The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 42nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Thursday, April 24, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. So far, the two teams’ campaigns in the lucrative league have been rather different.
RCB is now in fourth place on the points standings after winning five of their last eight games. Their score is 10 points, and their NRR is +0.472. But the Royal Challengers will try to improve after losing all three of their home games.
In contrast, RR has not yet been fired in this year’s lucrative league. With an NRR of -0.633, the Royals have only four points and have only won two of their last eight games. With the race for the playoffs heating up, Rajasthan will be desperate to bounce back and get their campaign going.
There are a few intriguing matches planned, and both teams have some players who are currently playing well. Having said that, let’s examine three player clashes to be aware of.
1. Will Jacks vs Jofra Archer
The RCB opener has failed to get going in the last two games, but he hit a match-winning 65 when the two teams met at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium earlier this season.
Jofra Archer, on the other hand, has been similarly impressive with the new ball, picking up six wickets over that period.
A thrilling matchup between two top-ranked cricket players is anticipated. Having played together for England, both are well familiar with each other’s game, so it will be interesting to watch who wins.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Josh Hazlewood
Yashasvi Jaiswal has finally found his rhythm after an uneventful IPL 2025 debut, slamming three half-centuries in a row. As RR attempts to recover from four straight losses, his batting form will be vital once more.
Josh Hazlewood, the star fast bowler for the RCB, will, nevertheless, pose a threat to the left-handed hitter. With top stats of 3/14, the Australian quick has taken 12 wickets in eight outings.
In the shortest format, Jaiswal has had success against Hazlewood, hitting 55 runs off 21 balls and being dismissed just twice. How the young Indian batter fares against Hazlewood will significantly effect this match.
3. Rajat Patidar vs Wanindu Hasaranga
The RCB captain is well-known for his attacking prowess against spinners in the middle of the game. However, RR spinner Wanindu Hasaranga might pose a serious threat to him.
With nine wickets in six games, the Sri Lankan spinner is gradually finding his groove and will try to cause problems for the Bengaluru hitters. His clash with Rajat Patidar will therefore be one to keep an eye on.
