RCB Clinch Historic Sixth Away Win as Krunal Pandya, Virat Kohli Shine in Delhi
Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their spectacular run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, clinching a record sixth consecutive away win with a dominant six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, April 27. Chasing a tricky target of 163 on a two-paced surface, RCB showed remarkable composure to seal the win and climb to the top of the points table with seven wins from ten matches.
It was a historic night for RCB as they became the first team in IPL history to achieve six consecutive away wins. The night belonged to Krunal Pandya, who produced a magical all-round performance, and Virat Kohli, whose composed presence again led the team through a nail-biting chase.
Following Delhi Capitals' modest 162 for 8 in 20 overs, thanks to RCB's disciplined bowling effort, the visitors had a nervous beginning. Delhi captain Axar Patel shook RCB in the beginning by taking two wickets in an over, getting rid of debutant Jacob Bethell and in-form Devdutt Padikkal. To make things worse, a wrongly judged call from Kohli resulted in Rajat Patidar's run-out, and RCB was reeling at 26 for 3 within four overs.
The pressure was firmly on the visitors as they crawled to 35 for 3 at the end of the powerplay, recording their second-lowest powerplay score this season. However, RCB did not allow the early blows to derail their pursuit. Anchored by Kohli’s steady hand, Krunal Pandya took his time to settle before launching a remarkable counterattack.
Moved up to No. 5, Krunal faltered on the sluggish pitch at first, scoring 25 off 27 balls after 12 overs. But the seasoned all-rounder got his mojo going when RCB most needed it. He took the attack to Mukesh Kumar, hitting two sixes in the 13th over, and subsequently picked out Kuldeep Yadav to push the scoring pace.
In the meanwhile, Kohli was taking 45 balls to reach his fifty. He played the perfect second fiddle. Their game-changing 119-run partnership off 83 deliveries swung the match in RCB's direction convincingly. Krunal's 73 off 47 balls, laced with four sixes and five fours, deservedly won him the Player of the Match award.
"Whenever Virat is present at the other end, it is always very easy. I'll give him credit. My first 20 balls were very scratchy but he used to push me, telling 'you'll do it", Krunal revealed after the victory.
While Kohli was dismissed in the 18th over for a well-made 51, with 18 runs remaining off 13 deliveries, any dreams Delhi had of a comeback were soon dashed by Tim David. The Australian beast battered 19 off just five deliveries, including three fours and a six, as RCB cruised past the winning line.
Earlier in the night, RCB bowlers collectively did well to limit Delhi Capitals to a sub-par score. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was impeccable with the new ball as well as at the death, claiming three vital wickets. Josh Hazlewood and young spinner Suyash Sharma also chipped in with timely strikes to contain Delhi.
With this victory, RCB not only continued their away dominance but also indicated that they possess depth and determination to challenge for the title this season. Their power to adjust in varying conditions, fueled by impressive individual performances, has been the hallmark of their remarkable campaign to date.
As the tournament enters its final phase, RCB's record-breaking run and new-found consistency make them a team to watch out for in IPL 2025.
