IPL 2025: Virat Kohli and Phil Salt Power RCB to Crushing Victory Over RR in Jaipur

In a breathtaking display of batting prowess, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 9 wickets at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday. The dynamic duo of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli orchestrated a clinical chase of 174, sealing the victory in just 17.3 overs to keep RCB’s away record spotless this IPL 2025 season.

Phil Salt, named Player of the Match, set the tone with a blistering 65 off 33 balls, smashing 5 fours and 6 sixes. His aggressive intent was evident from the outset, forming a destructive 92-run opening stand with Kohli before being dismissed in the ninth over by RR’s impact substitute Kumar Kartikeya. Salt’s second half-century of the tournament came in just 28 balls, tearing apart RR’s bowling lineup and leaving the home crowd stunned.

Following Salt’s departure, Virat Kohli took charge with a masterclass unbeaten knock of 62 off 45 balls, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes. This innings marked his 100th T20 half-century, making him the only Asian batter to achieve this incredible milestone. Alongside Devdutt Padikkal, who remained not out on 40 off 28, Kohli forged an unbreakable 83-run partnership to steer RCB home with ease.

This emphatic victory propels RCB to No. 3 on the points table with 8 points from four wins, while RR languishes at seventh with just 4 points from six matches. RCB’s decision to bowl first paid dividends on a tricky pitch with inconsistent bounce, despite a valiant effort from RR’s young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a stylish 75 off 47 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes.

Jaiswal’s knock, which included his second fifty of the season in 35 balls, anchored RR to a competitive 173/4. A brisk 56-run stand with Riyan Parag (30 off 18) kept the scoreboard ticking, but RCB’s disciplined bowling, coupled with key fielding moments, restricted RR from posting a more daunting total. Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 35 off 23 provided a late surge, but it wasn’t enough against RCB’s firepower.

Salt’s onslaught began with a top-edged six off Jofra Archer in the very first over, surviving a close LBW call. His clever movement across the stumps to target the leg side dismantled RR’s plans, while Kohli played a measured supporting role initially, scoring just 7 off his first 6 balls. Both batters had their share of luck—Salt was dropped by Yashasvi Jaiswal at cover on 40, and Kohli escaped a simple catch by Riyan Parag at mid-off early in his innings.

Together, they amassed 65 runs in the powerplay, setting a solid foundation. Post Salt’s exit, Kohli shifted gears, blending caution with aggression. His milestone fifty was celebrated in style with a monstrous six off Wanindu Hasaranga in the 15th over, which yielded 14 runs and slashed the target to a mere 28 off 30 balls, effectively sealing RR’s fate.

For RR, the loss exposed vulnerabilities in their bowling attack on a sluggish surface. Sanju Samson struggled with a labored 13 off 16, while missed chances in the field compounded their woes. As RCB continues their dominant run in away games, Kohli and Salt’s fiery partnership will linger as a highlight of IPL 2025, reaffirming their status as title contenders.