Rajasthan Royals’ hopes of making it to the IPL 2025 playoffs have been shattered after another dramatic batting collapse during their chase against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. For the third time this season RR found themselves in a winning position only to falter in the closing moments. Despite a blazing start and holding control during most of the run chase they failed to hold their nerve at the death resulting in their fifth straight loss and seventh defeat in nine matches.
The latest heartbreak unfolded at the packed M Chinnaswamy Stadium where RR were chasing 206. Yashasvi Jaiswal got the Royals off to a flying start with a spectacular 49 off just 19 balls while 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi impressed early on before falling to a clever knuckle ball from Bhuvneshwar Kumar after scoring 16 off 9. Despite the early setbacks RR continued to chase confidently with valuable contributions from captain Riyan Parag 22 off 10 and Dhruv Jurel 47 off 34.
At one point Rajasthan needed only 18 runs from 12 balls with five wickets in hand. But Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood had other plans. He delivered a stunning penultimate over giving away just one run and picking up two wickets in two balls. His final figures of 4 for 33 turned the match on its head and derailed the RR chase which ended at 194 for 9 falling 12 runs short.
The repeated nature of RR’s batting collapses drew sharp criticism from former players. Commentating during the game former Australian batter Simon Katich said Rajasthan Royals completely butchered the chase especially after the dismissal of Shubham Dubey the last recognised batter on the first ball of the 20th over. Katich remarked that RR kept finding ways to lose from winning positions.
Joining the conversation former Zimbabwean cricketer Pommie Mbangwa highlighted that this marked the third time such a collapse had occurred for RR in IPL 2025 calling it “lightning striking thrice.” He added that the team had failed to learn from their previous defeats against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants and only they could explain the recurring pattern of their self-destruction.
Earlier RCB had posted a competitive 205 for 5 powered by Virat Kohli’s classy 70 off 42 balls and Devdutt Padikkal’s quickfire 50 off 27 deliveries. Their 95-run partnership in the middle overs provided the platform for a strong finish.
Despite all the firepower RR could not chase down a target that seemed well within reach. The defeat not only extended their losing streak but also pushed them out of contention for a playoff spot in this edition of the Indian Premier League.