Virat Kohli (70 off 42) and Devdutt Padikkal (50) powered RCB to 205/7 after being put in to bat yet again – captain Rajat Patidar has now lost all four home tosses this season. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s miserable home form continued in the IPL as they suffered their third straight defeat at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, despite posting their first 200-plus total of the season.
The hosts made a strong start with Phil Salt (26) surviving an early drop by Rajasthan’s Ryan Parag. Kohli and Padikkal then combined for a 95-run stand, with Kohli showcasing his trademark running between wickets alongside powerful strokes. However, RCB lost momentum after Jofra Archer broke the partnership, triggering a middle-order collapse that saw three quick wickets fall.
Virat Kohli (70 off 42)
Late contributions from Tim David and Jitesh Sharma pushed RCB past 200, though dew affecting the ball may complicate their defense. Rajasthan’s chase began ominously when Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early, but RCB’s bowlers face an uphill task to break their home jinx against an in-form Royals batting lineup featuring the dangerous Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson.
The match hangs in balance, but RCB’s inability to capitalize on strong starts and their home toss curse remain worrying trends.
Also Check: Real Madrid Edge Past Getafe 1-0 in Tight La Liga Clash