Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals tips | Match 42

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals match preview

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gunning for their first home win of the 2025 IPL season when they welcome a struggling Rajasthan Royals (RR) outfit to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday (AEST).

RCB come into this clash on the back of a dominant seven-wicket win over Punjab Kings – their fifth away victory from five attempts this season. But despite their flawless road form, they remain winless in Bengaluru after three matches.

Thursday could be the perfect opportunity to break that duck. Rajasthan Royals have now slumped to four consecutive defeats and are under increasing pressure to stay in the playoff hunt.

The Royals’ batting has been their biggest letdown, with late collapses costing them in tight games against both Delhi and Lucknow. With captain Sanju Samson sidelined, Riyan Parag will lead the side again after a promising knock of 39 in their latest outing.

RCB thrashed Rajasthan by nine wickets just 11 days ago in Jaipur, chasing 174 with 15 balls to spare, led by Phil Salt (65 off 33) and Virat Kohli (62*). With momentum clearly in their corner, this feels like a golden opportunity for Bengaluru to deliver at home.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals predictions

RCB have been the more composed and complete unit, especially with the ball, and if their top order fires again, they should be too strong for a Royals side lacking belief and balance. Despite being at short odds with top cricket betting sites, RCB should be disposing of RR with ease.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been Rajasthan’s most consistent performer of late, with three consecutive 50+ scores including a 75-run effort in the reverse fixture. He’s started fast and can be trusted to deliver again. The +230 for him to cross 50 again is too hard to ignore.

Despite a powerful line-up, RCB have fallen short of hitting 11 maximums in each of their last three outings. Their cautious home approach and short boundaries haven’t translated to big six-hitting totals, and we’re confident that run will continue.

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