[[{“value”:”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally opened their account in IPL 2025, clinching a thrilling 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.
The win, RCB’s first of the season on home soil, was powered by a solid all-round performance, with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal starring with the bat, followed by a crucial spell from Krunal Pandya that turned the tide in the second innings. Rajasthan Royals were well in the chase until Pandya turned the game around with two crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
Despite a valiant effort from RR’s middle order, RCB held their nerve to seal a much-needed win and inject fresh life into their campaign.
Batting first after losing their fourth consecutive toss at home, RCB posted an imposing 205/5. The innings was anchored by Kohli and Padikkal, who stitched together a commanding 95-run partnership for the second wicket. On a surface that offered some assistance to the bowlers, stroke-making wasn’t easy, but the duo showed maturity and aggression in equal measure. Kohli, continuing his red-hot form, struck a fluent 70 off 42 balls, while Padikkal played the perfect foil with a rapid 50 off just 27 deliveries.
The early overs provided plenty of action. Jofra Archer’s first over went for 11 runs, including a wild 150 km/h bouncer that flew over the wicketkeeper for four. In the very next over, Riyan Parag, captaining in place of the injured Sanju Samson, dropped a regulation catch to reprieve Phil Salt, who added a handy 26 off 23 balls.
Kohli grew in confidence as the innings progressed, peppering the boundaries with precise timing and placement. He brought up his fifth half-century of the season, and his first at home, in just 32 deliveries. Padikkal also cashed in, particularly targeting Tushar Deshpande, whom he smashed for three sixes in a single over that yielded 22 runs.
RCB’s finishing push came from Jitesh Sharma (20* off 10) and Tim David (23 off 15), who launched a late assault that took the total beyond the 200-run mark.
“}]]
