IPL 2025: KL Rahul guides Delhi to easy win over RCB

Skipper KL Rahul led from the front with a sparkling 93 not out off 53 balls as the Delhi Capitals beat the Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets in the IPL on Thursday.

After being asked to bat first, RCB made a modest 163 for seven. If not for Tim David’s 20-ball 37, their total would have been much lower as Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and Vipraj Nigam (1/18) delivered brilliant spells for Delhi.

In reply, Delhi were struggling at 58 for four at one stage. But a brilliant 111-run unbeaten partnership between Rahul and Tristan Stubbs (38 not out off 23 balls) earned a well-deserved win for the team which reached home in 17.5 overs.

“It was a slightly tricky wicket but what helped me was being behind the stumps for 20 overs, watching how the wicket played,” Rahul, who is also the wicketkeeper for the team, said.

“The ball sat in the wicket but it was consistent throughout, it was one-paced. I knew what my shots are, wanted to get off to a good start, and then assess it accordingly.”

Meanwhile, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar lamented the team’s batting collapse.

After getting off to a great start with openers Phil Salt (37) and Virat Kohli (22) putting on 61 runs in just 3.5 overs, RCB slumped to 117 for six before David rescued them with a magnificent cameo.

“We have not batted well. Batters are in a good frame of mind, they have shown nice intent, but 80 for one, and then 90 for four, that is not acceptable (on this track),” said Patidar who was dismissed for 25.

“We were lacking in assessing the conditions and the situation. The simple thing is that we have to play good cricket.”