In a thrilling encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 10, 2025, Delhi Capitals (DC) continued their unbeaten streak in the IPL 2025 season by defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets. This victory marked DC's fourth consecutive win, making them the only team yet to be defeated this season.
Winning the toss, Delhi Capitals opted to bowl first, a decision that would prove pivotal. RCB, who came into the match with three wins from four games, started strongly but faltered midway through their innings. The hosts managed to post a total of 163 runs, with a late surge from Tim David, who scored an unbeaten 37 off 20 balls, helping RCB reach a respectable score after a shaky start.
RCB's innings began with fireworks as Phil Salt smashed 37 runs off just 17 balls, propelling the team to 50 runs in just three overs. However, the momentum quickly shifted as RCB lost quick wickets, including that of captain Rajat Patidar and star batsman Virat Kohli, who contributed 22 runs off 14 balls. The early dismissals left RCB reeling at 39/3 by the end of the powerplay.
Despite the initial setbacks, Tim David's late blitz allowed RCB to finish their innings at 163/7. The Delhi bowlers, particularly Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav, were instrumental in stifling RCB's run flow, taking crucial wickets at critical junctures. Bhuvneshwar ended with figures of 2 for 14, while Kuldeep claimed two wickets, further tightening the screws on the RCB batting line-up.
Chasing a target of 164, Delhi Capitals faced an uphill battle as they lost three wickets in the powerplay, leaving them at a precarious 39/3. Faf du Plessis, returning to his former home ground, was dismissed for just two runs, while Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abhishek Porel both fell for seven, leaving the Capitals in a challenging position.
However, KL Rahul's brilliance shone through as he anchored the innings with a masterclass in chase management. Scoring an unbeaten 93 runs off 53 balls, Rahul played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings after the early wickets. He reached his fifty in just 37 balls and accelerated the scoring when needed, hitting Josh Hazlewood for 22 runs in one over, which included three boundaries and a six.
Rahul's partnership with Tristan Stubbs was key to DC's success. The duo added an unbroken 111 runs for the fifth wicket, with Stubbs contributing a solid 38 runs off 23 balls. Their risk-free yet aggressive approach saw them dismantle the RCB bowling attack, ensuring that Delhi Capitals remained in control of the chase.
As the innings progressed, a slight drizzle threatened to disrupt play, but Rahul's composure kept the chase on track. He showcased his ability to accelerate when necessary, hitting crucial boundaries that kept the required run rate in check. With 30 runs needed off the last 24 balls, the Capitals were in a commanding position.
In the end, Delhi Capitals reached their target with 13 balls to spare, finishing at 169/4 in just 17.6 overs. Yash Dayal's full toss, which Rahul dispatched for a six, sealed the victory for DC, further solidifying their status as title contenders this season. With this win, DC not only extended their winning streak but also marked the first time in IPL history that they have won their first four matches.
Following the match, KL Rahul expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "It was a tough chase, but the way we stuck together and executed our plans was commendable. Tristan played a crucial role, and I’m glad we could pull through for the team."
Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match. Despite the loss, they still sit third in the league standings and will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Delhi Capitals as they aim to maintain their unbeaten run and challenge for the championship title. With players like KL Rahul in form and a solid team structure, the Capitals look poised to make a significant impact this season.
