DC vs RCB IPL 2025: What Was The Turning Point As Bengaluru Beat Delhi?

DC vs RCB: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a commanding six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, April 27.

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar turned back the clock with a sensational spell that proved decisive, setting up RCB's successful chase of a 163-run target.

Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, RCB's decision was vindicated early, thanks largely to Bhuvneshwar's masterclass with the ball. The experienced right-armer finished with figures of 4-0-33-3, dismantling Delhi's middle order and halting their momentum at crucial junctures.

Delhi Capitals, after a bright start from Abishek Porel (28 off 11 balls), lost regular wickets. Bhuvneshwar first removed Delhi's in-form wicketkeeper Rahul (41 off 39), then struck again to dismiss the dangerous Tristan Stubbs (34 off 18), who was threatening to power DC to a bigger total.

He later added the scalp of Ashutosh Sharma, ensuring Delhi stay under 170.

RCB's disciplined bowling - with support from Josh Hazlewood (2/36) and Suyash Sharma (0/22) - restricted Delhi to 162/8 from their 20 overs, a total that always looked slightly under par on a good batting surface.

Kohli Anchors, Krunal Finishes in Style

In reply, RCB's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Jacob Bethell and Devdutt Padikkal in quick succession to Axar Patel. Captain Rajat Patidar was then run out following a mix-up with Virat Kohli, leaving RCB struggling at 26/3.

However, Kohli once again showed his big-match temperament, stitching together a crucial 119-run stand with Krunal Pandya. Kohli scored a classy 51 off 47 balls before falling to Dushmantha Chameera late in the innings. But by then, the foundation was set.

Krunal Pandya took over brilliantly, smashing an unbeaten 73 off just 47 balls at a strike rate of 155.32, ensuring RCB crossed the finish line with nine balls to spare. Tim David provided the final flourish with a brisk 19* off 5 balls.

Turning Point: Bhuvneshwar's Golden Spell

While Kohli and Krunal guided the chase, it was Bhuvneshwar's incisive spell earlier that tilted the match in RCB's favor. His dismissals of Rahul and Stubbs - two of DC's biggest hopes - not only derailed Delhi's innings but also ensured RCB chased a manageable target under lights.

Bhuvneshwar's control, variations, and experience under pressure once again highlighted why he remains a match-winner in T20 cricket, even in the later stages of his career.