Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 24 of IPL 2025 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday, April 10.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals: Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) head into this clash with identical win tallies in IPL 2025, but their journeys have followed contrasting paths. While DC remain unbeaten so far, RCB are still searching for their first win at home, having played more games on the road. As they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the lingering question is whether RCB can finally crack the code of their own backyard and use it to their advantage.
Since IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have managed to win at least three of their first four matches in three of the last five seasons. However, only in 2022 did they come close to securing a top-two finish, narrowly missing out to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on net run rate despite registering nine victories in 14 games. Interestingly, none of those wins came at home, as COVID-19 restrictions had kept them away from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium that year.
RCB have long struggled with the concept of home advantage — a discussion that has gained even more prominence in IPL 2025. The conditions at the Chinnaswamy — the high altitude, short boundaries, and batting-friendly pitch — have consistently posed challenges for bowlers. For years, RCB failed to find the right bowling formula to counter these factors. This season, however, things seem different.
Their upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) marks their second home game of the season, following a loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) in the first. But with a strong start to their campaign and a more balanced bowling attack, fans are hopeful. Memories of their dramatic playoff qualification run are still fresh, and optimism is running high as they return to their fortress.
Their aggressive batting approach, which has yielded results in away fixtures, backfired under home conditions against Gujarat Titans. On that occasion, GT’s more measured batting strategy proved effective, aided by conditions that favoured a watchful start. For RCB, the challenge now is clear: assess better, adapt faster, and execute smarter.
If they can strike a balance between their attacking intent and situational awareness, it could be a game-changer for their home campaign. Encouragingly, their bowling unit showed promising signs of tactical execution against Mumbai Indians, highlighting the squad’s growing confidence. Carrying that momentum into their second home fixture will be crucial if RCB are to make Chinnaswamy their fortress once again.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the turnaround in their batting fortunes has been fuelled by crucial partnerships in the middle and lower-middle order — specifically between the third and seventh wickets. A prime example came in their clash against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where RCB recovered from a precarious 42 for 4 to post a competitive 169 for 8. Remarkably, 120 of those runs were scored in the final 12 overs, courtesy of contributions from their Nos. 5 to 8.
This resurgence has been underpinned by their impressive handling of spin during the middle overs — traditionally a testing phase in T20 cricket. RCB currently boast three of the seven middle-order batters in IPL 2025 who average over 40 while maintaining a strike rate above 150: Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David. Their ability to maintain high tempo without losing control has been central to the team’s fightbacks.
Virat Kohli’s approach at the top has undergone a marked shift since IPL 2024 — and the numbers back it up. The RCB stalwart, often criticized in earlier seasons for a cautious start, is now going full throttle during the powerplay. He’s striking at an aggressive 162 in his first ten deliveries since last season, a significant jump from the 122 he managed across the two prior campaigns. It’s a shift that has added urgency to RCB’s top-order tempo and set the tone for deeper batting efforts.
Virat Kohli boasts an average of over 50 and has registered ten scores of fifty or more against the Delhi franchise in the IPL.
One of the most anticipated match-ups in this fixture is Kohli versus Mitchell Starc. The Aussie pacer, who’s been central to Delhi Capitals’ bowling plans, hasn’t found a way past Kohli in the IPL — the RCB batter has taken him for 40 runs off just 19 balls without a dismissal. It’s a duel that could go a long way in setting the narrative early in the innings.
This season too, all three of their victories have come away from home, raising the inevitable question: do they have the squad to reverse their fortunes at the Chinnaswamy?
Faf du Plessis, once a talismanic figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, now finds himself in Delhi Capitals’ camp for IPL 2025. The veteran batter played a pivotal role in RCB’s recent resurgence, having captained them to two playoff appearances in three seasons (2022 and 2024) and finishing as their leading run-scorer in both 2022 and 2023. His departure has undoubtedly left a void — not just in leadership but also in consistency at the top.
