Royal Challengers Bengaluru appeared to get swept up by the moment as the rain-affected start at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati set up conditions that quickly turned into a fast-bowler’s playground. The toss was delayed by showers, but once it finally happened and Rajasthan Royals chose to bat, the pitch had already shifted—offering sharp movement through seam and swing, especially for pace.
Rain delay, bowler-friendly surface and early blows
Phil Salt’s stay lasted no time at all. He was dismissed on the very first ball of the contest, bowled by a searing spell from Jofra Archer. In the same over, Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli also survived edges that could have gone either way—yet both continued to attack, briefly finding success. Kohli, in particular, struck some impressive drives through the covers, but the batsmen’s confidence ran ahead of what the surface was offering, with the Guwahati track continuing to swing and hold its line.
- Salt was out on the first delivery, cleaned up by Jofra Archer.
- Padikkal fell in the third over after Archer struck again, dismissing him for 16.
- Virat Kohli was bowled by Ravi Bishnoi for a 16-ball 32, after he missed the ball that came straight on.
RCB’s middle-overs collapse and dismissals in quick succession
After Kohli’s departure, Rajasthan’s pressure intensified and RCB’s batting fell out of rhythm. Ravi Bishnoi’s breakthrough was followed by a sharp, targeted moment when Krunal Pandya—apparently unaware of the danger developing around the wicket—misread the situation and found Shemron Hetmyer at long-off off Bishnoi.
Then Brijesh Sharma, a medium-pacer who looked unthreatening at first glance, turned the game with two wickets. Jitesh Sharma, RCB’s vice-captain, missed an incoming ball and was given out lbw by the umpire. Tim David offered little resistance and became Brijesh’s second scalp. Romario Shepherd also played with the same lack of caution and was removed soon after, leaving RCB further behind.
- Krunal Pandya was caught at long-off by Shemron Hetmyer off Ravi Bishnoi.
- Brijesh Sharma struck twice: Jitesh Sharma was lbw, and Tim David was dismissed next.
- Romario Shepherd was also sent back before long.
Patidar steadies the innings; late cameo pushes totals
In a chase shaped by early wickets and mounting pressure, Rajat Patidar was the standout for RCB. He played with patience for much of the innings, waiting for the looser deliveries, and pounced when the chance arrived. His striking highlight came in the 15th over, when he launched two sixes off South Africa quick Nandre Burger.
Patidar’s 63 came off 40 balls, but Sandeep Sharma finished the innings’ most durable resistance—his wicket was also a milestone, marking Sandeep’s 150th IPL wicket.
- Rajat Patidar scored 63 off 40 balls.
- He hit two sixes in the 15th over off Nandre Burger.
- Sandeep Sharma dismissed Patidar and reached 150 IPL wickets.
Rajasthan’s response, pitch easing and what RCB must do now
Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Penney praised the manner of the comeback after a shaky start. Speaking during the innings, he said the side benefited from some luck early when edges flew around, but they eventually found their way back into control. He also highlighted Ravi Bishnoi’s influence, noting that the bowler contributes heavily both on and off the field. Penney added that the training work has been paying off so far.
It was also worth noting that the pitch eased out in the second half of the innings. As the game progressed, the ball came onto the bat slightly more, allowing RCB’s opponents to build momentum. Impact Sub Venkatesh Iyer made sure of that late push, finishing unbeaten on 29 off 15 balls.
With the total set at 201, RCB now face the task of defending it from the front with their bowling. The challenge is heightened by the presence of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the batting lineup—Rajasthan’s top-order talent means no score feels safe for long. Whoever loses on the day will suffer their first defeat of the season. Rajasthan have won all three of their matches so far, while defending champions RCB have come into this contest on the back of two straight wins.
- Trevor Penney said Rajasthan had early fortune with edges but recovered and tightened control.
- He praised Ravi Bishnoi for his impact on and off the field.
- The pitch eased in the second half; Venkatesh Iyer (29* off 15) provided late acceleration.
- RCB must defend 201, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among Rajasthan’s threats.
- First defeat of the season is on the line; RR are 3-0, while RCB have won their last two.
