The ‘number three’ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face the Rajasthan Royals in the 28th fixture of the ongoing IPL 2025. Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium will host this game on Sunday, April 13, at 3:30 PM (IST). It will be a must-win game for RCB to improve their numbers in the tournament’s points table.
RCB are currently placed in the third spot on the tournament’s points table, with three wins and two defeats in their five games so far. They are coming off a 6-wicket defeat against the Delhi Capitals in the previous game. A win in this game will make their position strong in the ‘top four’ teams in the race to the knockout stage.
Predicted playing XI of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their next clash against Rajasthan Royals:
Openers
RCB’s opening pair of the star batter Phil Salt and the former skipper, Virat Kohli, has been in a sensational run of form in the tournament’s current season. They stitched a blistering 61-run partnership for the first wicket in just 3.5 overs in the last game against DC. However, a run-out mix-up between Salt and Kohli changed the entire course of the game for RCB.
Phil Salt scored 37 runs off just 17 balls, with 4 fours and three sixes while Kohli contributed with 22 runs off 14 balls, with one four and two sixes. So, the duo will aim to continue their amazing form in the upcoming game against RR.
Middle-Order
The middle-order of the Bengaluru is expected to start with the number three batter Devdutt Padikkal, who could play a crucial role after a stable opening start. He will be followed by the skipper Rajat Patidar at number four, who has been in good touch with the bat in the current season so far. He scored 25 runs off 23 balls, with one four and a six in the last game against DC, which he will look ahead to improve in the next game against RR.
Following Rajat Patidar, the blistering middle-order batter Liam Livingstone will be there to bat at number five and execute some big hits to help RCB post a big total on the board. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma and lower middle-order batter Tim David will be there to bat at number six and seven for RCB to add some important runs in the death overs.
All-Rounder
Star all-rounder Krunal Pandya has been in a brilliant bowling form in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. He has scalped 7 wickets in five innings, being one of the leading wicket-takers for RCB in the tournament. He could be a vital asset with the ball for his side when it comes to utilising the spin attack at the surface of Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Besides that, Krunal could also play a crucial role with the bat while batting down the order; he might also be promoted a bit up in the middle order to hit some big shots and increase the scoring rate for RCB.
Bowlers
The bowling attack of RCB might go ahead with the same pace attack, including three out-and-out pacers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Yash Dayal. The veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a brilliant spell in the last game, scalping 2 wickets at just 26 runs in his four overs. Besides him, Yash Dayal also picked a wicket in the last game against DC.
Speaking of Josh Hazlewood, he had a bit of an off day in the previous game against DC, but the veteran Aussie speedster is currently the leading wicket-taker for RCB, with 8 wickets in five innings in the current season. The pace trio could be accompanied by the specialist spinner Suyash Sharma as an impact player RCB bowls second in the game or he could also be in the playing XI if they bowl first. Suyash might be replaced by one of the middle-order batters as an impact player or vice-versa.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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