes full and angles it into middle and leg, Salt takes the front leg out and smacks it straight to mid off.

Sandeep Sharma to Virat Kohli, Back of a length and at the batter, Virat nudges it across in front of square leg for a single.

Sandeep Sharma to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Tushar Deshpande to Virat Kohli, Back of a legth, on off, Virat Kohli steers it to deep third for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Virat Kohli, A slight hesitation between the wickets but no harm done. Length, on off, Virat Kohli nudges it to cover and both batters set off for the run. Both meet halfway and decide against it. Safely back to their respective ends!

Tushar Deshpande to Virat Kohli, FOUR! All class! Full and on middle and leg, Virat Kohli gets his bottom hand into play and flicks it through mid-wicket for another boundary. Third boundary off the over already!

Tushar Deshpande to Phil Salt, Fires it full, on middle and leg, Phil Salt jams it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Phil Salt, FOUR! Sublime shot! Tushar Deshpande angles it into the batter, on a back of a good length, over middle, Phil Salt rocks back and punches it through covers for consecutive boundaries. Preesure on Tushar Deshpande!

Tushar Deshpande to Phil Salt, FOUR! As easy as it can get! Tushar Deshpande is greeted with a boundary! A low full toss, on middle, Phil Salt just drives it past mid on to his left for a boundary.

Tushar Deshpande comes in to replace Jofra Archer now.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, Full and on off, Phil Salt eases it to mid off and takes a quick run. There was a direct hit from Riyan Parag at the bowling end and the ball does brush the stumps but the bails stay in the groove.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Fazalhaq Farooqi goes short and over off, Phil Salt looks to swipe across the line and gets a thick outside edge over short third for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Tap and run! Fuller than a length, around off, Virat Kohli nudges it to cover and scampers through for the run.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, In the air, and falls short again. Phil Salt is living dangerously here! Short of a length, on middle, Phil Salt miscues the pull shot, and hits it off the upper half of the bat. The ball goes high but drops in front of deep mid-wicket for just one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Fuller to VK and on middle and leg, clipped to deep square leg for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, Good length, on off, Salt punches it to mid off and steals a quick run.

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, FOUR! As good a shot there can be! Totally in control this time! Length, on middle, Virat Kohli stays deep in the crease and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a boundary. Keeps it all along the ground too.

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Fortutious! Jofra Archer serves it on a length, over off, with a slight roll of the fingers on the ball, Virat Kohli looks to work it through the off side, gets an inside edge that drops beside the stumps and trickles down to the fine leg fence.

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, Archer goes into the surface and over off, on a back of a length and generates that extra bit of bounce. Virat Kohli looks to punch it straight but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Jofra Archer to Phil Salt, In the air, but falls safe! A lot is happening already! Back of a good length, on middle, Phil Salt miscues his pull too and lobs it in front o fine leg off the splice for one.

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, Short of a length, on middle and leg, the ball grips a bit, and Virat Kohli is early on the pull. He manages to squeeze it last square leg to his right for a single.

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, Good length, on off, Virat Kohli taps it to cover.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, FOUR! Nicely done! Fazalhaq Farooqi misses the yorker by a few inches and ends up bowling it full and on middle and leg, Salt takes his front leg out of the line and drives it past mid on for a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, Takes pace off and bowls the yorker that is a bit loopy as well. Phil Salt shovels it to mid off.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Length, around off, Kohli pushes it to point and picks up a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, Fuller and on the pads, Phil Salt flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, DROPPED by Riyan Parag! A big, big opportunity goes down for RR. Fazalhaq Farooqi serves a low full toss, on off and Phil Salt just swats it to the right of mid off. Riyan moves across and tries to take it with both hands, but the ball pops out of his hands.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, WIDE! Bowls it on a length but down leg. Salt tries to help it on its way but misses.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to Phil Salt, Angling across, on a fuller length, wel outside off, Salt tries to reach for it but misses.

Fazalhaq Farooqi to share the new ball with Jofra Archer.

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, Hard length, around off, skips a few steps and climbs on the batter again. Virat Kohli is beaten on the outside edge. A probing first over comes to an end.

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Jofra Archer is firing absolute rockets and Virat Kohli somehow manages to put one away! Archer bangs it short and over off, Virat Kohli looks to ramp it behind, but the ball nips back in a bit. Takes the glove and still manages to go over the slip fielder for a boundary.

Jofra Archer to Virat Kohli, FIVE WIDES! That's over, everybody! Jofra Archer fires the missile, on a back of a length and over middle at almost 150 clicks again. The ball climbs on the batter and evades the leaping keeper, too.

Jofra Archer to Phil Salt, First runs off the bat and Phil Salt is off the mark. A bit fuller and on the pads, Salt clips it to fine leg for a single.

Jofra Archer to Phil Salt, Lovely nut this! Back of a length, just outside off, zips through with extra bounce and shape that beats the bat on the outside edge. Phil Salt is perplexed!

Jofra Archer to Phil Salt, On a length, on off and shaping back in a long way. Phil Salt is way too early on the shuffle across and fails to hit it across.

Jofra Archer to Phil Salt, Gets it right this time. Similar length and the line is over middle, Phil Salt dabs it down the deck.

