Rajasthan Royals (RR) have found themselves at the center of a match-fixing controversy following their narrow two-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 19, 2025. The loss, which occurred at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, has sparked accusations from Jaideep Bihani, the convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee. Bihani has questioned the integrity of RR’s performance, particularly in the final over of the match, and has called for an investigation into the matter.
The Controversial Loss
RR’s defeat was particularly striking as they required just nine runs in the final over to secure a victory. With Dhruv Jurel on strike and Shimron Hetmyer at the non-striker’s end, RR seemed to be in a strong position to win. However, pressure mounted on the duo, and LSG’s bowler Avesh Khan managed to remove Hetmyer on the third ball of the over. Despite needing only six runs from the remaining three balls, Avesh bowled with precision, conceding just three runs and leaving RR at 178/5 in their 20 overs.
Accusations and Reactions
Jaideep Bihani, the convenor of the RCA ad hoc committee, has raised serious concerns about RR’s performance in the match, particularly their inability to chase such a low total in the final over. Bihani questioned how RR, playing on their home ground, could lose with such a small target in sight. He hinted that there could be something suspicious about the match, urging an investigation into the matter.
“The way RR lost the match after needing so few runs in the final over raises questions,” said Bihani in a statement to News18 Rajasthan. “The BCCI must investigate this loss, as it doesn’t sit well with cricketing logic.”
RR’s Struggles and Samson’s Absence
The defeat further added to RR’s struggles in IPL 2025, as they are currently languishing in eighth position on the points table with only four points from eight matches. Their captain, Sanju Samson, has been absent from the playing XI due to an injury and is not expected to return for their upcoming match in Bengaluru. This has further compounded RR’s woes, with the team failing to find form without their regular leader on the field.
Calls for Action
Bihani’s accusations have added fuel to the fire, with many questioning the fairness of the match and calling for accountability from the BCCI. The RCA ad hoc committee has also been vocal about addressing issues of match integrity, especially in the wake of such controversial defeats.
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