The Delhi Capitals had a strong start to the 2025 IPL season, but it appears they have run into trouble. In contrast, the defending champions, the Kolkata Knight Riders, have been inconsistent throughout the competition and currently hold a dismal eighth place. For what it’s worth, DC has a mathematical chance to win this match and move up the points table.
Due in part to their recent failure to defeat PBKS in Kolkata, KKR presently has 7 points from 9 games. PBKS’ finishing was a touch damp as they only gained 40 runs in the final five overs, despite Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh striking aggressive fifties in a commanding opening combination. Rain intervened when KKR had just completed one over in the chase.
In their most recent game in Delhi, DC lost to RCB. Abhishek Porel gave DC a strong start, but his departure allowed RCB to gain ground. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya maintained a tight rope during the middle overs. Even though KL Rahul scored runs on a difficult pitch, they weren’t quick enough. At the end, Tristan Stubbs gave DC a push, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar took crucial wickets.
RCB got off to a quick start, but Axar Patel cut Jacob Bethell’s debut short to a cameo. Two balls later, Patel struck again and got rid of Devdutt Padikkal. Following Rajat Patidar’s run-out, RCB found themselves in a disastrous situation. Pandya and Virat Kohli took over at 26/3. Both got out to a rough start and never lost wickets, even if they had to climb the required pace. In the second half, Kohli stood like a rock as Pandya began to establish boundaries. Tim David completed the chase, and both reached their fifties towards the end.
IPL records and stats at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
After a few high-scoring games, Delhi seems to have returned to producing a tough surface with lower totals. This game will be played less than 48 hours after the end of DC’s game against RCB, so not much may change unless a fresh pitch is rolled out.
| Matches Played | 93 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 44 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 46 |
| Matches With No Result | 01 |
| Matches Tied | 02 |
| Average First Innings Score | 172 |
| Highest Team Total | 266 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 219 |
Player battles to watch out for in Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Match 48:
1. Axar Patel vs Varun Chakaravarthy
In recent times, the DC skipper has been shouldering more and more responsibility with the bat, especially in the middle overs. But in this match, he will have to face a bowler who has tormented him frequently. Axar Patel has faced 23 balls from Varun Chakaravarthy in the IPL, scoring just 7 runs at a strike rate of 30.43. He has also been dismissed twice, averaging only 3.50.
2. Ajinkya Rahane vs Kuldeep Yadav
Captain Ajinkya Rahane has been pretty much the only thing going right for KKR with the bat in the tournament, and his form is crucial to their chances. Kuldeep Yadav has been easily the best middle-overs bowler in this tournament and has consistently come out on top against Rahane. Overall, Rahane has scored just 19 runs in 27 balls at a strike rate of 70.37, while being dismissed twice at an average of 9.50.
India
