April 25, 2025: In a thrilling encounter at their home ground, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their first home win in IPL 2025, defeating Rajasthan Royals by 11 runs. The victory was set up by an invaluable innings from Virat Kohli, who played a masterful knock of 70 off 42 balls, anchoring RCB’s chase of a challenging target of 200+.
RCB were put to bat first on a tricky surface at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the pitch presented challenges due to variable bounce and pace. Virat, however, was unruffled by the conditions, stepping up as the anchor of RCB’s innings. Along with Devdutt Padikkal, who played a brisk knock of 50, the duo formed a solid partnership, putting on 95 runs for the second wicket.
Virat’s approach was methodical, as he paced his innings to perfection, setting the stage for an explosive finish. His belligerent 70-run knock, coupled with Padikkal’s rapid half-century, helped RCB post a formidable 205/5 in their 20 overs. Despite the conditions becoming more batter-friendly in the second innings, RCB’s total was always going to be a tough ask for Rajasthan.
Former head coach Sanjay Bangar, who has worked closely with Virat during his time with RCB, praised the Indian stalwart’s “risk-free cricket” and the mature way he paced his innings. “This was typical Virat Kohli,” Bangar said. “After a couple of low scores, he returned to his default style – risk-free cricket, constructing the innings patiently. Once the game was set up, he opened up with attacking shots. The key was how he handled the first 7-8 overs, giving assurance not just to his partner but also to the dugout. The way he paced the innings helped RCB post a slightly above-par total.”
Virat’s tactical approach in the first half of his innings helped stabilize the ship before he unleashed his attacking flair, including exquisite back-foot punches and flick shots, to put RCB in a dominant position. His ability to adapt to the pitch conditions, combined with his trademark technique, played a significant role in RCB setting a challenging target.
On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood emerged as the hero for RCB, claiming a scintillating four-wicket haul. His spell began in the Powerplay, where he drew first blood, and he later returned to break Rajasthan’s chase in the penultimate over, when they needed 18 runs from the final 12 deliveries. Hazlewood finished with figures of 4/33 in his four overs, claiming the Player of the Match award for his game-changing performance.
RCB’s bowlers managed to keep their cool in the final overs, successfully defending the target and clinching an 11-run victory. This win pushed Bengaluru up to third place in the points table with 12 points, while Rajasthan Royals suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, leaving them to reflect on yet another disappointing performance.
As the season progresses, RCB will be buoyed by Virat’s return to form, with the veteran batsman once again proving his worth as a pillar of the team’s success. Meanwhile, Rajasthan will need to regroup quickly if they are to turn their fortunes around.