"DC vs RCB IPL 2025 match preview"
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🔥 Battle for Survival in Delhi’s Heat

The battle intensifies in Delhi as Delhi Capitals (DC) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. Both teams are locked at 12 points; meanwhile, the temperature soars beyond 40°C, adding an extra layer of challenge. RCB remain unbeaten away from home, whereas DC are determined to defend their fortress at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With the playoff race heating up, every single point holds massive importance.

📈 Battle of Recent Form and Momentum

Both DC and RCB come into this game with renewed confidence.
DC bounced back against LSG with a complete performance. Although LSG started strong, DC’s bowlers adjusted their lengths quickly. As a result, they restricted LSG to a below-par 159 and chased it down smoothly.

Meanwhile, RCB overcame Rajasthan Royals despite facing an early onslaught. Their spinners tightened the grip in the middle overs, and Josh Hazlewood nailed his yorkers during the death, ensuring a vital home win.

Clearly, both sides are finding form at the right time. However, consistency remains key in such a tight points table.

🏟️ Match Details

  • Match: DC vs RCB, Match 46
  • Date & Time: Sunday, April 27 | 7:30 PM IST
  • Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

The venue has already hosted thrilling encounters this season. Mumbai Indians defended 205 successfully here, while DC fought RR into a Super Over defending 188. In 2024, Delhi recorded the highest average first-innings total (235) among all IPL venues, showcasing its batting-friendly nature.

🧤 Pitch and Conditions for the Battle

Expect a batting paradise once again. Although a green tinge was spotted on the eve of the match, experts believe it won’t change much.
The pitch should still favour good strokeplay, while reverse swing might stay out of play due to grass covering and humidity.
Therefore, spinners and clever variations will likely be more important than raw pace.

Meanwhile, the oppressive heat will test player stamina. Bowlers, in particular, could struggle during longer spells under the harsh Delhi sun.

⚔️ Head-to-Head Battle: A Rivalry Renewed

TeamWins
RCB19
DC12
No Result1

RCB historically have the upper hand. However, DC will draw confidence from their last home win against RCB.
At Arun Jaitley Stadium, RCB also lead 6-4, but DC know these conditions better and will back themselves to level the record.

Since 2021, DC have won just two of the last seven battles against RCB. Therefore, revenge and redemption will be strong motivators.

🏏 Team News & Predicted XI for the Battle

Delhi Capitals (DC)

  • Faf du Plessis looks fit again and could slot in either as a starter or as an Impact sub.
  • KL Rahul will hold the key at the top, given his blistering record against RCB’s pace attack.
  • Mitchell Starc remains a worry, though, conceding heavily in powerplays.

Probable XI:
Abishek Porel, Faf du Plessis, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mukesh Kumar.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

  • No fresh injuries.
  • The Kohli-Salt duo at the top could nullify Starc early.
  • Moreover, Rajat Patidar’s captaincy growth remains a positive, with clear tactical improvements seen over recent matches.

Probable XI:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma.

📊 Key Stats in the Battle

  • DC strike at 150+ against spin but also lose wickets quickly, averaging a dismissal every 11 balls against spinners.
  • RCB’s spinners average 26 in victories but only take a single wicket across all their losses combined.
  • Mitchell Starc’s economy rate (11.37) is the highest among bowlers who bowled 10+ overs in the powerplay this season.
  • KL Rahul’s 741 runs against RCB come at an astonishing average of 74.1 and a strike rate nearing 150.
  • Virat Kohli thrives in Delhi, averaging 60.45 across T20s at this venue, with 10 fifties to his name.

🎙️ What They Said

Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC):
“It’s not great this year, but you can’t be too results-focused. Trusting the process is the only way forward.”

Malolan Rangarajan (RCB spin coach) on Devdutt Padikkal:
“Devdutt has been extremely receptive. He’s shown hunger, absorbed advice, and delivered even in tough situations.”

🔥 X-Factor Players in the Battle

  • KL Rahul (DC): His record against RCB is legendary. If he gets set, DC will dominate.
  • Virat Kohli (RCB): Back at his home ground, Kohli’s emotional energy could inspire RCB yet again.
  • Kuldeep Yadav (DC): Could be crucial if the pitch slows down under lights.
  • Josh Hazlewood (RCB): The perfect death-over specialist, especially if Delhi’s batters get a strong start.