IPL 2025: RR Crumbled at Home as RCB’s Salt-Kohli Storm Rolls In | In a one-sided affair at Jaipur, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) outclassed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by nine wickets, chasing down a target of 174 with ease. A fiery knock from Phil Salt and a composed half-century by Virat Kohli ensured RCB’s dominance, while RR’s batting efforts, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal, fell short.
Rajashan Royals Post Competitive but Inadequate Total
Opting to bat first, Rajasthan Royals got off to a steady start, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal breaking free from his recent slump. Alongside skipper Sanju Samson, he helped RR reach 45 in the powerplay before Krunal Pandya struck, dismissing Samson to provide RCB with the first breakthrough.
Jaiswal then stitched a crucial 50-run partnership with Riyan Parag, keeping the scoreboard ticking. The young left-hander played an aggressive innings, smashing 75 off 47 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, before falling in the death overs. Parag contributed a handy 30, while Dhruv Jurel’s quickfire 35* off 23 propelled RR to 173.
Despite the strong start, RCB’s bowlers tightened their grip in the final overs. Krunal Pandya was the standout, conceding just 29 runs in his four overs while taking a wicket. Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also chipped in with a wicket each, restricting RR to a below-par total.
Salt-Kohli Show Demolishes RR’s Bowling Attack
In response, RCB came out all guns blazing. Phil Salt, in particular, was relentless, taking on RR’s pace attack with disdain. He hammered Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma, racing to a 28-ball fifty. His explosive 65 off 33 (5 fours, 6 sixes) set the tone for the chase before he was dismissed by Kumar Kartikeya in the 11th over.
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Virat Kohli, playing the anchor initially, shifted gears after Salt’s departure. He targeted Wanindu Hasaranga in the 15th over, smashing 14 runs to bring up his half-century in 39 balls. With the required rate well under control, Kohli (62* off 45) and an unbeaten cameo from Glenn Maxwell ensured RCB cruised to victory in just 17.3 overs.
Key Takeaways
- Jaiswal’s Return to Form: After a lean patch, the young opener regained confidence with a well-made 75.
- Salt’s Blitzkrieg: The Englishman’s explosive start made the chase a walk in the park for RCB.
- Kohli’s Composed Finish: The former skipper anchored the innings perfectly, ensuring no late hiccups.
- RR’s Bowling Struggles: Despite early promise, RR’s bowlers had no answers to RCB’s aggressive approach.
With this win, RCB continues their resurgence in the tournament, while RR will need to reassess their bowling strategies ahead of their next fixture.
