📍 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 🗓 Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 🕞 3:30 PM IST
Contents
🟠 Team Overview
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Returning to Jaipur after a stint in Guwahati, RR are looking to find consistency. Despite flashes of brilliance from individual players like Riyan Parag and Sandeep Sharma, they’ve suffered back-to-back losses. However, the return of key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Jofra Archer’s resurgence provides hope.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB have been outstanding on the road—with victories at traditionally tough venues like Chepauk, Wankhede, and Eden Gardens. However, their tight schedule and recent loss to Delhi Capitals may test their depth and recovery.
🤝 Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches: 31
RCB Wins: 15
RR Wins: 14
No Result: 2
A closely contested rivalry with RCB holding a slight edge. The battles between Kohli and RR bowlers—especially Sandeep Sharma—add spice to this matchup.
🏟️ Pitch and Weather Conditions
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Average 1st innings score: ~138
Highest score: 214
Nature: Balanced surface — early assistance for pacers, grip for spinners later on.
🌡️ Weather:
Max Temp: 38°C
Dry and sunny conditions will make this an energy-sapping day match.
Dew: Not a factor due to daytime fixture.
📉 Form Guide
RR: ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌
RCB: ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅
RR have struggled to string wins together. RCB, on the other hand, have shown resilience, especially away from home.
🎯 In the Spotlight
🟣 Jofra Archer (RR)
After a poor start (16.8 RPO in first two games), Archer has bounced back with express pace and economy (6.2 RPO in last three games). He’s key to RR’s powerplay strategy.
🔴 Liam Livingstone (RCB)
Started the season well but has dropped form—scores of 0 and 4 in last two matches and barely bowled. May lose his place to Jacob Bethell if struggles continue.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
Rajasthan Royals
Riyan Parag – In top form this season. Leading RR’s batting charge.
Sandeep Sharma – Has a psychological edge over Kohli (7 dismissals).
Wanindu Hasaranga – Back in the XI; adds balance with all-round abilities.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Virat Kohli – One fifty away from 100 T20 half-centuries.
Phil Salt – Explosive opener capable of taking the game away early.
Josh Hazlewood – Seam bowler providing discipline and control in the powerplay.
📊 Key Stats
RCB’s Away Batting: 39.6 runs/wicket, 10.5 RPO (vs 22.1 & 8.3 at home)
RR’s Powerplay Scoring Rate: Best in IPL 2025 – 10.7 RPO
Kohli vs Sandeep Sharma: Dismissed 7 times in 16 innings
RCB Bowling Away: 21.2 avg/wicket vs 56.4 at home
📋 Squads
🟣 Rajasthan Royals (Probable)
Sanju Samson (c/wk)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Nitish Rana
Riyan Parag
Dhruv Jurel
Shimron Hetmyer
Wanindu Hasaranga
Jofra Archer
Maheesh Theekshana
Tushar Deshpande / Kumar Kartikeya
Sandeep Sharma
Fazalhaq Farooqi
🔴 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Probable)
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
🔮 Match Prediction
RCB’s superior away record makes them slight favorites, but RR’s return to Jaipur with their bowling attack taking shape can’t be ignored. It could come down to how Kohli handles the Archer-Sandeep combo in the powerplay.
Prediction:
🟡 Rajasthan Royals to edge out RCB in a close contest, especially if they bowl first and apply pressure early.
✅ Conclusion
This match features two strong teams trying to regain momentum after losses. Expect high intensity, smart match-ups, and key contributions from Indian youngsters and overseas stars alike. With players chasing milestones, spinners finding grip, and temperatures soaring, this Sunday clash promises pure IPL drama.
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