NEW DELHI: If we compare the spin attacks of Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), DC would certainly have the upper hand, thanks to their spin arsenal, which includes Kuldeep Yadav, captain Axar Patel, and the young Vipraj Nigam.
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On the other hand, RCB have leg-spinner Suyash Sharma and left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya.
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Delhi Capitals will enter the highly anticipated clash against RCB on Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi with a power-packed spin attack. However, considering the impact of Krunal and Suyash — the way they have turned things around for RCB this season with their lines, lengths, and mind games — RCB will surely pose a serious challenge.
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Sitting in third place on the points table with six wins and riding high after their first home victory, RCB’s season so far has been defined by solid contributions from Krunal and Suyash.
Krunal didn’t have the best season with Lucknow Super Giants last year, claiming just 6 wickets in 14 matches. After playing three seasons for the Lucknow franchise, he was acquired by RCB for Rs 5.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
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Since then, his fortunes have turned around dramatically, with Krunal emerging as a key player in RCB’s impressive campaign so far.
Not only has Krunal picked up 12 wickets in 9 matches, but he has also become a crucial asset for his captain, trusted to bowl in tight situations. He has been effective in the death overs, keeping batters under control, and contributing significantly to RCB’s success.
At 34, Krunal continues to evolve his game.
RCB’s spin bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan spoke about the combination of the young Suyash and all-rounder Krunal as frontline spinners. He spoke about Suyash’s ability to beat the bat and turn the ball, along with the evolution of Krunal’s action over the years.
“As far as Krunal Pandya is concerned, he is somebody who, if you saw his videos from 2016 or 2017-18, it was a completely different action. He has worked on his action. His release is very different to what it was, maybe even two years back,” Malolan told reporters ahead of the DC vs RCB clash.
“There are so many things they are doing. And that is the variation we have within the attack. Suyash Sharma is not a household name yet, but he will become one. That is the belief we have as a management. And Krunal Pandya, we all know what he’s done. He’s won the IPL a handful of times, and he is here only for one job. And I am not going to say what it is. We will see at the end of the season,” he said.
Delhi boy Suyash Sharma began his IPL career with KKR in 2023 and had an impressive debut season, picking up 10 wickets in 11 matches.
However, he had a forgettable 2024 season with KKR, featuring in just two games without taking a wicket. Subsequently, he was released by the three-time champions and was picked up by RCB for Rs 2.60 crore ahead of IPL 2025.
Rangarajan highlighted Suyash’s speed and his ability to beat the bat on both edges as key strengths, which have significantly benefitted the team this season.
“He showed that with the dismissal of Josh Inglis, which was outside of the bat. The dismissal of Russell was through the batter. So, he does turn the ball. His super-strength is the ability to turn the ball, beat the bat on both edges, and bowl at a very high speed, so to speak. Plus, his action is peculiar in its way. So, that makes it slightly tough for the batter to read,” said the coach.
Delhi Capitals are currently second on the points table with 6 wins and 2 losses from 8 matches. RCB sit third, also with 12 points.
A win on Sunday for either side will take them to the top of the table.
