IPL 2025: Toss for RCB vs PBKS Match Postponed Due to Rain in Bengaluru
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Synopsis
The IPL 2025 match between RCB and PBKS faced a toss delay due to rain in Bengaluru. RCB has performed well away but struggles at home. Tonight, they aim to rectify their home defeats at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- RCB's toss was delayed by rain.
- RCB remains unbeaten in away matches.
- Chinnaswamy pitch has become challenging this season.
- Both teams have a 4/2 win/loss record.
- Dinesh Karthik highlighted issues with the pitch.
Bengaluru, April 18 (NationPress) The toss for the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was postponed due to rain at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are experiencing an unusual IPL 2025 season — perfect away with four victories in as many matches, yet struggling at home with two straight losses. They return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium tonight, eager to end their home losing streak.
Contrary to its past image as a batting paradise, the Bengaluru pitch has become challenging this season, particularly for teams batting first. RCB's batting coach Dinesh Karthik noted that scoring runs has been tough, especially at the start of innings. In both home games, RCB lost the toss and had to bat first, scoring only 169 and 163 respectively.
Against the Gujarat Titans, they faced difficulties with swing and seam, while the spinners from Delhi took full advantage of the uneven surface.
Conditions on Friday night may present similar hurdles. Continuous rain over the last week, including some earlier showers, has introduced additional unpredictability.
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) feature a squad filled with energy and confidence, showcasing explosive hitters — a trait they share with their next opponents, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Both teams reach the midway point of the season with matching 4/2 win/loss records, paving the way for a potentially high-scoring showdown in Bengaluru. This also marks the first of two encounters between the teams within a mere three days.
Nevertheless, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has not exactly maintained its reputation as a batting-friendly venue this year. The pitches have posed greater challenges than anticipated, contributing to RCB's ongoing struggles at home. In both home matches to date, RCB batted first but failed to exceed 170 runs.
RCB has made a strong start to their campaign with four wins in six matches. However, both losses — against the Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals — occurred at home, where they couldn't defend below-par totals. In both instances, first innings totals remained under 170, and bowlers from visiting teams exploited the pitch better than RCB's attack, which was surprisingly ineffective in those matches.
This isn't the first time issues regarding the Chinnaswamy pitch have been highlighted this season. RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik had previously mentioned that the slow, sticky nature of the surface was adversely affecting their powerful batting lineup.
