On April 10, 2025, the Delhi Capitals (DC) showcased their dominance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) by securing a six-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. With this win, the Capitals not only maintained their unbeaten streak but also solidified their position in the second spot of the IPL 2025 points table, trailing only behind the Gujarat Titans, who hold the top position due to a superior net run rate.
Delhi Capitals, under the leadership of Axar Patel, have now won four consecutive matches, making them one of the two teams still undefeated this season, the other being Gujarat Titans. Both teams currently sit on eight points, but the Titans lead with a net run rate of +1.413 compared to Delhi's +1.278.
The match against RCB was not without its challenges for DC. The Capitals faced a rocky start, losing their first three wickets for just 30 runs within the Power Play. Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk were dismissed early, leaving DC in a precarious position at 30 for three. However, KL Rahul's exceptional performance turned the tide for the Capitals.
Rahul, who was named player of the match, scored an unbeaten 93 runs off just 53 balls, hitting seven fours and six sixes. His innings was a masterclass in risk management, as he started slowly before accelerating the scoring rate. He formed a crucial partnership of 111 runs for the fourth wicket with Tristan Stubbs, who contributed a steady 38 not out off 23 balls.
Despite the early setbacks, Rahul's resilience and skill shone through as he expertly navigated the RCB bowlers. He was dropped on just five runs by Rajat Patidar off Yash Dayal's bowling, a mistake that proved costly for RCB. Rahul's innings included a breathtaking over against Josh Hazlewood, where he scored 22 runs, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
On the bowling front, the Capitals' spinners played a pivotal role in restricting RCB to a modest total of 163 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam were the standout bowlers for DC, each claiming two wickets. Kuldeep finished with impressive figures of 2 for 17, while Nigam took 2 for 18. Their disciplined bowling helped to stifle RCB's momentum after a strong start.
RCB began their innings explosively, with Phil Salt leading the charge, scoring 37 runs off just 17 balls. He and Virat Kohli, who added 22 runs, built an opening partnership of 61 runs in a mere 24 balls. However, the situation turned dramatically when Salt was run out in a mix-up with Kohli, which marked the beginning of RCB's decline.
After Salt's dismissal, the Capitals' bowlers tightened the screws. Kohli fell shortly after, caught by Axar Patel off Nigam's bowling, and the wickets continued to tumble as RCB struggled to maintain their early momentum. They ended their innings at 163 for 7, with Tim David's late fireworks (37 not out off 20 balls) providing some respectability to the score.
The match highlighted the ongoing battle for playoff positions as the IPL 2025 season progresses. With the current standings, the top five teams—Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants—are beginning to create a gap from the rest of the competition.
The Capitals' victory not only boosts their confidence but also sends a strong message to their rivals as they continue to chase the coveted IPL title. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Delhi Capitals as they aim to build on this success and challenge for the top spot.
Looking ahead, DC will be eager to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches, while RCB will need to reassess their strategy to bounce back from this defeat. The IPL continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and fans can expect more excitement as the teams vie for supremacy in this fiercely competitive league.
