When Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) get mentioned in the same breath, the reference is usually to their long-standing failure to win an Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
In a marked change, however, what unites both the franchises this season is that they are cruising in the top half of the points table with the resources to go all the way.
.At the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday evening, the battle between the in-form teams should make for a riveting watch. Always adding to the sense of occasion around this contest, of course, is the presence of Virat Kohli. As much as he is adored by RCB’s fervent fan base for his unwavering commitment to the franchise over 18 seasons, he is also a quintessential Delhiite.
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The 36-year-old has been in sparkling form. He has transitioned seamlessly between aggressor and accumulator depending on the situation, racking up 392 runs in nine innings at 65.33 while also maintaining a strike rate of 144.11. With the likes of Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar and Tim David playing solid supporting roles and the bowlers delivering in crunch situations, RCB has managed to etch a perfect away record so far with five wins in as many matches.
For the host, K.L. Rahul will hold the key. In the reverse fixture in Bengaluru, he was the difference between the two teams, steering the Capitals home in a chase of 164 with an unbeaten 93. After the knock, the man from Karnataka let out a roar and exclaimed that “this is my ground”. Will Kohli get a chance to do the same on Sunday?
