RCB vs DC IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Outshine Royal Challengers Bengaluru with KL Rahul's Masterclass
RCB vs DC IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Outshine Royal Challengers Bengaluru with KL Rahul's Masterclass
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RCB vs DC IPL 2025
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 delivered another blockbuster on April 10, 2025, as Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets in Match 24 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. For cricket fans tracking every moment of this thrilling encounter, platforms like Kheloexch provided a seamless way to stay updated with live scores and highlights. Powered by an unbeaten 93 from KL Rahul, DC chased down RCB’s 163 for 7 with 13 balls to spare, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament. Despite a fiery start from RCB’s Phil Salt and a late flourish by Tim David, the home side couldn’t capitalize, succumbing to DC’s disciplined bowling and Rahul’s composed batting. This high-stakes clash showcased T20 cricket at its finest, blending explosive starts, tactical battles, and a hometown hero’s redemption arc.
With DC climbing to second in the IPL 2025 points table and RCB slipping to third, this match had ripple effects on the tournament standings. Let’s dive into the key moments, standout performances, and strategic nuances that defined this captivating RCB vs DC showdown, crafted to engage cricket enthusiasts searching for detailed insights into yesterday’s IPL 2025 action.
Toss and RCB’s Batting Gambit
The match kicked off with DC captain Axar Patel winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision that aligned with the trend of chasing at the Chinnaswamy, known for its batting-friendly conditions. Patel cited the pitch’s potential to assist spinners and his team’s confidence in their bowling attack. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, were tasked with setting a competitive total on a surface that promised runs but also offered some grip for bowlers as the game progressed.
The Chinnaswamy pitch, typically a paradise for batters with its short boundaries and high altitude, showed a slightly stickier side, hinting at challenges for aggressive strokeplay. With a threat of rain looming, RCB aimed to post a total that could withstand both DC’s batting depth and potential weather interruptions.
RCB’s Rollercoaster Innings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru got off to a blazing start, thanks to Phil Salt’s explosive 37 off 17 balls. The Englishman tore into DC’s bowlers, smashing three fours and two sixes in the third over alone, propelling RCB to 53 for no loss in just three overs—their second-fastest team fifty in IPL history. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth over when a mix-up between Salt and Virat Kohli led to Salt’s run-out, a turning point that halted RCB’s early charge.
Kohli, anchoring the innings, struggled to find fluency, scoring 22 off 18 before falling to Vipraj Nigam’s googly in the seventh over. Devdutt Padikkal’s labored 1 off 8 balls ended with a wicket-maiden from Mukesh Kumar, leaving RCB at 64 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. The middle overs saw DC’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam, tighten the screws. Kuldeep’s 2 for 17, including the wickets of Patidar (25 off 23) and Jitesh Sharma (3 off 11), exposed RCB’s vulnerability against spin.
At 102 for 5 after 13 overs, RCB were in danger of collapsing, but Tim David’s late heroics provided a lifeline. The Australian hammered an unbeaten 37 off 20 balls, including four sixes and two fours, with 36 runs coming in the final two overs. His assault on Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar lifted RCB to 163 for 7, a total that seemed slightly below par for Chinnaswamy’s standards but gave their bowlers something to defend.
DC’s Bowling Dominance
Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit executed their plans with precision, recovering from Salt’s early onslaught. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout, weaving a web around RCB’s middle order with his variations. Vipraj Nigam complemented him brilliantly, finishing with 2 for 18, including the prized scalp of Kohli. Mukesh Kumar’s wicket-maiden in the sixth over set the tone for DC’s fightback, while Mitchell Starc’s disciplined lines ensured RCB couldn’t break free.
Axar Patel’s captaincy was equally impressive, as he rotated his bowlers astutely and introduced himself at key moments to disrupt RCB’s rhythm. Reflecting on the bowling effort, Axar said, “We knew spin would play a big role, and Kuldeep and Vipraj delivered when it mattered.” DC’s fielding, highlighted by Starc’s diving catch check here to dismiss Kohli, added sharpness to their performance, ensuring RCB couldn’t capitalize on their early momentum.
DC’s Chase: Early Wobbles, Rahul’s Redemption
Chasing 164, Delhi Capitals faced immediate pressure as RCB’s bowlers struck early. Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Faf du Plessis for 6 in the second over, and Yash Dayal dismissed Jake Fraser-McGurk for 4, leaving DC at 10 for 2. Abishek Porel’s 18 off 12 provided a brief spark, but Krunal Pandya’s introduction saw him trap Porel lbw, reducing DC to 30 for 3 in the fifth over.
With the required rate climbing, KL Rahul, batting at No. 4, took charge. The Bengaluru-born batter, who once called Chinnaswamy home during his RCB stint, started cautiously, scoring 29 off 29 balls by the 11th over. A dropped catch by Rajat Patidar on 7 gave him a lifeline, and Rahul made RCB pay. Partnered by Tristan Stubbs, who contributed an unbeaten 38 off 23, Rahul forged a match-defining 111-run stand for the fifth wicket—DC’s highest for that wicket in IPL history.
Rahul shifted gears after the halfway mark, targeting Josh Hazlewood for 22 runs in the 15th over, including two fours and a six. His reverse-ramp against Yash Dayal and a towering six over fine leg in the 18th over sealed DC’s victory with 13 balls remaining. Rahul’s unbeaten 93 off 53 balls, laced with seven fours and six sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award. “It’s special playing here,” Rahul said post-match. “I knew the wicket after keeping for 20 overs, and it helped me pace the innings.”
RCB’s Bowling Fightback Falls Short
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowlers showed fight, particularly in the powerplay, where Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 2 for 26 and Yash Dayal’s early strikes had DC reeling at 67 for 4 after 11 overs. Krunal Pandya’s tight spell and Suyash Sharma’s clever leg-spin kept the pressure on, but RCB lacked the runs to back their efforts. Liam Livingstone’s solitary over proved costly, leaking 14 runs, which allowed Rahul and Stubbs to regain control.
Patidar admitted the total was insufficient, stating, “We were 20-25 runs short. The bowlers did well, but we needed more on the board.” The absence of a fifth bowling option hurt RCB, as DC capitalized on their weaker links to close out the game comfortably.
Standings and Tactical Takeaways
Delhi Capitals’ fourth consecutive win solidified their position at second in the IPL 2025 points table, with a net run rate of +0.612. Rahul’s form and Axar’s leadership have made DC a formidable unit, with their spin-heavy attack proving effective across venues. However, Axar cautioned against complacency, saying, “It’s early days, and we need to keep improving.”
RCB, now with three wins from five games, dropped to third, their home struggles a growing concern. Despite victories in away fixtures against Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai, their inability to dominate at Chinnaswamy raises questions about their bowling strategy on batting-friendly pitches. Patidar remains optimistic, noting, “We’ve shown we can win big games. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
Conclusion: Rahul’s Homecoming Steals the Show
The RCB vs DC clash on April 10, 2025, was a tale of two halves—RCB’s explosive start undone by DC’s disciplined bowling, and DC’s early batting wobbles overshadowed by KL Rahul’s masterful chase. For RCB fans, Salt’s blitz and David’s late surge offered moments of hope, but Rahul’s homecoming heroics silenced the Chinnaswamy faithful. As IPL 2025 heats up, DC’s unbeaten run positions them as title contenders, while RCB must address their home woes to stay in the race. This match, brimming with drama and skill, was a reminder of why the IPL captivates millions—a perfect blend of individual brilliance and team strategy.
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