The 46th match of IPL 2025 has lots to offer, as the Delhi Capitals (DC) will host the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi this Sunday, April 27, for an exciting clash. Both sides are currently level at 12 points each from eight games, meaning a position at the top of the table depends much on this encounter. With better net run rate (+0.657), DC is placed second and are coming off an impressive eight-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants. Meanwhile, RCB recently nipped down the wire to a thrilling win against the Rajasthan Royals by 11 runs, with their net run rate lying at +0.482. The weather looks perfect to be playing cricket with no signs of rain and temperatures hovering in the low 30s Celsius. The pitch at Arun Jaitley Stadium should offer batting-friendly conditions, with a par score in the vicinity of 200 likely in the first innings.
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One of the key match-ups to have on one’s radar is Phil Salt’s explosive starts for RCB, in his personal battle against DC’s Mitchell Starc, as Salt, in fact, boasts an 11-ball 25 against Starc (not out). Another interesting matchup would be Kohli versus Axar Patel, Axar having given Kohli 90 runs in his career. But Axar has said he was able to get Kohli out just once. This mini-battle may come in handy during the powerplay.
Both teams are well-formed, and with star players expected to shine, it’s promising to be a high-scoring match in the capital.
Key Player Battles DC vs RCB – IPL 2025
Virat Kohli vs Axar Patel
Virat Kohli is in good form, coming into the match after racking up three fifties in his last four games. Kohli shall be hopeful to carry this form into the match, seeking to cover RCB’s loss to DC during the earlier weeks of the season. Axar Patel, DC’s captain, has been quite consistent with the ball during power plays and held his own against Kohli in the past. How well Axar controls Kohli early may turn the tide.
KL Rahul vs Josh Hazlewood
On the eve of this clash, Rahul registered an unbeaten 57 in DC’s successful run against Lucknow Super Giants. He had also scored 93* against RCB this season, so he must be confident coming into this match. Hazlewood is now on the roll after taking four wickets in the recent Royals match. Hazlewood’s accuracy will be the key factor in upsetting Rahul’s rhythm.
Phil Salt vs Mitchell Starc
Phil Salt has been the one player with the quickest batting for RCB this season. That has a vital role to play for RCB. DC, well aware of this, will hope for Mitchell Starc to do the job early and get Salt dismissed. Starc’s early inroads with the new ball will be important in curtailing Salt’s run flow.
Rajat Patidar vs Kuldeep Yadav
Rajat Patidar holds the reputation of hurting spinners badly, having a good strike rate in IPL. Kuldeep Yadav will try to trap Patidar in his spin web, which promises to be an interesting contest, and he’ll have to wait till the match to see who emerges victorious.
