New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals (RR) floundered yet another run chase to achieve an abysmal feat after their 10-run defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Sunday, May 18. RR failed to chase down the target of 220 runs despite coming close as PBKS closed in on a spot in the playoffs with crucial two points.
In pursuit of the 220-run target, RR got off to a flying start as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi launched an all-out attack against the PBKS bowlers. Jaiswal smashed 22 runs off the first over from pacer Arshdeep Singh to set the tone before Suryavanshi flaunted his magnificent hitting skills.
The duo added 76 runs for the first wicket in the first five overs to give RR the perfect start. While Suryavanshi scored a quickfire 40 off just 15 balls, Jaiswal hammered a 25-ball 50. Harpreet Brar got PBKS back into the game by dismissing both RR openers. Azmatullah Omarzai got rid of RR skipper Sanju Samson cheaply on 20 before Brar cleaned up Riyan Parag on 13 off 11 deliveries.
Dhruv Jurel did wage a lone battle with a brilliant 31-ball 53, but his efforts were not enough as the middle order failed to step up once again. RR eventually fell short by 10 runs to lose their 8th match while chasing in the ongoing IPL 2025. RR equalled the unwanted record for the most defeats by a team while chasing in an IPL season.
Rajasthan Royals suffer 8th defeat while chasing
There have been several occasions this season when the Rajasthan Royals have ended up on the losing side despite being in firm control for most of the game while chasing. They have lost as many as eight matches while batting second in IPL 2025, which is the joint-most by any team in a season. They equalled the unwanted record held by the now-defunct Pune Warriors India, who lost 8 matches each while chasing in IPL 2012 and 2013.
Most defeats while chasing in an IPL season:
8 – Pune Warriors India in 2012
8 – Pune Warriors India in 2013
8* – Rajasthan Royals in 2025 (including Super Over finish)
Rajasthan Royals, who are already out of the race for the playoffs, have suffered 8 defeats in 9 matches while chasing this season. They have managed only a solitary victory while batting second. On the other hand, RR have won two out of three matches where they have batted first this season. Out of the nine games that they have chased in, RR won the toss six times.
Rajasthan Royals have endured a disastrous season overall, with their young guns failing to fire consistently and skipper Samson dealing with persistent injury issues. RR are currently in the 13th spot on the IPL 2025 points table with just six points from 13 matches.
Rajasthan Royals choked in yet another chase as they lost by 10 runs in a thriller against Punjab Kings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in IPL 2025 on Sunday. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