RCB’s struggles at home are well-documented. With a 50% win record at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium — the second-lowest among all IPL teams — their dominance at their own fortress has always been in question. Since the start of last season, they’ve managed four wins in eight home games, a stat that continues to cast doubt over their ability to turn home advantage into a reliable strength.
Delhi Capitals, much like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have seen their key players step up early in the season, setting a solid platform for success. The experienced quartet of KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel have played pivotal roles in navigating the team through pressure situations. Supplementing them are the dynamic performances of young guns Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma, whose fearless cricket has added depth and energy to the squad.
Just like RCB, Delhi also possess players well-versed with the nuances of the conditions at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Adapting effectively to these demands will be just as crucial for them. KL Rahul’s recent resurgence in T20 cricket, characterized by a more proactive mindset, reflects this adaptability. If Faf du Plessis returns to RCB’s XI at full fitness, Rahul might slide back into the middle order—a move that could benefit DC by reinforcing their stability.
Delhi Capitals have benefitted from a more relaxed schedule in IPL 2025, with at least four days separating each of their matches. This breathing space has allowed players ample time to recover, recalibrate, and even unwind—splitting their hours between the training ground and the driving range. The calm energy within the squad reflects their unbeaten run so far, which has naturally boosted morale and confidence.
Their lineup boasts plenty of experience at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis, both key members of the first XI, know the venue like the back of their hand, while backup batter Karun Nair also adds local knowledge to the mix. It’s a valuable asset heading into this fixture.
What makes Delhi Capitals even more dangerous is their balance. They’re operating as a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual brilliance. No batter has crossed the 100-run mark in a single innings—KL Rahul’s top score of 92 stands as their best so far, compared to the tournament-high 288. Yet, that hasn’t hindered their momentum. Instead, it highlights how different players are stepping up at different moments.
On the bowling front, Mitchell Starc has led from the front, but nearly every member of the attack has contributed meaningfully. With such depth, adaptability, and unity on display, Delhi Capitals are shaping up as the team to beat in IPL 2025.
However, this strength is set to be tested against a Delhi Capitals side equipped with a strong spin arsenal. Kuldeep Yadav has been in sublime form, bagging six wickets at a miserly economy of 6.00. He is ably supported by Axar Patel and the promising Vipraj Nigam, giving DC a versatile trio who can operate effectively across phases. Since the start of IPL 2022, no bowler has taken more wickets in the middle overs (7 to 15) than Kuldeep Yadav’s 40.
The middle-over battle, though, might be the key segment of the match — particularly the face-off between Axar Patel and RCB’s middle-order heavy-hitters. Axar’s tight control and subtle variations have proven effective against this line-up: he’s dismissed Jitesh Sharma twice in three innings and Tim David twice in eight T20s. Even more telling are the strike rates — just 87 for Jitesh and 81 for David against Axar — suggesting the left-arm spinner could once again play the role of disruptor during the crucial middle stretch.
While Kohli is bringing the aggression, the powerplay still belongs to Bhuvneshwar Kumar in terms of sheer impact. His 73 wickets during the first six overs are the most in IPL history, followed by Trent Boult’s 64 — an indication of how crucial early breakthroughs are, especially in high-scoring venues like Bengaluru.
But if there’s one name that has redefined powerplay batting this season, it’s Jake Fraser-McGurk. The young Australian’s fearless approach has yielded a staggering strike rate of 205 in the powerplay — the highest among batters with at least 200 runs this season. Though inconsistent, when he gets going, he can dismantle attacks before they settle.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals: Head-to-head
RCB 19 – 11 DC
- Matches Played: 31
- Won by Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 19
- Won by Delhi Capitals: 11
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 1
- First-ever Fixture: April 30, 2008
- Most-recent Fixture: May 12, 2024
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The surface set to be used for the upcoming match showed a noticeable green tinge a day before the game. While it’s different from the one used in the clash against Gujarat Titans, it still appears to offer some assistance for bowlers, particularly with movement off the deck—something seen earlier this season.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has traditionally been a batter-friendly venue. In IPL history, the average score batting first here stands at 178. Out of the total matches played, teams chasing have had slightly better success, winning 50 games compared to 41 victories for sides batting first. So far in IPL 2025, only one match has been held at this ground—RCB posted 169/8, which Gujarat Titans successfully chased down with eight wickets in hand and over two overs to spare.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals: Team News and Predicted XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Team News
RCB have no injury concerns heading into the fixture, leaving the Impact Sub decision as their primary selection consideration. Rasikh Salam, who was preferred over leg-spinner Suyash Sharma in their previous outing at home, went wicketless and conceded 35 runs in three overs—raising questions about whether the team might opt for a change.
