On a pitch that didn’t allow for free-flowing stroke-play, the duo anchored the innings with a 95-run stand for the second wicket, setting the platform for a strong finish

Kohli, in sublime form once again, scored a fluent 70 off 42 balls, while Padikkal struck a brisk 50 off just 27 deliveries. Their partnership steered RCB through the crucial middle overs after a slightly shaky start

Adding to the late surge, Jitesh Sharma (20 not out off 10) and Tim David (23 off 15) launched into the Rajasthan attack in the death overs with some powerful hitting that propelled the team beyond the 200-run mark

The breakthrough for Rajasthan came when Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Salt, who miscued a lofted attempt and was caught at deep mid-wicket. Kohli, however, continued to dictate terms, reaching his fifth fifty of the season, his first at the Chinnaswamy this year, in just 32 balls

RCB, after losing their fourth consecutive toss at home, were asked to bat first. The innings began with fireworks as Jofra Archer’s opening over went for 11 runs, including a wild bouncer at nearly 150 km/h that sailed over the keeper for four. The second over brought more drama when stand-in RR captain Riyan Parag dropped a crucial catch of Phil Salt (26 off 23) at mid-off off Fazalhaq Farooqi, allowing RCB to maintain momentum