RCB vs RR Match 42 Preview, Prediction & Dream11 Fantasy Tips- IPL 2025

 RCB vs RR – Match 42, IPL 2025 – Preview, Prediction & Dream11 Fantasy Tips

The Indian Premier League 2025 is heating up as we head into the crucial second half of the tournament. Match 42 will witness Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on the struggling Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 24, 2025. With both teams at critical junctures of their campaign, this game could very well shape their journey toward the playoffs.

Match Details:

Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 42

Date & Time: April 24, 2025, 7:30 PM IST

Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Live Streaming: Official broadcasters and online platforms

Current Form & Team Analysis:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB have found a new rhythm this season, especially on the road, where they have won five straight matches. Although their home form has been inconsistent, the team looks balanced, determined, and confident.

Key Strengths:

Strong Batting Core: With Virat Kohli anchoring the innings and explosive players like Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Tim David around him, RCB can post and chase big totals.

All-Round Options: Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya provide depth in both departments.

Pace Attack: With the experience of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, RCB can exploit early movement and death overs effectively.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

On the other hand, RR are struggling with four consecutive losses. Their captain Sanju Samson remains sidelined due to injury, leaving a gap in leadership and middle-order stability.

Weaknesses:

Unstable Middle Order: Shimron Hetmyer is out of form, and the team lacks consistent finishers.

Over-Reliant on Top Order: The likes of Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have had bright moments, but the dependency is dangerous.

Bowling Inconsistency: Except for Jofra Archer, their bowling unit is leaking runs, especially in PowerPlay and death overs.

Pitch & Conditions:

The Bengaluru pitch has been unpredictable this season. It no longer guarantees flat-track batting feasts. The surface demands adaptability and application, and RCB has learned to play with patience here.

Weather: Pleasant conditions with no rain forecast. Toss Factor: Teams will prefer chasing due to dew and chasing history at this venue.

Head-to-Head Record:

Matches Played: 30

RCB Wins: 16

RR Wins: 14

RCB also won the reverse fixture in Jaipur convincingly.

Key Players to Watch:

RCB:

Virat Kohli: Playing a more mature, anchor role – expect him to hold the innings together.

Phil Salt: Aggressive opener who can take on the RR pacers early.

Josh Hazlewood: His experience could be key against a struggling RR middle-order.

RR:

Yashasvi Jaiswal: In good touch but needs to play a long innings.

Jofra Archer: Has been effective in the PowerPlay and can challenge RCB's top order.

Riyan Parag: The stand-in captain needs to lead from the front.

Match Prediction:

Given the current form, depth in both batting and bowling, and momentum, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are clear favorites to win this game. Rajasthan Royals, with their injury woes and inconsistent batting, are likely to struggle unless their top order fires big time.

Prediction: RCB to win by a comfortable margin.

Dream11 Fantasy Team:

Wicketkeeper:

Phil Salt

Jitesh Sharma

Batters:

Virat Kohli (VC)

Rajat Patidar

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Riyan Parag

All-Rounders:

Romario Shepherd

Krunal Pandya

Bowlers:

Jofra Archer

Josh Hazlewood (C)

Yash Dayal

Captain: Josh Hazlewood Vice-Captain: Virat Kohli

Final Thoughts:

RCB look like a side ready to dominate, especially against a Royals unit searching for answers. With a perfect mix of experience, form, and team balance, RCB have the edge in this crucial clash. Expect a thrilling night under the lights at Chinnaswamy – but all signs point to an RCB victory.