Similar Wins; Different Ways
After quite a bit of development in this IPL season (2025), RCB and DC will clash on April 10 at the historic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Traditionally, both teams have achieved the same number of wins, but their journey to this event has been completely different. DC has achieved the magic number without even looking back, while RCB has massively played more matches outside their home ground without snagging even one at home.
RCB’s Home Troubles: Intent vs Conditions
RCB’s struggles at home have raised some eyebrows. The aggressive batting approach that brought results away from home backfired at Chinnaswamy — especially in the game against Gujarat Titans. In contrast, Gujarat’s controlled and watchful strategy suited the surface better.
This match will once again test RCB’s ability to assess and adapt. Can they channel their intent and aggression more intelligently to finally make their home ground a fortress?
Bowling Gains a Silver Lining
Despite their batting misfires, RCB’s bowling has shown promise. Their recent match against the Mumbai Indians saw excellent execution of bowling plans. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma noted, “We’re not doing anything magical. Execution is the key difference this year.”
Josh Hazlewood, in particular, has been lethal in the PowerPlay, boasting a 72.9% dot-ball percentage this season.
Delhi’s Balance and Depth Shine Through
Delhi Capitals have looked clinical so far. Senior players like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav have risen in clutch moments. Add to that the fearless hitting from youngsters like Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam, and DC look like a well-rounded unit.
Matthew Mott, DC’s assistant coach, highlighted Jake Fraser-McGurk’s role: “He plays high-risk cricket. On his day, he wins you the game. That’s what we’re backing him for.”
Faf’s Return Could Shift DC Strategy
Faf du Plessis, who missed DC’s last game due to illness, is likely to return. His availability could push KL Rahul to the middle order — a role in which he has previously thrived. T Natarajan, who was seen in the nets, is also in contention depending on fitness and strategy.
Pitch Report & Conditions
The pitch at M Chinnaswamy has a green tinge and is not the same strip used in the previous match against Gujarat. However, it retains similarities that favour seam movement, especially early on. Bowlers like Hazlewood and Starc will be crucial with the new ball.
Tactical Battles to Watch
Rajat Patidar vs DC Spinners: Patidar, known for his clean hitting against spin, could force DC to rethink how they use Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
Krunal Pandya vs Faf du Plessis: Krunal’s left-arm spin might be used early to counter Faf’s moderate strike rate (124) against such bowling.
RCB’s Middle Order vs Kuldeep & Starc: RCB have hit more sixes than any other team in 2025, but DC’s attack poses a serious test.
Team Watch: Probable XIs
RCB Probable XII:
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam/Suyash Sharma
DC Probable XII:
Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, KL Rahul, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma/T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
Did You Know? (Stats Corner)
- Virat Kohli averages over 50 with 10 fifties vs DC.
- Kuldeep Yadav has the most wickets (40) in middle overs since IPL 2022.
- RCB leads head-to-head 19-11 over DC.
Coach Speak
“Jake’s role is high-risk, high-reward. He’s backed fully by leadership to play his natural attacking game.”
— Matthew Mott, DC Assistant Coach
“No magic, just better execution this season.”
— Jitesh Sharma, RCB Wicketkeeper. Source cricbuzz
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