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Jaipur, April 13 (IST): The IPL 2025 caravan heads to the Pink City for a high-stakes encounter as Rajasthan Royals (RR) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 28 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Both sides have had mixed campaigns so far, but RCB arrive with form on their side—winning all their away games. RR, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a patchy start and find rhythm at home.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Date & Time: April 13, 2025 – 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Live Streaming: JioCinema, Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: Jaipur’s Balanced Surface
The Jaipur pitch offers initial seam movement with a good bounce. While spinners do get some grip, batters can settle in once they survive the powerplay. Teams chasing have had better records under lights.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 165–175
- Toss Strategy: Win toss, bowl first
- Weather: Clear skies, temperature around 29°C
Head-to-Head Record: RR vs RCB
| Total Matches | RR Wins | RCB Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 12 | 14 | 4 |
- Last 5 Meetings: RCB lead 3-2
Team Form
🟣 Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR have struggled to string wins, especially due to inconsistent bowling. While Jofra Archer’s return is encouraging, key bowlers like Theekshana and Deshpande need to step up. Batting will again rely on Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag.
🔴 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB have looked confident away from home, beating MI, CSK, and KKR on the road. Their batting has clicked with Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Rajat Patidar delivering. Their bowlers have handled pressure well, especially Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal.
Probable Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga/Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone / Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Dream11 Fantasy Picks – Top Suggestions
🔹 Wicketkeepers:
- Phil Salt – In explosive form at the top
- Jitesh Sharma – Excellent striker in middle overs
🔹 Batters:
- Virat Kohli (VC) – Reliable top-order anchor
- Sanju Samson – Key to RR’s stability
- Rajat Patidar (C) – In hot form, attacking game suits Jaipur
- Riyan Parag – Adds fantasy value with bat and field
🔹 All-rounders:
- Krunal Pandya – Key role in spin-friendly conditions
- Wanindu Hasaranga (if fit) – Match-winner with ball and handy with bat
🔹 Bowlers:
- Jofra Archer – Leading the Royals’ attack
- Josh Hazlewood – RCB’s new-ball weapon
- Maheesh Theekshana – Can dominate in the middle overs
Top Captaincy Choices
- Rajat Patidar – Best recent form and mid-innings acceleration
- Virat Kohli (VC) – Safe option, accumulates points consistently
- Phil Salt – X-factor at the top if RCB bat first
📝 RR vs RCB Dream11 Team – Expert Pick
Dream11 Fantasy XI:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli (VC), Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Wanindu Hasaranga*, Jofra Archer, Josh Hazlewood, Maheesh Theekshana
*Check final XI for Hasaranga’s availability
🧠 Dream11 Strategy Tips
- Prioritise top-order batters and death bowlers
- Avoid too many all-rounders unless both teams bowl second
- Include one wrist spinner, especially if RR bowl first
🔮 Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?
Given recent form and away dominance, RCB have the edge. However, RR at home with Archer back and Samson in form could be formidable.
Prediction: RCB to win if chasing.
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