MUMBAI: KL Rahul delivered a stunning performance to guide Delhi Capitals to another impressive win in IPL 2025, as they chased down Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s target of 164 with ease, winning by six wickets and 13 balls to spare. Playing against his former team, Rahul once again proved to be a thorn in RCB’s side, smashing a brilliant 93 off 53 balls to continue his red-hot form.
After winning the toss, Delhi chose to field first – a decision that appeared questionable early on as Phil Salt came out all guns blazing. The England opener tore into Axar Patel and Mitchell Starc, hitting 37 off just 17 balls. A 30-run over off Starc sent the home crowd into a frenzy. However, his innings was cut short by a run-out following a mix-up, giving Delhi an opening.
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RCB, having reached 62 inside the first four overs, lost momentum after Salt’s departure. Disciplined bowling from Vipraj Nigam and Mukesh Kumar pegged them back, removing key batters including Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli. Kuldeep Yadav and Nigam tightened the screws further in the middle overs, while Mohit Sharma struck crucial blows. Only a late blitz from Tim David (36 runs in the final two overs) lifted RCB to a modest 163 for 7.
Delhi’s reply got off to a rocky start, with Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Abishek Porel all falling cheaply. At 60 for 4 after nine overs, the match was delicately poised. Rahul, however, steadied the innings before launching a counterattack. A couple of reprieves and clever shot selection saw him build momentum.
Partnering with Tristan Stubbs, Rahul took charge in the latter half of the innings. A 22-run over from Josh Hazlewood turned the tide, followed by more boundaries off Livingstone and Suyash Sharma. Rahul reached his half-century off 37 balls and kept accelerating with rain threatening to interrupt play.
Stubbs supported well with aggressive stroke play, and the duo put together a rapid 100-run stand from just 54 deliveries. Rahul fittingly finished the match with a six, ensuring Delhi maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
For RCB, it was another case of failing to capitalise at home. Their away form has been excellent, with wins at Eden Gardens, Chepauk, and Wankhede, but inconsistency in Bengaluru continues to plague their campaign. Captain Rajat Patidar admitted after the match that the team still needs to better read match conditions, especially at home.
While Delhi seem nearly unstoppable at the moment, one area of concern remains: the form of opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has managed just 46 runs in four matches. Thankfully for DC, KL Rahul has been versatile and dependable, adjusting to different roles in the lineup and thriving regardless. Ian Bishop aptly dubbed him the “shapeshifter” of Delhi’s season — a title Rahul seems to be living up to with flair.
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Credit - India Today
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