NEW DELHI: In a spectacle that turned the Arun Jaitley Stadium into a cauldron of fervor, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a commanding six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday, soaring to the pinnacle of the IPL 2025 points table. The roar of over 35,000 fans reverberated through the stands, but it wasn’t just for the home side. It was for their beloved son of Delhi, Virat Kohli, who once again proved why he remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket.
From the moment RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to field under the scorching Delhi sun, the crowd’s energy was palpable. Gone were the woollen caps and mufflers of winter’s Ranji Trophy matches; instead, sweat-soaked fans, clutching water bottles and donning sunglasses, braved the heat for a glimpse of their hero. Every sprint, every boundary, every flick of the bat by Kohli was met with thunderous chants of “Kohli, Kohli”, transforming the stadium into a temple of adoration.
At the crease, Kohli played the role of the unflappable anchor with a gritty 51 off 47 balls—his slowest fifty this season, yet a masterclass in composure under pressure. His partner in crime, the dynamic Krunal Pandya, unleashed a breathtaking unbeaten 73 off 47 balls, a knock studded with precise strikes and fearless intent. Together, they stitched a match-defining 119-run partnership, guiding RCB past early jitters to chase down DC’s total with ease.
Earlier, RCB’s chase had stumbled out of the blocks, collapsing to 26 for 3 in just four overs. Jacob Bethell (12), Devdutt Padikkal (0), and Rajat Patidar (6) fell in quick succession, with DC’s Axar Patel striking twice in an over. Patidar’s run-out, courtesy of a sharp direct hit by Karun Nair, drew visible frustration from Kohli, who could only watch as hesitant running cost his team a crucial wicket. But from thereon, the Kohli-Krunal duo turned the tide, blending caution with aggression to perfection.
Krunal, acquired by RCB for Rs 5.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, was a revelation with both bat and ball. His earlier bowling spell yielded tidy figures of 4-0-28-1, including the prized scalp of DC’s returning skipper Faf du Plessis (22 off 26). Supported by spinner Suyash Sharma (4-0-22-0, economy of 5.50), Krunal ensured DC’s batters, including a boundary-less KL Rahul, remained shackled. His half-century off 38 balls, sealed with a boundary off Axar, was celebrated with a heartfelt hug from Kohli—an image that captured the spirit of their partnership.
For Delhi Capitals, the game exposed familiar frailties. Du Plessis, back after missing five matches with a groin injury, struggled to find rhythm as DC experimented with their fifth different opening combination this season—a league-high, compared to Chennai Super Kings’ four. Their inability to capitalize allowed RCB to dominate, with Kohli’s steady hand and Krunal’s flair proving the difference.
As the sun set on a memorable day at Arun Jaitley Stadium, RCB’s ascent to the top of the IPL 2025 table felt like a statement. With Virat Kohli marshalling the chase and Krunal Pandya emerging as the X-factor, Bengaluru’s campaign looks poised for greatness. For the fans, it was a day to cherish—watching their hometown hero orchestrate yet another triumph, even if it came at the expense of their own team.