In a nail-biting encounter on April 19, 2025, at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Rajasthan Royals (RR) narrowly lost to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by just two runs in the 36th match of the IPL 2025 season. This close defeat has sparked controversy, with match-fixing allegations emerging from within the Rajasthan cricket administration.
Match Summary
Chasing a target of 181 runs set by LSG, RR found themselves in a promising position, requiring only nine runs in the final over with wickets in hand. However, they fell short, finishing at 178, thus losing the match by a mere two runs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old debutant, emerged as a standout performer for RR. Entering as an impact substitute, Suryavanshi hit a six off his first ball and went on to score 34 runs off 20 balls, including three sixes. His aggressive batting style and confidence impressed both fans and cricketing experts (Source: Reuters).
Allegations of Match-Fixing
Following the unexpected loss, Jaydeep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee and a BJP MLA, publicly alleged that the match appeared to be fixed. He criticized RR’s performance, suggesting that even a child could see something was amiss. Bihani also expressed concerns over RR’s lack of transparency and their decision not to involve the RCA in IPL’s local operations.
Rajasthan Royals’ Response
RR responded strongly to these allegations, categorically denying any involvement in match-fixing. In a letter addressed to Rajasthan’s Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and Sports Secretary, the franchise stated:
“We categorically deny and strongly object to each and every statement made by the Senior Official of RCA and to the contents of the referenced media reports. These public allegations cause significant reputational damage, fuel unnecessary controversy, and attempt to mislead the public.”
The franchise emphasized their 18-year partnership with the state association and clarified that all matches in Jaipur are hosted in full compliance with BCCI guidelines. They warned of potential legal action against those making baseless allegations, asserting their commitment to fair and honest cricket.
Current Standings
As of April 21, 2025, RR stands eighth in the IPL 2025 points table, with two wins and six losses from eight matches. The team is now focusing on regaining momentum in the remaining fixtures of the season (Source: Sporting News).
Conclusion
The narrow loss to LSG has not only impacted RR’s position in the league but has also led to serious allegations that the franchise vehemently denies. As the season progresses, RR aims to move past the controversy and concentrate on their performance on the field.
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