IPL 2025: RCB’s defeat to SRH forward of playoffs a wake-up name, says Jitesh Sharma-OxBig News Network

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s hopes of ending within the high two of the IPL 2025 factors desk suffered a serious setback after they had been defeated by SunRisers Hyderabad by 42 runs in Lucknow on Friday, 23 May. RCB had been comfortably outplayed with each bat and ball, falling properly in need of a 232-run goal on the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium of their penultimate league match of the season.

IPL 2025, RCB vs SRH highlights

RCB slipped from second to 3rd place, with their Net Run Rate taking a major hit following the heavy defeat. The former finalists had been aiming to safe a top-two end on the finish of the league stage, which might have given them an additional alternative to achieve the ultimate. However, a 20-day break between fixtures appeared to work in opposition to them. RCB seemed rusty on the sector and lacked rhythm with the bat in what was a disappointing efficiency in Lucknow.

Ishan Kishan spearheaded the SunRisers’ batting onslaught, smashing 94 off simply 48 balls-his first half-century since scoring a century within the season opener. Captain Pat Cummins picked up three wickets, whereas Eshan Malinga continued his spectacular run by claiming two extra because the SunRisers defended their imposing whole with authority. RCB’s batting collapsed within the latter levels, shedding their remaining six wickets for simply 16 runs, as they crumbled underneath stress.

“Sometimes shedding a sport is an excellent signal as a result of you’ll be able to verify and analyse. The constructive factor is that everybody is chipping in. After this loss, we have a setback to replicate once more. We’ll transfer ahead,” mentioned stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma.

Despite conceding 231 runs, RCB had been hopeful of chasing down the goal on what was a superb batting floor. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt gave them a powerful begin, including 80 runs in simply 42 balls. Salt struck 62 off 32 deliveries, whereas Kohli, driving his luck, managed 43 from 25 balls.

During the powerplay, it appeared RCB may inch nearer to the goal and stage a aggressive chase.

WE WERE RUSTY: JITESH

However, the remainder of the batting line-up did not contribute meaningfully. Mayank Agarwal, who got here in for Devdutt Padikkal, was dismissed for 11. Captain Rajat Patidar, enjoying as an Impact Substitute, struggled for momentum and scored simply 18 from 16 balls.

Jitesh Sharma offered a quick glimmer of hope with a brisk 24 off 15 balls, however RCB’s aspirations evaporated when he was dismissed within the seventeenth over.

To make issues worse, dependable finisher Romario Shepherd fell for a duck. Tim David, who appeared to endure a hamstring scare, managed only one run from 5 balls and seemed uncomfortable operating between the wickets.

“We had been rusty. The depth wasn’t there at the beginning. Towards the dying overs, we bowled extra precisely. As for Tim, I have not met him but as a result of I used to be upset after getting out,” Jitesh admitted, reflecting on the crew’s lacklustre outing.

RCB should now win their remaining league sport in opposition to Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday and hope that different results-including these involving Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings-go their solution to stand an opportunity of ending within the high two.

RCB have certified for the playoffs in 5 of the final six seasons however have failed to achieve the ultimate in every occasion, primarily resulting from not securing a top-two end.