KL Rahul's Heroics Hand RCB Another Heartbreak at Home

In a thrilling encounter filled with momentum swings, local hero KL Rahul played a masterclass innings to guide Delhi Capitals (DC) to a commanding six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Rahul's unbeaten 93 off 53 balls crushed RCB’s hopes of a home win, handing them their second defeat in Bengaluru this IPL season.

After being restricted to 163 for 7, RCB’s bowlers clawed their way back into the contest, reducing Delhi to 67 for 4 by the 11th over. But what followed was a stunning counter-attack as Rahul, alongside Tristan Stubbs (38*), stitched a match-winning 111-run partnership off just 41 deliveries. The Capitals romped home with 13 balls to spare, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the 2025 season.

RCB's Rollercoaster Innings

Opting to bat first, RCB came out blazing, racing to 53 for 0 in just three overs — their second-fastest team fifty in IPL history. Phil Salt was the chief destructor, smashing Mitchell Starc for 30 runs in a single over. However, the momentum nosedived after a run-out ended Salt's explosive cameo of 37. The next three overs yielded only 11 runs and cost RCB two wickets, turning the game on its head.

The middle phase was a nightmare for the home side as Delhi’s spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and young Vipraj Nigam (2/18), applied the brakes. Kuldeep’s wrong'uns and Nigam’s control strangled the innings, accounting for key wickets including Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma.

RCB were staring at a subpar total at 125 for 7 in the 18th over, but Tim David (37* off 20) launched a late blitz, clubbing four sixes and two fours to help them reach a competitive total of 163.

Capitals Collapse and Rahul’s Redemption

Delhi’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal struck early blows, reducing DC to 39 for 3 inside the powerplay. When Porel fell in the ninth over, the Capitals were tottering at 58 for 4, with RCB firmly in control. The win probability for DC had plummeted to just 14.31%.

But Rahul, then on a run-a-ball 29, flipped the script in dramatic fashion. Initially looking scratchy and uncertain, he burst to life in the final nine overs. He took down Livingstone and then launched into Hazlewood with a flurry of boundaries, including a 22-run over that reignited the chase. Stubbs complemented him with fearless stroke play, including a reverse sweep and lofted six off Krunal Pandya.

With 65 needed off the last 36 balls, the pair accelerated effortlessly. Rahul brought the target within reach before sealing the match in the 18th over with two sixes and a four off Dayal — celebrating with an emphatic bat slam, staking his claim on his home turf.

Spin the Key on a Pacy Pitch

On a surface usually deemed unfriendly for spinners, Kuldeep and Nigam’s combined figures of 4 for 35 in eight overs stood out. Their spell included 23 dot balls, effectively choking RCB’s middle order. Nigam’s powerplay over and Kuldeep’s dismissal of Kohli were pivotal moments.

Looking Ahead

While Delhi Capitals continue their dominant run in IPL 2025 with four wins in four games, RCB are left searching for answers, particularly at home where they are yet to register a victory this season.

As the tournament progresses, KL Rahul’s scintillating knock — 64 runs off his last 24 balls at a strike rate of 266.67 — might just be remembered as one of the season’s standout performances, especially for fans at his home ground in Bengaluru.

Match Summary:
RCB 163/7 (Salt 37, David 37, Kuldeep 2-17, Nigam 2-18)*
DC 169/4 in 17.5 overs (Rahul 93, Stubbs 38, Bhuvneshwar 2-26)**
Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets