IPL 2025: Faf du Plessis back as DC elect to bowl first against RCB in key clash

IANS April 10, 2025 353 views

The IPL 2025 match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru promises an exciting contest at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Faf du Plessis makes a comeback to the DC lineup after missing the previous match against Chennai Super Kings. DC captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bowl first, signaling a strategic approach to the game. Both teams are looking to secure a crucial victory in this high-stakes encounter.

"It is important to win home matches" - Rajat Patidar, RCB Captain
IPL 2025: Faf du Plessis back as DC elect to bowl first against RCB in key clash
Bengaluru, April 10: Faf du Plessis returns to the playing XI as unbeaten Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel won the toss and opted to bowl first against a resurgent Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 24 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday.

Key Points

1

Faf du Plessis replaces Sameer Rizvi in Delhi Capitals lineup

2

Axar Patel opts to bowl first at Chinnaswamy Stadium

3

RCB remains unchanged from previous match

Faf, who missed their previous match against Chennai Super Kings, comes in for Sameer Rizvi. RCB decided to go into their second home game with an unchanged playing XI.

DC captain Axar said they would like to chase on this ground. He also said he is trying to protect his injured finger, but would be ready to bowl four overs, if the situation requires.

Asked about Rahul's batting position with du Plessis back in the side, Axar initially says it will depend on the first innings, before hinting that Rahul might go back down the order to number four. The DC captain said he has told the spinners to go for wickets, even if they concede a few extra runs, because wickets inevitably also stop runs.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar said he would have liked to bowl first too but thought as the surface is hard, putting runs on the board and then defending the target is not very bad. "It is important to win home matches," he said, adding that they will try to do their best.

Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

Impact Substitutes: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh

Delhi Capitals: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (capt), Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar

Impact Substitutes: Abishek Porel, Darshan Nalkande, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Donovan Ferreira.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
So excited to see Faf back in action! 💪 RCB's batting lineup looks solid with him and Kohli opening. Hope they put up a big total tonight! #PlayBold
R
Rahul S.
Interesting decision by DC to bowl first. Chinnaswamy is known for high scores, but their bowling attack with Starc and Kuldeep could make it work. Smart captaincy from Axar!
A
Anjali M.
Not sure about KL Rahul batting at 4. He's been in great form opening. Hope this shuffle doesn't affect his rhythm. Otherwise, both teams look well balanced for this clash!
V
Vikram J.
RCB's bowling still looks a bit weak to me. Only Hazlewood as a proper pacer? DC might chase down whatever they set if Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk get going. 🤔
S
Sanjay P.
Respectful criticism: The article could have included more stats about previous encounters between these teams at Chinnaswamy. That context always makes these previews more insightful.
N
Neha R.
Can't wait for this match! 🔥 Both teams have everything to play for. Hoping for another Kohli classic and some Starc yorkers. Perfect Thursday night entertainment!

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Tags:
IPL 2025 Faf du Plessis Axar Patel Delhi Capitals Royal Challengers Bengaluru Cricket
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