Delhi Capitals (DC) handed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) another heartbreaking loss at their home ground, with KL Rahul turning up the heat in front of his home crowd, smashing an unbeaten 93* off 53 balls in a sensational chase at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Match Summary
DC: 169/4 (Rahul 93*, Stubbs 38*)
RCB: 163/7 (Salt 37, David 37*, Kuldeep 2-17, Nigam 2-18)
Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Rahul’s Homecoming Knock
After struggling early at 29 off 29 balls, Rahul turned the game on its head with a brutal assault. He accelerated rapidly, smashing 64 runs in his next 24 balls at a strike rate of over 266. Rahul’s special takedown came against Josh Hazlewood, where he hit 22 runs in an over to shift the momentum decisively in DC’s favor.
At one point, Delhi’s win probability had dropped to 14.31%. But Rahul, alongside Tristan Stubbs, stitched a 111-run partnership and finished the match with a six and a roar that silenced a packed Bengaluru crowd.
RCB’s Collapse: From 53/0 to 163/7
RCB had a dream start, smashing 53 runs in the first 3 overs, including a 30-run over off Mitchell Starc, thanks to Phil Salt’s early fireworks.
But things went downhill as the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam brought the innings to a screeching halt. Kuldeep’s clever variations and Nigam’s composure under pressure earned them combined figures of 8-0-35-4, with 23 dot balls.
Kuldeep removed Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar, while Nigam dismissed Kohli and Krunal Pandya, applying the brakes in the middle overs.
RCB’s Bright Start Dimmed by Spin
RCB’s powerplay split tells the story:
- First 3 overs: 53/0 (Salt’s blitz)
- Next 3 overs: 11/2 (collapse begins)
Despite a fiery finish by Tim David (37* off 20), the total of 163 looked light against a side with form and depth.
DC – A Balanced Title Contender?
With four straight wins in IPL 2025, DC look like one of the most balanced sides this season. Axar Patel’s tactical use of spinners, Rahul’s flexibility, and Stubbs’ support are creating a winning formula. Are they the team to beat this year?
Also Read : Jitesh Sharma Trains Under Dinesh Karthik to Refine T20 Game for RCB