Jofra Archer to Phil Salt, WIDE! Jofra Archer starts with an extra! Steams in from over the wicket and bowls it on a length, on middle and leg and gets the ball to shape in, down leg. Dhruv Jurel, the keeper, does exceptionally well to dive to his left and make a stop.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The two umpires are the first ones out on the field and they are followed by the opening pair of RCB - Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. The players of RR form a huddle and then move to their fielding positions. Jofra Archer has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Impact players nominated by Rajasthan Royals - Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kunal Singh Rathore.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Fazalhaq Farooqi (replaces Maheesh Theekshana), Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande.

Impact players nominated by Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal (replaces Suyash Sharma), Rajat Patidar (C), Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.

Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, says they would have looked to bowl first as well. Adds that this year the wicket has been tricky and unpredictable, but they will now have to assess the conditions and bat well. Mentions that they have to choose the shots wisely, considering the two-paced nature of the pitch and informs that they go unchanged.

Riyan Parag, the RR captain, opts to bowl first. Adds that it is usually the case here and this wicket feels sticky, which means it will get better later on. Mentions that they need to be 100 percent in every game now, and the results will come. On Sanju Samson, Parag informs that he is recovering well and should be back soon. Ends by also informing that Fazalhaq Farooqi comes in for Maheesh Theekshana.

TOSS - Riyan Parag wins the coin flip and Rajasthan Royals will BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Eoin Morgan is pitchside. Morgan starts by saying that this is the centre pitch with the boundaries being 73 meters down the ground and 64 meters on either side of the square. Simon Katich joins him and reckons that the surface looks a lot drier than the one against Punjab, but the average first innings score has been 164 at this venue this season, and there has been more in it for the quicks. All in all, they conclude that it will still be conducive for batting.

Both teams have a point to prove, and with so much at stake, this contest is shaping up to be an absolute cracker. Don’t go anywhere because the Toss and team updates are coming your way shortly.

On the other side, Rajasthan Royals are in trouble. With regular skipper Sanju Samson sidelined due to injury, the pressure has mounted, and the team is now on a four-match losing streak. Cohesive performances have been missing, and the Royals are desperate to spark a turnaround. Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown promise at the top, but the Royals will be counting on experienced names like Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag to take charge and bring consistency. The batting has faltered far too often, and the bowling has been patchy, making it tough to close out games. With their backs firmly against the wall, this could be the perfect opportunity to throw caution to the wind, play with freedom, and claw their way back into the tournament.

RCB’s batting unit, traditionally their strength, is clicking once again, but it’s the bowling that’s caught the eye this year, bringing much-needed balance. That said, in all their home defeats, they’ve been put in to bat first after losing the toss and haven’t quite posted winning totals. While toss luck plays its part, it’s execution under pressure that’ll be key. Playing fearless cricket and expressing themselves freely could be the formula they need to flip the script.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are in solid form this season, with 5 wins from 8 games, but there’s a nagging jinx they’ll want to fix. All three of their losses have come at home! While other teams have turned their grounds into fortresses, RCB have struggled to make an impact in front of their passionate home fans, not just here in the IPL, but also in the WPL earlier this year, where they lost all four matches in Bengaluru. The time is now for the Men in Red to crack the home code and light up the stadium with a commanding win.

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Match 42 of the Indian Premier League 2025! Coming to you from the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where it’s time for a thrilling reverse fixture showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Rajasthan Royals, and it promises fireworks!

... MATCH DAY ...

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is the venue for Match number 42 in the 2025 IPL as home side Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Rajasthan Royals in a crunch game. It is also the reverse fixture of Match number 28 that was played up in Jaipur and that game was won by RCB as they hardly broke a sweat chasing down 174 runs. RCB are also the in-form side when it comes to these two teams, but playing at home has been a real thorn in the side for them as they have lost all 3 games so far. The Royal Challengers are coming off a win against Punjab Kings and they will be pumped up and will be eager to turn the tables when playing at home. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, come into this fixture on the back of four straight losses and the last couple of them have been particularly painful. The Royals seemed to be cruising in their previous game against LSG but ended up losing it by a couple of runs and prior to that, they let a similar game go into overtime and were blown away in the Super Over. Going back to RCB, Virat Kohli has picked up the pace and is turning back into the chase master we all know him to be but the form of Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal is also a bright spot and Tim David hasn't disappointed whenever he has been needed to provide a big finish. The middle order still needs improving, though. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been brilliant with the ball and even though it hasn't resulted in many wickets, he has complemented the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal brilliantly, and those two have picked up wickets. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have also been solid in the middle overs and they would want to keep up the pace and stay in touching distance of a playoff berth. Rajasthan's hopes of a top-four finish have seriously started to dwindle and with regular skipper Sanju Samson out injured, that batting lineup does lack a seasoned international. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and even Nitish Rana have blown hot and cold throughout the season, whereas Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer simply haven't been able to finish off the games even after getting set. Jofra Archer started the season in the worst way possible, conceding 76 runs in the opening encounter against SRH but he is now back to his best and has led the pace battery well. The Lankan spinners haven't been as clinical as they would have liked to be but the biggest downfall has been the lack of a consistent third pacer and Sandeep Sharma too hasn't been at his best at the death. This is almost like a knockout game for the Royals and they will be hoping to let loose and just play freely. RCB have a lot more riding on this game and another loss at home could really demoralize their positive campaign thus far. Which team will reign supreme? Only time will tell.