RCB Defeats RR, Boosts IPL 2025 Playoff Hopes

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, securing their first home victory of IPL 2025 and moving up to third place in the points table. Virat Kohli led the charge with 70 off 42 balls, supported by Devdutt Padikkal's quick 50, as RCB posted 205/5. Rajasthan's response was powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal's 49 and Dhruv Jurel's 47, but Josh Hazlewood's four wickets, including two in the 19th over, ensured RCB's win. RR's stand-in captain Riyan Parag acknowledged that their playoff hopes are now virtually over, citing struggles against spin and poor execution under pressure. The match drew widespread praise for Hazlewood's death bowling. The outcome leaves RR near the bottom of the standings while bolstering RCB's playoff ambitions.