KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs Shine as Delhi Capitals Beat RCB | IPL 2025 Match Report

KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs Shine Bright as Delhi Capitals Down RCB in Style

The magic of IPL never fails to surprise, and on 11th April 2025, at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, it was KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs who stole the show. Delhi Capitals, riding high on momentum, outclassed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets to register their fourth straight win in the IPL 2025 season. With Rahul delivering another masterclass on his home turf and Stubbs playing the perfect supporting act, Delhi Capitals showed yet again why they are serious contenders for this year’s title.

Rahul's Chinnaswamy Masterclass Anchors Delhi Capitals

KL Rahul has always been known for his graceful stroke play, but there’s something extra special about watching him bat at Chinnaswamy the ground where he grew up, dreamt big, and mastered his skills. Thursday night was another chapter in that love story, as Rahul unleashed an unbeaten 93 off just 53 balls to guide Delhi Capitals to victory after a shaky start.

At 58/4, with the Delhi top-order back in the hut and a tricky 164-run chase looking even tougher, it needed calm heads and cricketing intelligence. Rahul provided both, pacing his innings perfectly before accelerating effortlessly once he was settled. His game awareness was evident throughout punishing the loose deliveries and milking singles smartly off good balls.

And in the words of his batting partner Tristan Stubbs, Rahul simply made it easy. "I had the best seat," Stubbs chuckled after the game, appreciating Rahul's calculated brilliance.

Stubbs Proves Why He Is Delhi Capitals' Silent Weapon

Tristan Stubbs, the young South African batter, has always been praised for his temperament. Against RCB, he showcased that yet again. His unbeaten 38 off 23 balls wasn’t just about runs; it was about standing strong with Rahul, respecting the situation, and exploding only when the moment was right.

Stubbs spoke openly in the post-match press conference about how Rahul's calmness gave him confidence. “He said it afterwards; this is his ground. He has grown up here, so he knows how to play and stayed positive throughout the innings,” said Stubbs, highlighting the value of local knowledge in tough chases.

Interestingly, Stubbs revealed that their plan was "old school" build slowly, set the platform, and then go for the kill in the last five overs. The plan worked to perfection.

Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam Spin a Web Around RCB

Before Rahul and Stubbs could work their magic with the bat, it was Delhi’s spin duo Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam who controlled the first half of the game with the ball. Kuldeep, with his variations and precision, ended with impressive figures of 2 for 17 in his four overs. Vipraj Nigam, the rising leg-spin star, continued to enhance his growing reputation with figures of 2 for 18.

Stubbs was full of praise for the duo, admitting that facing them in the nets is often tougher than the match itself. “Honestly, if you can get through that net session, you're in a really good position,” Stubbs joked, talking about how bowling sessions against Kuldeep and Nigam have become the best practice anyone could ask for.

RCB, after a flying start with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli putting on 61 for the opening wicket, were pegged back by Delhi’s spin twins. From 61/1, they struggled to maintain momentum, eventually settling for 163/7 a score that always felt 15-20 runs short.

RCB's Familiar Tale of Missed Opportunities

RCB’s woes continued as their middle-order frailties were once again exposed. Virat Kohli looked set before being dismissed for 22, while no other batter apart from Tim David (37*) offered much resistance. Their bowling too lacked bite, with only Haris Rauf showing flashes of brilliance.

Despite a promising start, RCB's inability to capitalize on the powerplay advantage, combined with Delhi Capitals’ clinical approach in both batting and bowling, made all the difference.

Delhi Capitals: The Team to Beat in IPL 2025?

With four wins in four matches, Delhi Capitals are making a serious statement this season. Their blend of experience (KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc) and youth (Vipraj Nigam, Tristan Stubbs) is working wonders.

Their upcoming clash against Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 13 promises to be another blockbuster, but if Rahul keeps batting like this and their bowlers continue to fire, DC fans have every reason to dream big.