IPL 2025: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt guide RCB to 9-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals

Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue to build their reputation as "away heroes" after cruising to a 9-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on April 13. The brilliance of openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt powered RCB to their fourth consecutive away win, even as their home form remains a riddle yet to be solved.

Batting first, RR skipper Sanju Samson once again failed to provide the impactful start his team desperately needed. It was Yashasvi Jaiswal who rose to the occasion with a composed 75 off 47 balls, anchoring RR to a modest 173. But the lack of support from the rest of the batting line-up meant Jaiswal was forced to restrain himself, unable to fully unleash his muscles.

On a two-paced pitch that had troubled the Royals’ batters, RCB’s opening stand made it look like a different surface



altogether. Salt and Kohli stitched a 92-run partnership, effortlessly countering RR’s bowling attack. Until Salt’s dismissal in the ninth over, the England wicketkeeper carried the burden of acceleration, scoring a brisk 65 off 33. Kohli, initially playing the support role, shifted gears post Salt’s departure and brought up his 100th T20 fifty with trademark poise—once again proving why he remains the master of a chase.

While both sides had forgettable days on the field, with five dropped catches between them, RR paid the bigger price. Riyan Parag dropped Kohli on 7, and Shimron Hetmyer missed a chance to remove Salt on 40—two moments that proved costly for the Samson-led side.

RCB now jump to third on the points table, while RR continue to scramble for consistency, sitting at seventh.