By Chirag - Apr 24, 2025 10:14 AM
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 9 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Thursday, April 24, at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This fixture marks the second meeting between the two sides this season, with RCB dominating the previous encounter in Jaipur, chasing down a modest target with ease thanks to stellar performances from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Devdutt Padikkal.
While Bengaluru’s top-order continues to pose a significant threat, their batting hasn’t quite fired consistently at home. On the other hand, Rajasthan’s bowlers will be looking to turn things around, especially after a difficult season that has seen them secure just two wins from eight matches. RCB, comparatively, are in a stronger position with five victories from eight games and are eyeing a crucial home win.
With both teams hungry for points, here’s a look at three key bowlers who could make a big impact in today’s encounter:
Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood has been a linchpin in RCB’s bowling lineup this season. With 12 wickets in eight matches, he’s proven to be both a strike bowler and a run-containment option. His standout performance came in a recent home game against Punjab Kings, where he scalped three wickets—including key dismissals like Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer—while conceding just 14 runs in three overs.
Hazlewood’s ability to maintain a tight line and length, especially during the powerplay and middle overs, will be critical if RCB want to neutralize Rajasthan’s top-order firepower.
Rajasthan Royals’ ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga continues to be a shining light in an otherwise inconsistent campaign. The Sri Lankan wrist-spinner has claimed nine wickets in six games, with an average of 23 and an economy rate hovering around 9.40.
Hasaranga’s familiarity with the Chinnaswamy surface—having represented RCB for three seasons—could work to his advantage. His recent performance against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he removed Aiden Markram and Rishabh Pant, showcases his knack for picking up big wickets under pressure.
Bengaluru's bowling lineup now has much-needed steadiness and experience thanks to veteran Indian bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Though he went wicketless in their previous outing against Punjab, he bowled with discipline, conceding just 26 runs in his four-over spell.
Bhuvneshwar has taken eight wickets in seven games this season while keeping his economy rate at 7.73. Known for his swing and accuracy, especially in the early overs, his role at both ends of the innings could prove decisive for RCB in a high-stakes clash.
As the IPL 2025 season enters a critical phase, today’s fixture between RCB and RR holds immense importance for both teams. With RCB looking to strengthen their position in the top half of the table and RR desperate to turn their fortunes around, the performances of these bowlers could very well shape the outcome of the match.
Also Read: RCB vs RR IPL 2025: Match Preview, Head to Head & Ai Prediction
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