With 392 runs to his name and a match-winning 70 against Rajasthan Royals in the last game, Virat Kohli's red-hot form will be central to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign as they face Delhi Capitals in a crucial IPL 2025 fixture at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday.
Kohli's consistency at the top has been a pillar of RCB's recent resurgence, helping the team win three of their last four matches. Skipper Rajat Patidar will look to capitalise on this momentum and continue the side’s strong record against Delhi, having won five of the last seven encounters between the two sides.
Delhi, meanwhile, will hope to draw inspiration from their own turnaround, having registered an emphatic 8-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. Captain Axar Patel will count on the in-form KL Rahul and Abishek Porel, who both made solid contributions in the previous game.
In the bowling department, Delhi will rely on pace spearhead Mitchell Starc and seamer Mukesh Kumar, whose 4-wicket haul played a decisive role in their last outing, to neutralise RCB’s aggressive batting lineup.
The match, the 46th of the season, will be played on a batting-friendly surface at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where chasing has often proved to be the better option. Hot weather and clear skies are expected on match day.
While both teams are evenly poised on the points table, bookmakers suggest a slight edge for Delhi Capitals at home. However, the balance and firepower in RCB’s ranks, coupled with Kohli’s form, could tilt the game their way in what promises to be a closely-fought encounter. (UNI)