Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey

The IPL 2025 bandwagon moves to Jaipur for the first time – the 28th match of the tournament. Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be looking to get off to a winning start at this ground this tournament, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are aiming to continue their superb away form.

After a difficult start to the season, RR won two straight games before another defeat last game against Gujarat. They were never in the game as the bowlers – except Jofra Archer – struggled for control, before they lost far too many wickets regularly with the bat.

RR need Yashasvi Jaiswal to fire, while more will be expected of Nitish Rana and Dhruv Jurel. Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer all showed promising signs in Ahmedabad that they will be seeking to build on.

RCB also need to pick themselves up after a last-start defeat. They were beaten easily at the hands of Delhi Capitals, with their batsmen kept in check after a rapid start by Phil Salt. On what is expected to be a good batting pitch, keeping the momentum going will be key, plus making inroads into the RR top order.

In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Jaipur pitch report, fantasy cricket tips, and Dream11 prediction for the 28th match of IPL 2025.

IPL 2025 28th Match: RR vs RCB Possible Playing XIIs

Wanindu Hasaranga could return for this clash.

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Sanju Samson (c & wk), 3. Nitish Rana, 4. Riyan Parag, 5. Dhruv Jurel, 6. Shimron Hetmyer (OS), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga (OS), 8. Jofra Archer (OS), 9. Maheesh Theekshana (OS), 10. Tushar Deshpande, 11. Sandeep Sharma, 12. Fazalhaq Farooqi

RCB could stick with the same combination, but Devdutt Padikkal and Liam Livingstone are under pressure to perform.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1. Phil Salt (OS), 2. Virat Kohli, 3. Devdutt Padikkal, 4. Rajat Patidar (c), 5. Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6. Liam Livingstone (OS), 7. Tim David (OS), 8. Krunal Pandya, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Josh Hazlewood (OS), 11. Yash Dayal, 12. Suyash Sharma

Sawai Mansingh Stadium Jairpur Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score in five matches in IPL 2025 was 187.2. Teams batting second won three of the five games.

With hot and clear conditions forecast, the team who wins the toss is likely to bowl given there is a chance of dew. Expect a true batting pitch with some movement for the seamers in the first over or two.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for RR vs RCB: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Phil Salt was looking in outstanding form in the last game (37 off 17 balls) before he was run out. He has scored 51 runs off 32 balls against Maheesh Theekshana in T20s (one wicket).
• Sanju Samson is striking at 150.84 this season. He averages just 23 in his career vs RCB, but enjoys batting at this ground: 31 inns, 921 runs, avg. 38.38, SR 136.85.

Key batter picks:

• Virat Kohli is RCB’s top-scorer this season (186) with two fifties in five games. He has never been dismissed by Jofra Archer in T20s (66 balls, 86 runs).
• Yashasvi Jaiswal has not got going consistently this season, but he is worth a pick in Dream11. He has 448 runs on this ground (avg. 34.46, SR 149.33) and has smashed 85 runs off 45 balls without dismissal against Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
• Rajat Patidar is striking at 161.73 in IPL 2025 (186 runs). He will look to take on the Royals’ spinners given how good he has been against spin in the IPL since the start of 2024: 16 inns, 285 runs, avg. 95.00, SR 186.3.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Riyan Parag is the most reliable all-rounder pick for Dream11. He has made scores of 23, 37, 43* and 26 in his past four matches. He will be looking to go on here.

Key bowler picks:

• Josh Hazlewood is RCB’s leading wicket-taker this season (8). The relentless pace bowler will be key against an RR top order that has been inconsistent in IPL 2025.
• Jofra Archer has found his rhythm. The pace bowler has taken five wickets in his past three games.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be key upfront. He has dismissed Sanju Samson four times for 118 runs in 92 balls in the IPL.
• Sandeep Sharma can be a great differential pick. He has wonderful numbers against Virat Kohli (see more below).
• Liam Livingstone can be frustrating but has the potential to deliver fantasy points. RR have left-handers in their lineup, and RCB could look to use Livingstone’s offspin.
• Yash Dayal has taken at least one wicket in four of the five matches so far.
• Jitesh Sharma is another strong differential option given his ability to play impactful knocks. He is striking at 150+ this season.
• Wanindu Hasaranga has taken six wickets in his past three matches. He could also get an opportunity with the bat, especially if RR bats first.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 32, RR 14, RCB 15, N/R 3.
• RR (189/4) beat RCB (183/3) by six wickets with five balls to spare in IPL 2024. Virat Kohli (113 off 72 balls) and Sanju Samson (69 off 42 balls) hit runs.
• Sandeep Sharma vs Virat Kohli in the IPL: 74 balls, 104 runs, seven wickets.
• Krunal Pandya has taken just four wickets in 12 matches against RR, but he is in wicket-taking form this season.

IPL 2025 28th Match: RR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

IPL 2025 28th Match: RR vs RCB Match Prediction – Who will win?

Super over, anyone? Both teams are capable of winning, but RCB, given their balance and form, are my tip to win this game.