How Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam's Spin Magic Limited RCB to 163 Runs

Delhi Capitals' Spin Duo Shines in IPL Clash

Bengaluru: In a thrilling IPL encounter, the exceptional performances of spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam enabled the Delhi Capitals to restrict the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a modest total of 163 runs for seven wickets.

Kuldeep, a left-arm wrist spinner, took 2 wickets for just 17 runs, while leg-spinner Nigam claimed 2 for 18, effectively adjusting their bowling lengths on a pitch that offered some sluggishness, which ultimately hampered RCB's innings after Delhi opted to bowl first.

Initially, Delhi's decision to field seemed questionable as RCB raced to over 50 runs within just three overs.

Phil Salt, the opener, was pivotal in this explosive start, scoring 37 runs off 17 balls, including a remarkable over against Mitchell Starc where he hit 24 runs.

However, Salt's innings ended abruptly due to a run-out involving Virat Kohli, who contributed 22 runs off 14 balls, with the duo forming a rapid opening partnership of 61 runs in just 24 balls.

The introduction of Vipraj Nigam marked a turning point in the match.

Nigam's fifth over yielded only two runs, followed by a disciplined over from pacer Mohit Sharma.

Under pressure from a series of dot balls, Devdutt Padikkal (1) attempted a risky shot off Mohit but was caught easily by Axar Patel.

Kohli, who had begun to find his rhythm with a six off Nigam, was dismissed by the same bowler while attempting to hit a wide delivery.

Following this, RCB quickly lost Jitesh Sharma (4) and Liam Livingstone (3), collapsing to 102 for five by the 13th over, a stark contrast to their explosive start.

In fact, RCB lost five wickets for just 41 runs in a span of over eight overs, as the Delhi bowlers capitalized on the pitch conditions.

During the critical overs between the 6th and 13th, RCB managed only two fours and a six.

Despite the setbacks, RCB's captain Rajat Patidar showed promise with some elegant shots.

However, Kuldeep's delivery ended Patidar's innings at 25, with stumper KL Rahul making a spectacular catch.

Tim David (37 not out off 20 balls) hit a few powerful shots in the final overs, but it was too little too late as RCB's innings concluded on a disappointing note.