Redemption at the Chinnaswamy: Kohli’s Class and RCB’s Death Bowling Crush Rajasthan’s Hopes
April 24, 2025, Bengaluru The cries of “RCB! RCB!” echoed louder than they had in a long time under the floodlights of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. And with good cause. The Royal Challengers Bangalore gave their home crowd something to truly celebrate for the first time in IPL 2025—not just moments of genius, but a full-length performance. With the help of a surprisingly effective death bowling unit and the ever-resilient Virat Kohli, RCB finally broke their home curse with a crushing victory over the Rajasthan Royals, putting the Jaipur-based team in danger of being eliminated.
RCB Triumphs in High-Scoring Thriller Against RR! 2025
A Night That Had Been Long in the Making
On paper, the Chinnaswamy Stadium was a stronghold, but this season, it became a psychological trap for RCB. As losses mounted at home, hopes were raised and then dashed game after game. Even though they had some of the league’s most exciting players, including Siraj, Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, and Kohli, RCB had fallen short in front of their devoted supporters.
This match, however, was unique.
Second in the standings going into the match, the Rajasthan Royals were predicted to win easily. However, they encountered RCB in a form that had been lacking throughout the season: hungry, balanced, and focused.
Kohli Anchors, Then Accelerates
Virat Kohli is a man who thrives on pressure, narrative, and legacy.
After du Plessis fell early, Kohli entered the game at a critical juncture and did what he has done so frequently: precisely rebuild. Kohli combined prudence and aggression against a Royals bowling lineup that included Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan.
As the innings went on, he revealed the old Kohli, the one who paces an innings flawlessly before exploding at the end. He began with traditional cover drives and delicate nudges. By the end of the innings, he had reached his half-century in 38 balls and had accelerated to 87* off 52.
Most significantly, Kohli kept the innings cohesive so that players like Rajat Patidar and Dinesh Karthik could play freely. RCB recorded a par-plus score of 183/5.
Death Bowling—The Game-Changer
Throughout the season, RCB’s death bowling had been their weakness. They had lost games time and time again in the last four overs. But in this match, something clicked.
Mohammed Siraj hit hard lengths with accuracy, rediscovering rhythm. Lockie Ferguson, who was brought in because of his quick pace, bowled angrily. However, the true surprise was when Vijaykumar Vyshak and Karn Sharma put the Royals in a chokehold during the middle overs, trapping them in a shell from which they were unable to break free.
RR crumbled under pressure, needing 45 from the last four overs. In an attempt to clear long-on, Shimron Hetmyer holed out. Dhruv Jurel pulled at the wrong moment. Ultimately, the Royals finished at 164/8, 19 runs short of victory.
Rajasthan’s Roadblock
This defeat was more than just a two-point loss for the Royals; it could have ended their season.
With two difficult games left, RR now sits precariously in fourth place after this loss. Once more, Jos Buttler failed. An inspired delivery undid Samson’s momentary glimmer. And as the lower middle order collapsed, it was evident that there was no finisher.
Following the powerplay, the bowling also appeared flat. Boult had no swing. Chahal was the target. Additionally, the team that was once predicted to win the championship is now in a position where victory is absolutely necessary.
Tactical Mastery by RCB
In this match, RCB’s strategy was notable. They saved wickets by resisting the urge to launch an early over-attack. While the spinners, Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh, were used sparingly against Rajasthan’s left-handers, Kohli’s composure made sure the innings didn’t end in disaster.
Here, Faf’s captaincy, which is frequently criticised, merits recognition. The bowling changes were timely, and the field placements were accurate. For once, RCB appeared to be a cohesive team that had faith in one another.
Fan Euphoria: Chinnaswamy Comes Alive
The crowd’s emotion was palpable. There were songs, cheers, and a roaring applause for Kohli as he returned undefeated after weeks of disappointment. Drums pounded, flags fluttered, and hope was restored.
With hashtags like #KingKohli, #RCBForever, and #HomeFinally trending nationwide, social media also went crazy. For a single evening, RCB was more than just a team; they were a movement.
Kohli Speaks: “We Needed This—Badly”
Kohli was clearly relieved during the post-match presentation.
“This victory wasn’t your typical one. To our fans, we owed this. We made it matter today, even though we haven’t played well at home. All I wanted to do was bat deep. And the bowlers deserve praise for their exceptional performance.
The moment was encapsulated not only by Kohli’s words but also by the passion with which he spoke. It was equally personal and professional.
Looking Ahead: Can RCB Still Dream?
Kohli was obviously relieved during the post-match presentation.
“This victory wasn’t just another one. Our fans deserved this. At home, we haven’t played up to par, but today we made it matter. All I wanted to do was bat deeply. Additionally, the bowlers deserve praise for their exceptional performance.
The moment was captured not only by Kohli’s words but also by the passion with which he spoke. It was both personal and professional.
RR’s Troubles Mount
Regarding Rajasthan, some unsettling realities are reflected in the mirror. They are starting to rely too much on Samson and Buttler. The lack of bowling depth in the slog overs and middle-order misfires are major issues. They will now probably have to win the two games they have left and hope for good outcomes elsewhere.
Following the defeat, Sanju Samson acknowledged as much:
“We had a strong start to the season, but the last few games have shown us where we need to improve. Bravo to RCB for playing more intelligent cricket.
Final Thoughts: A Night That Could Change Everything
Moments are what make cricket a game. This was more than just a victory for RCB; it was a spark, a breaking of the chains, and a declaration. They sent a message to the rest of the league, saying, “We’re not done yet,” in addition to defeating Rajasthan.
Virat Kohli, the RCB’s beating heart, was at the centre of it all, reminding everyone why he is still regarded as one of the best players in history.
