Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been performing pretty well in the ongoing IPL 2025 and their seat in the playoffs is confirmed but their recent clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow ended in more disappointment than just a 42-run defeat.
The team has not only lost crucial points in the race for a top-two finish in the league but also faces financial penalties for failing to maintain the required over rate during the match.
Rajat Patidar, who is captaining RCB in the ongoing IPL, has been slapped with a fine of Rs 24 lakh. The penalty comes as this marks the team’s second over-rate offence of the season under the Indian Premier League’s Code of Conduct. The IPL issued a formal statement confirming this disciplinary action.
The repercussions extended beyond the captain as every member of RCB’s playing XI, including the designated impact player, has also been fined. Each player is required to pay Rs 6 lakh or 25 percent of their match fee, whichever is lower, as a consequence of the collective over-rate violation.
Rajat Patidar, who is still recovering from a hand injury, was fielded as an impact substitute in the match. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma led the side in his absence but couldn’t inspire a turnaround as RCB faltered both with the ball and the bat.
Speaking after the defeat, Jitesh Sharma acknowledged the team’s lack of sharpness, stating that they might have conceded 20 to 30 extra runs due to a sluggish start and lapses in intensity. He added that losses such as this provide an opportunity for reflection and adjustment.
RCB’s bowling struggled to contain the Sunrisers, who posted an imposing total of 232. In response, Bengaluru’s batting unit fell short, getting bowled out for 189 in 19.5 overs. Only the opening pair showed some resistance, Phil Salt played a brisk innings of 62 off 32 deliveries, while Virat Kohli chipped in with 43 from 25. Jitesh Sharma was the only other batter to cross the 20-run mark, scoring 24 off 15.
This defeat marks RCB’s fourth loss of the season and sees them slip to the third place in the standings. Their hopes of finishing in the top two now hang in the balance. The team must not only win their final league match but also rely on other results going their way.
RCB will next take on LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, in what will be a crucial fixture for their playoff ambitions.
