(Image source from: x.com/IPL)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru extended their impressive away streak in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, marking their sixth straight victory on the road. They triumphed over Delhi Capitals by six wickets, successfully pursuing 163 runs on a pitch that offered inconsistent bounce at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, April 27. With this feat, RCB became the first franchise in IPL history to achieve six consecutive wins away from home. The former league finalists surged to the top of the IPL 2025 standings with seven victories out of ten matches. Krunal Pandya shone brightly for RCB, scoring an unbeaten 73 runs off just 47 deliveries after also delivering an economical spell with his left-arm spin. This marked Krunal's initial fifty-plus score in the IPL since he debuted in 2016. Virat Kohli also maintained his excellent form in chase situations, contributing 51 runs off 47 balls—his fourth half-century in IPL 2025 during a chase.
On this occasion, RCB showcased multiple standout performers, a refreshing shift for the team this season. Bhuvneshwar Kumar spearheaded the bowling attack, taking three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and spinner Suyash Sharma played important roles in limiting Delhi Capitals to a total of 162 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. RCB again demonstrated their capability to adapt to varying conditions in IPL 2025. While targeting 163, their innings got off to a disastrous start on a sluggish pitch, as they quickly slumped to 26 for 3. Delhi's captain, Axar Patel, made an impact early, claiming two wickets in one over by dismissing debutant Jacob Bethell and in-form Devdutt Padikkal. Virat Kohli unfortunately misjudged a call that resulted in the run-out of captain Rajat Patidar for six runs in the fourth over. Karun Nair, who earlier made a spectacular catch to dismiss Bethell, executed a direct hit from mid-off to catch Patidar short of his ground.
With the pressure mounting on RCB and the pitch proving unfriendly to batters, Delhi appeared to hold the advantage. By the end of the powerplay, the visitors had managed a mere 35 for 3, marking their second-lowest powerplay score in IPL 2025. Nevertheless, RCB remained composed. The steady presence of Virat Kohli provided support to Krunal Pandya, as they forged a match-defining partnership of 119 runs off 83 deliveries. Krunal took his time acclimating after moving up to the No. 5 position in the batting order. Initially struggling to read the pitch, the experienced all-rounder persevered and eventually found success. After 12 overs, Krunal had accumulated a modest 25 runs off 27 balls, with RCB at 76 for 3. However, he shifted gears adeptly, striking Mukesh Kumar for two sixes in the 13th over. Following that, he dispatched Kuldeep Yadav over the boundary as RCB surpassed the 100-run mark in the 14th over. Virat Kohli, while reaching his half-century off 45 balls, fulfilled his role effectively as a supporting player, allowing Krunal to discover his rhythm and unleash his powerful strokes.
Krunal ended his innings not out with a score of 73 from 47 deliveries, featuring four sixes and five fours, earning him the title of Player of the Match. "It’s always easier when Virat is at the other end; I have to give him credit. My first 20 balls were a bit shaky, but he kept encouraging me, saying, 'You can do it,'" Krunal reflected after the match. Kohli was dismissed in the 18th over with 18 runs still required from 13 balls, but any hope for Delhi was extinguished as Tim David entered the fray. The Australian power hitter scored 19 runs in just five balls, hitting three fours and a six to help RCB reach their target comfortably.
Earlier in the match, Delhi Capitals struggled to assess the pitch conditions effectively. Although KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis contributed with scores of 22 off 26 and 41 off 39 respectively, the other batsmen failed to support their efforts. Delhi experienced frequent loss of wickets and, at one point, seemed poised to finish with a subpar score. However, Tristan Stubbs provided a late boost with an aggressive 34 runs off 18 balls, allowing Delhi to surpass the 160-run mark. Bhuvneshwar Kumar stood out for RCB, claiming three wickets for 33 runs, while Josh Hazlewood took two. Spinners Krunal and Suyash Sharma effectively complemented each other, applying pressure during the middle overs and conceding only 50 runs in their combined 8 overs, claiming a wicket as well.
With seven victories out of ten matches, RCB aims to secure their position in the top two of the standings. Their next challenge will be against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, May 3, in Bengaluru.
