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Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 3:00 PM IST
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Broadcast: Live on star Sports
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Overview
As the Indian Premier League 2025 rolls into its next weekend clash, Rajasthan Royals (RR) face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in what promises to be a crucial match for both sides. The two teams are in very different mental spaces—RR are still looking to establish consistency after a shaky start, while RCB, despite flashes of brilliance, continue to battle structural weaknesses, particularly in their middle order.
This match also marks the return of IPL action to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, a ground known for its relatively low six-hitting rate and surface that tends to favor disciplined bowling.
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Team Dynamics & Recent Form
Rajasthan Royals
The Royals have had a stuttering campaign so far, with two wins in five games. Their most recent outing was a comprehensive defeat to Gujarat, where they conceded over 200 runs and failed to mount a serious chase, folding for 159. The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, originally expected to be the cornerstone of their spin attack, has disrupted their plans. Fazalhaq Farooqi came in as a substitute, but the team lacked bite in both pace and spin departments.
In terms of batting, the reliance remains on Jaiswal and Samson at the top. While Parag and Hetmyer offer promise in the middle order, the finishing has lacked firepower. Theekshana and Archer will be expected to shoulder the bowling responsibilities in Hasaranga’s absence.
Probable XI:
Jaiswal, Samson (c), Parag, Nitish Rana, Jurel (wk), Hetmyer, Dubey, Archer, Theekshana, Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB’s story so far is one of strong starts and poor follow-throughs. In their previous match against Delhi, they began well with the bat and ended decently, but the middle overs saw a severe dip, resulting in a below-par total of 169. Their bowling too, was exposed—especially Hazlewood, who went for over 11 runs an over.
The squad composition continues to be a talking point. There’s limited flexibility in the batting lineup, and the team appears to lack genuine all-rounders or finishers. Jacob Bethell could be an option in the future to add depth, and Devdutt Padikkal might face pressure to deliver or risk being replaced.
Probable XI:
Phil Salt (wk), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal/Suyash, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
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Key Match-ups to Watch
Hazlewood vs RR Openers: Josh Hazlewood has been a consistent wicket-taker in the IPL, but recent performances have shown vulnerability under pressure. RR openers, especially Yashasvi Jaiswal who has scored quickly off Hazlewood in past encounters, will look to exploit this.
Kohli vs Sandeep Sharma: One of the most intriguing personal battles. Sandeep has dismissed Virat Kohli seven times in 74 deliveries in the IPL. Kohli, despite scoring an unbeaten century in his last appearance at Jaipur, has otherwise struggled to make big scores at this venue.
Middle-order firepower: Both teams lack a strong middle-order punch, making early wickets and powerplay dominance even more crucial. The team that controls the game in the first ten overs could very well dictate the match.
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Venue Insight: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
The Jaipur pitch typically offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Historically, it has not been a venue for six-hitting extravaganzas—more than 64% of matches here have seen fewer than 15 sixes. Slower deliveries and cutters tend to be effective, and bowlers who hit the hard length are often rewarded.
A par score here is usually around the 180-185 mark. Batters can score freely with good shot selection, but it’s rare to see 200-plus totals unless a player plays an exceptional innings or bowlers completely lose control.
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What to Expect
This match presents an intriguing battle between two flawed but dangerous sides. Rajasthan Royals have the home advantage and a potentially better bowling attack, especially if their pacers adapt quickly to the pitch. RCB, meanwhile, have individual match-winners but continue to lack cohesion and depth.
If RR can apply pressure on RCB’s middle order and target Hazlewood early, they could tip the balance in their favor. RCB, on the other hand, will look to strike early with the ball and hope their top order—especially Kohli and Salt—sets a strong foundation.
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Final Word
This contest could go down to tactical execution and powerplay momentum. It’s a battle of top orders, with both teams heavily reliant on their first five batters. Expect a close, strategic match in a setting where every run and wicket will count.
RCB is going to win tomorrow…
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