Virat Kohli’s consistent form in IPL 2025 continued as he cracked his fifth half-century of the season, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR). The knock propelled Kohli from eighth to second place in the race for the Orange Cap. He now stands at 392 runs from nine innings at a stellar average of 65.3.

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan, however, remains the leading run-scorer with 417 runs in just eight innings. Notably, Kohli’s strike rate stands at 144.1, underlining his solid yet calculated approach throughout the campaign.

Orange Cap leaderboard after RCB vs RR

Hazlewood climbs to second in Purple Cap chart

In the bowling department, Josh Hazlewood turned heads with a four-wicket haul that helped RCB seal a crucial win. He now shares the second spot in the Purple Cap rankings with Prasidh Krishna at 16 wickets each. Though both have the same wicket tally, Krishna holds a better economy rate of 7.3.

RCB’s all-rounder Krunal Pandya also featured among the top wicket-takers, joining six others at 12 wickets each. His economical spell of 2/31 was pivotal to RCB’s comeback in the match.

Purple Cap leaderboard after latest fixtures

Note: Players with equal wickets are ranked by economy rate.

RCB climbs to third as playoff race intensifies

RCB’s victory marked their first home win this season, elevating them to third in the points table with 12 points. Despite having the same number of points as Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, RCB’s net run rate places them below both.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals continue to struggle, stuck at eighth with only two wins in nine matches. Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, who face each other next, round off the bottom of the table.

IPL 2025 points table after RCB vs RR

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally tasted victory at their home ground in the IPL 2025 season as they clinched an 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a nail-biting contest at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This marks RCB’s first home win after three consecutive losses at the venue.

Put to bat first, RCB rode on stellar half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal to post a challenging total of 205 for 5. Kohli played a classic innings, scoring 70 off 42 deliveries, while Padikkal impressed with a brisk 50 off 27 balls. The pair added a vital 95-run partnership for the second wicket, giving RCB a strong foundation. Despite a tough day for bowlers, Sandeep Sharma managed to pick two wickets for 45 runs for RR.

Rajasthan’s chase falters despite aggressive middle-overs

Chasing 206, Rajasthan Royals were in the hunt for most of the innings. Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey kept the momentum alive with a series of boundaries, particularly targeting Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who conceded 22 runs in his final over.

However, the match turned in RCB’s favor during a game-changing over from Josh Hazlewood, who picked up two wickets in two balls, dismissing Jurel and Jofra Archer and narrowly missing a hat-trick. Hazlewood ended with remarkable figures of 4 for 33. Krunal Pandya also contributed significantly with 2 wickets for 31 runs.

Despite a late fight from RR, the visitors fell short in the final over. Wanindu Hasaranga’s run-out with 3 balls to spare sealed the game for RCB, handing them a much-needed win and breaking their home ground losing streak.

In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reaffirmed its firm stance against engaging in bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reiterated that India will continue to abstain from bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan, fully respecting the stance taken by the Indian government.

Shukla stated, “We are with the victims and we condemn it. Whatever our government will say, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward.” He added that while ICC events compel participation due to tournament regulations, bilateral engagements remain off the table.

The most recent bilateral series between India and Pakistan took place during Pakistan’s visit to India in 2012-13. Since then, their encounters have been limited to global events like the 2023 ODI World Cup, hosted by India. Notably, India declined to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, prompting the relocation of their matches — including the highly anticipated clash with Pakistan and the final — to Dubai.

Condolences and tribute from BCCI

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also expressed sorrow and outrage at the attack, which claimed innocent lives in Pahalgam. “The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished… we condemn this ghastly and cowardly act with the strongest possible words,” Saikia said. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and stood in solidarity with those affected.

A solemn IPL tribute: cricket pauses to mourn

During IPL 2025 match number 41 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the BCCI orchestrated a powerful tribute. A 60-second silence was observed before the game commenced, following a formal announcement. The captains of both teams used the toss ceremony to extend their condolences and condemn the violence.

All players, officials, and broadcast crew wore black armbands as a mark of respect. Furthermore, the usual festive elements of IPL — cheerleaders, fireworks, music, and DJ sets — were consciously omitted to maintain a dignified and somber tone. The commentary team also reflected on the moment’s gravity during the live broadcast, recognizing the nation’s collective mourning.