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RR Mysteriously ‘Butcher’ Chase Against RCB: Former Cricketers Shocked by Repeated Script
Rajasthan Royals (RR) once again failed to chase down a target, this time against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. Needing 18 runs from the final 12 balls, RR’s batting crumbled under pressure, losing two wickets in two balls, as RCB clinched an 11-run victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This marked RR’s third consecutive failed chase, following similar collapses against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.
Coming to bowl with RR needing 18 runs from 12 deliveries, RCB’s Josh Hazlewood delivered a sensational over, picking up two wickets for just one run, sealing the game for his team. Hazlewood’s (4/33) performance was instrumental in stopping RR at 194/9 in their chase of 206.
Former Cricketers React to RR’s Repeated Failures
Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich was left stunned by RR’s batting collapse, calling it a “butchering” of the chase. “RR is butchering the chase,” Katich said on commentary, emphasizing how RR had found themselves in a good position but then squandered the opportunity in dramatic fashion.
Former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “Lightning strikes thrice. They were on their way to victory but somehow ended up losing. They can only explain it to themselves.”
RR’s Batting Collapse: A Season-Long Trend
This isn’t the first time RR have failed to capitalize on a good position in the chase. With five wickets in hand, RR needed just 18 runs from the final two overs but collapsed under pressure, resulting in their fifth straight loss in IPL 2025. This continues their trend of self-destruction in crucial moments, a flaw that has marred their season.
Hazlewood’s heroics overshadowed strong performances from RR’s top-order, including Yashasvi Jaiswal (49 off 19 balls) and Dhruv Jurel (47 off 34 balls). Despite their efforts, RR were unable to finish the chase, mirroring their earlier failures against Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals.
How RR’s Batting Disintegrated
RCB’s 206-run total was set up by Virat Kohli (70 off 42 balls) and Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 27 balls). Their partnership of 95 runs for the second wicket guided RCB’s recovery after an early setback.
In response, RR got off to a strong start with Jaiswal and the debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi (16 off 6 balls) putting up 52 runs in just 27 balls. However, after Suryavanshi’s dismissal, Jaiswal continued his aggressive approach until Hazlewood struck back, sending him packing for 49.
Despite wickets falling, RR remained in the hunt thanks to cameos from captain Riyan Parag (22 off 10) and Jurel, who top-scored with 47 runs. However, as the pressure mounted, RR faltered once again, unable to finish the chase.
What’s Next for RR?
With this loss, Rajasthan Royals are now all but out of the playoff race, having won just two out of their nine matches. With limited games left, RR need a drastic turnaround to have any chance of making the playoffs.
IPL 2025 Stats and Points Table
- RCB currently sits third in the points table with six wins.
- Hazlewood is second in the Purple Cap race with 16 wickets.
- Kohli is second in the Orange Cap race with 392 runs.
For the latest IPL 2025 updates, check the IPL official website.
Conclusion: RCB’s Impressive Win, RR’s Crushing Defeat
RCB’s victory over RR was a crucial one as they continue their march toward the playoffs. Their bowlers, particularly Hazlewood, showed remarkable composure under pressure. On the other hand, RR’s inability to finish run chases remains a persistent issue, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
