Key Highlights:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host Delhi Capitals (DC) in a high-stakes IPL 2025 showdown at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 11. The match marks RCB’s second home fixture this season and offers a critical test of their ability to defend their turf against the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far.
RCB vs DC IPL 2025: The Stakes and the Storylines
RCB come into the match with a mixed start to their campaign — three wins, all on the road, and one home loss to Gujarat Titans. Delhi, on the other hand, have enjoyed a relatively relaxed schedule and are riding high with three straight wins.
The buzz is amplified by the return of Faf du Plessis, now donning DC colors, who previously led RCB to playoff appearances in 2022 and 2024.
RCB’s Home Puzzle: Can They Win at Chinnaswamy?
RCB’s home record at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has long been a concern. Since 2024, they’ve won only four of eight games there. Despite an explosive batting lineup and disciplined powerplay bowling from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, their bowling historically has struggled on the short boundaries and high-scoring surface.
However, this year, their middle-order firepower has been a game-changer. Batters like Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David are striking over 150 while averaging above 40 — a feat matched by just four others this season.
DC’s Well-Rounded Approach Paying Off
Under the captaincy of Axar Patel, DC have looked the most complete side in IPL 2025. Despite no standout individual performances with the bat, the team has functioned like a well-oiled unit. KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, and Jake Fraser-McGurk have all chipped in, while Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav have been lethal with the ball.
Fraser-McGurk’s powerplay strike rate of 205 is the highest this season, while Starc’s strike rate of 7.8 is joint second-best among bowlers.
Injury Watch and Predicted XIs
Du Plessis, recovering from a groin injury, was seen moving freely in training. If cleared, he’ll replace Sameer Rizvi at the top of the order. T Natarajan, nearing full fitness, could also return for DC.
RCB Probable XII:
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma/Swapnil Singh/Rasikh Salam
DC Probable XII:
Faf du Plessis/Sameer Rizvi, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (capt), Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Mohit Sharma/T Natarajan, Ashutosh Sharma
Key Matchups: Hazlewood vs Starc, Kohli vs Kuldeep
- Josh Hazlewood leads the tournament with a 72.92% dot-ball rate in powerplays and has been vital for RCB.
- Mitchell Starc, a former RCB player, has picked up 9 wickets so far at an economy of 8.9.
- Kohli vs Starc: Kohli has dominated Starc in IPL history, scoring 40 runs off 19 balls without getting out.
- Axar vs RCB middle-order: Axar Patel has dismissed Jitesh Sharma twice and Tim David twice in T20s.
What This Means for You
For RCB fans, this match is not just another league fixture — it’s a litmus test of their home campaign. A win here could finally break the home-court anxiety and affirm their playoff ambitions.
For DC, a win solidifies their spot at the top of the IPL 2025 table and proves they can win even at the toughest venues.
How to Take Action
- Tune into the match live on your favorite sports broadcaster at 7:30 PM IST
- Download the IPL app for live score updates, fantasy picks, and stat leaderboards
- Follow @RCBTweets and @DelhiCapitals on X for behind-the-scenes content and final XI updates
- Book tickets via Paytm Insider or BookMyShow if you’re in Bengaluru
Who Will Be Affected
- Playoff positions: A win for RCB levels them with DC on points.
- Fantasy cricket users: Hazlewood, Starc, and Kuldeep are top picks for impact.
- RCB’s strategy team: A home win boosts confidence going into future fixtures at the Chinnaswamy.
- DC’s bowling unit: Will need to adjust their strategy for the smallest ground in the league.
RCB vs DC IPL 2025 Is a Battle of Balance and Brilliance
The RCB vs DC IPL 2025 clash brings together two highly capable teams — one striving to overcome their home record, the other determined to continue an unbeaten run.
Whether it’s the Virat Kohli powerplay blitz, the Kuldeep-Axar spin challenge, or the Starc vs Hazlewood subplot, this match promises drama, class, and playoff implications.
Don’t miss it.
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