IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals set unwanted record

Rajasthan Royals (RR) are now on the verge of elimination from the playoff race in IPL 2025 following their latest loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Chasing a target of 206, RR were on track for victory, needing only 18 runs from the final two overs. However, the loss of key wickets in the dying moments of the game saw them fall short by 11 runs, marking their fifth consecutive defeat. 

This defeat also marked the third consecutive game where RR were in a seemingly winnable position but failed to finish the chase. The team has now equaled an unwanted record in IPL history, as this is only the second time in their history that Rajasthan Royals have lost five matches in a row. The only other instance occurred in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, when they lost the last two matches of 2009 and the first three games of 2010.

This is also the first time RR have lost five straight matches in a single IPL season. Despite finishing rock bottom in 2020 and near the bottom in 2010, 2019, and 2021, the franchise has never suffered such a losing streak in one season until now.

RR's recent losses have been particularly frustrating as they looked set for victory in their last three matches. Against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they were unable to chase down 9 runs in the final over. In their most recent match against RCB, they needed just 18 runs from the final 12 balls but ended up squandering the chase, further adding to their misery.

Middle-order stars Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer have come under scrutiny for their inability to finish the game in these close-run chases. Both players were retained by the franchise for a combined cost of Rs 25 crore, but have failed to deliver in these crucial moments.

Currently, Rajasthan Royals are sitting in eighth place in the IPL 2025 points table, with just two wins from their nine matches. With seven losses, they are now on the brink of elimination.

RR's struggles have not been limited to on-field issues. The team has also faced several challenges off the field. The absence of regular captain Sanju Samson for five of their nine games this season has been a major blow. Additionally, RR has been embroiled in controversy following match-fixing allegations made by Jaydeep Bihani, the convener of Rajasthan Cricket Association's (RCA) ad-hoc committee. The franchise has firmly rejected the allegations, which reportedly stemmed from a drop in the number of match tickets provided to the RCA during IPL 2025.

As the season progresses, Rajasthan Royals will need to turn things around quickly if they hope to remain in contention for the playoffs and avoid further controversies both on and off the field.