New Delhi [India]: Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Axar Patel admitted that his team fell 10-15 runs short after suffering a six-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, Axar said,
“I feel like we were 10-15 runs short. Our intent was there, but the wicket was hard to bat on — it was two-paced and became better once the dew came on.”
Despite starting aggressively, DC kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Axar noted that having one set batter play till the end might have made the difference.
“We tried to accelerate but kept losing wickets, so maybe if one batter batted along, it might have been better,” he added.
KL Rahul’s Batting Position Explained
Axar also shed light on the decision to push KL Rahul to No. 4, saying,
“I think KL is batting well, so he batted at No. 4 because he can finish games too.”
Match Summary: RCB vs DC
RCB, chasing 163, had a shaky start, losing three wickets for 26 runs:
- Jacob Bethell (12 runs) fell early.
- Devdutt Padikkal was dismissed for a duck.
- Captain Rajat Patidar was run out for 6.
However, a 119-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya stabilized the innings.
- Kohli crafted a calm 51 off 47 balls.
- Krunal Pandya was the standout, finishing unbeaten on 73 off 47 balls, laced with five fours and four sixes.
Following Kohli’s dismissal by Dushmantha Chameera, Tim David provided the finishing touch with a brisk 19 runs off 5 balls, ensuring RCB crossed the line in 18.3 overs.
DC’s Innings: Missed Opportunities
After winning the toss, RCB opted to bowl first. DC posted 162/8:
- Abhishek Porel (28 runs off 11 balls) got off to a flyer but couldn’t convert.
- Faf du Plessis (22 runs off 26 balls) and KL Rahul (41 off 39 balls) anchored the innings but at a slower pace.
- Tristan Stubbs (34 off 18 balls) provided a late surge, while Vipraj Nigam chipped in with 12 off 6 balls.
RCB’s bowlers were clinical:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the pick with 3/33 in 4 overs.
- Josh Hazlewood supported well with 2/36.
- Yash Dayal and Krunal Pandya picked up a wicket each.
Points Table Impact
Also SEE : IPL 2025: RCB Storm To Top Of The Table After Krunal Pandya, Kohli Heroics Against DC
With this victory, RCB climbed to the top of the IPL 2025 table, while Delhi Capitals remain in fourth position as the playoff race intensifies.
Brief Scores:
- Delhi Capitals: 162/8 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 41, Tristan Stubbs 34; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/33)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 165/4 in 18.3 overs (Krunal Pandya 73*, Virat Kohli 51; Axar Patel 2/19)