Rajat Patidar’s strong form and reputation as a top spin-hitter could influence Delhi Capitals’ bowling plans, particularly how they deploy their spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. The match-up dynamics may also play a role in determining RCB’s Impact Sub, with Suyash Sharma being more effective in away conditions, while Salam was picked due to Bengaluru’s surface. With form on Suyash’s side, the team may face a tricky decision on whether to prioritize recent performance or conditions once again.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Predicted XI
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (capt)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma/Swapnil Singh/Rasikh Salam
Delhi Capitals – Team News
Faf du Plessis, who missed the last match due to illness and is also being monitored for a groin strain, is expected to return after a full training session without visible discomfort. If cleared, he is likely to resume his opening role alongside Jake Fraser-McGurk, which could mean Sameer Rizvi makes way.
On the other side, T Natarajan is close to recovering from a shoulder injury and participated in nets ahead of the game. However, it’s uncertain whether Delhi Capitals will risk altering a winning combination to include him. If selected, he may replace Mohit Sharma.
DC could consider Krunal Pandya as a tactical PowerPlay option against du Plessis, who has a relatively modest strike-rate of 124 against left-arm spin. Meanwhile, RCB’s middle-order has been explosive this season, topping the six-hitting charts. Their anticipated contest against Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc promises to be one of the match’s most thrilling battles.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals: Players To Watch Out For
Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, set to reunite for Australia in the World Test Championship final in June, find themselves on opposing sides for now. Their on-field duel adds an intriguing subplot to the contest.
Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Josh Hazlewood has been a standout performer in the powerplay this season, boasting the best dot-ball percentage (72.92%) among bowlers who’ve bowled multiple overs in that phase.
Alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar—both ranked among the top three for powerplay economy—Hazlewood has been instrumental in RCB’s bowling success. In eight overs, he has taken four wickets at an impressive economy of 4.6. His only off-day came at home against GT, where he returned figures of 1 for 43. He’ll be eager to bounce back with a stronger showing on Thursday.
Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)
Mitchell Starc has been impactful this season, claiming nine wickets at an economy of 8.9. His strike rate of 7.8 is the joint-second-best in IPL 2025. He also brings familiarity with the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, having represented RCB in 2014 and 2015.
Kuldeep Yadav will be another vital cog for DC, especially against RCB’s power-packed middle order. Among spinners who have bowled a minimum of five overs this season, Kuldeep has the best economy rate (6.00) and has consistently delivered with key breakthroughs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 60-70
- Delhi Capitals Total: 200-210
- Match Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Delhi Capitals win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 65-75
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Total: 205-215
- Match Result: Delhi Capitals win the match
When and Where To Watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday, April 10, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
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FAQs
What is the head-to-head record between RCB and DC in the IPL?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru lead the head-to-head with 19 wins out of 31 matches against Delhi Capitals, who have won 11.
What is the average first-innings score at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL?
The average first-innings score at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is 178 in IPL history.
Who are the key bowlers to watch in the RCB vs DC match?
Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are the standout bowlers, with Hazlewood boasting a 72.92% dot-ball rate in powerplays and Starc holding a strike rate of 7.8.
Will Faf du Plessis play against Delhi Capitals?
Faf du Plessis is expected to return after missing the previous game due to illness and a groin strain; he had a full training session before the match.
What selection dilemma does RCB face ahead of the DC clash?
RCB’s main decision revolves around choosing between Rasikh Salam and Suyash Sharma as their Impact Player for home conditions.
