KL Rahul's Stellar Performance Leads Delhi Capitals to Victory Over RCB

KL Rahul Shines in Challenging Match

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 11: After the Delhi Capitals triumphed over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), former South African cricketer Mark Boucher praised KL Rahul's performance during a challenging chase, stating it surpassed even his impressive innings against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk earlier. Boucher shared his insights on 'Match Centre Live' on JioHotstar.

Rahul's composed innings of 93 runs off just 53 balls, following an early batting collapse, enabled DC to maintain their unbeaten streak in IPL 2025, marking their fourth victory while handing RCB their second defeat at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

During the post-match analysis on 'Match Centre Live', Boucher remarked, "That was a tricky chase—nothing about that win was straightforward. At one point, RCB seemed to be back in the game. It felt like the target might be slightly under par, especially after they took early wickets. KL Rahul entered under immense pressure, with wickets tumbling around him and a demanding run rate to achieve. He delivered a masterclass in Chennai recently, but this innings was even more remarkable, particularly given the circumstances. His form is exceptional, and his celebration at the end highlighted the significance of this innings for him."

Former Indian pacer and JioStar expert Varun Aaron also commended Rahul's performance, noting its importance as it took place at his home ground. He suggested that RCB's decision not to retain him in previous seasons might be fueling his strong performances against them.

"This is his home ground—it holds great significance for him. He was born and raised in Bengaluru. Although he has been shuffled around the batting order, something clearly motivated him tonight to secure this victory. Perhaps it's the fact that RCB chose not to keep him. He enjoyed playing for them, and now, representing Delhi, he is demonstrating to RCB and Bengaluru fans that this stadium is still his domain," he added.

Rahul has an impressive record against RCB, having played for them in the 2013 and 2016 seasons. He has amassed 741 runs in 17 matches and 16 innings against them, averaging 74.10 with a strike rate of 147.31. His record includes a century and four half-centuries, with a top score of 132 not out.

After choosing to bowl first, Delhi Capitals, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and Vipraj Nigam (2/18), limited the home team to 163/7 in their 20 overs. Notable contributions came from Phil Salt (37 runs off 17 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes) and Tim David (37 not out off 20 balls, with two fours and four sixes), despite a strong 61-run partnership between Salt and Virat Kohli (22 runs off 14 balls, with one four and two sixes).

Delhi Capitals found themselves at 58/4, but Rahul and Tristan Stubbs displayed resilience, forming an unbeaten partnership of 111 runs for the fifth wicket to secure a decisive victory. Rahul's innings included seven fours and six sixes, while Stubbs contributed 38 not out off 23 balls, with four boundaries and a six, leading to the team's fourth win.

Currently, DC holds second place with four victories in four matches, while RCB is in fourth place with three wins out of five matches and two losses.

KL Rahul was awarded the 'Player of the Match'.