IPL 2025: RCB won the game in powerplay, says Samson after nine-wicket defeat

IANS April 13, 2025 348 views

Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a devastating performance against Rajasthan Royals in their latest IPL match. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli destroyed the Royals' bowling attack with an explosive powerplay display. Salt smashed 65 runs off just 33 balls, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 62, leading RCB to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory. Sanju Samson acknowledged his team's struggles and praised RCB's clinical execution.

"Catches win matches. They also dropped our catches and we also dropped their catches" - Sanju Samson
IPL 2025: RCB won the game in powerplay, says Samson after nine-wicket defeat
Jaipur, April 13: Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match in the powerplay itself after they scored 65/0 in the first six overs while chasing 174 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Key Points

1

RCB openers Salt and Kohli blitz Royals with dominant powerplay performance

2

Salt hammers 65 off 33 balls with six sixes

3

Samson admits RCB won match in first six overs

4

Royals struggle after being put to bat first

RCB went on to win the match by nine wickets as openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli hammered half-centuries to complete the chase in 17.3 overs.

Salt played a knock of 65 in 33 balls laced with six sixes and five fours while Kohli remained unbeaten on 62 in 45 balls laced with two sixes and four fours. Devdutt Padikkal scored 40 not out off 28 balls with the help of five fours and a six.

"Absolutely (asked if they felt 170 was a handy score). I think after losing the toss on that kind of a slowish wicket, batting first under the sun for the first 10 overs is tough in day games. We knew they would come hard at us and I think they won the game in the powerplay," Samson said in the post-match presentation.

The wicketkeeper-batter further reflected on dropped catches in the match by both teams and said they want to improve in the area.

"Catches win matches. They also dropped our catches and we also dropped their catches (smiles). No doubt we have to improve. Credit to RCB," Samson said.

"Ball did come on better in the second innings. They were really good. We have been having some really good chats about improving and coming back strong. We have to leave the thoughts behind and come back positive for the next game," he added.

After being asked to bat first, Yashasvi Jaiswal's half-century coupled with Dhruv Jurel's 23-ball 35 blitz powered Rajasthan Royals to 173/4 in 20 overs.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a powerplay performance by RCB! Salt and Kohli were absolutely ruthless today 🔥 That 65/0 set the tone for the entire match. RR just couldn't recover from that start.
P
Priya M.
I think Samson is right about the powerplay being decisive, but RR's bowling lacked intent today. Boult and Ashwin didn't look threatening at all. Need to bounce back stronger next game!
A
Arjun S.
Phil Salt was on another level today! Those sixes were massive 💪 RCB finally showing why they're contenders this season. Hope they keep this momentum going.
S
Shreya N.
Respect to Samson for being gracious in defeat. The dropped catches were crucial though - that Salt drop early on proved very costly. Fielding needs work from both sides tbh.
V
Vikram J.
King Kohli doing what he does best - anchoring the chase with class 👑 That partnership with Salt was pure entertainment! RCB fans must be thrilled with this performance.
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Neha R.
While RCB was brilliant, I think 173 was below par for RR on this ground. Jaiswal played well but others needed to accelerate more in the middle overs. The team balance seems slightly off without a proper finisher.

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Tags:
IPL 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Rajasthan Royals Virat Kohli Phil Salt Sanju Samson Cricket
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