Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 15 runs in a high-scoring clash at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday (April 22) to top the IPL 2022 points table.
DC captain Rishabh Pant opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that was expected as every captain has chosen to bowl first in the ongoing season. However, orange cap holder Jos Buttler (116) continued his spectacular form to score his third hundred of the season and was well supported by Devdutt Padikkal (54) and Sanju Samson (46*) as RR finished their innings at 222/2.
DC replied strongly with the bat thanks to contributions from Rishabh Pant (44), Prithvi Shaw (37), Lalit Yadav (37) and Rovman Powell (36) but none of the batters could play a long innings and that costed the side as they lost by 15 runs. Prasidh Krishna (3/22) and R Ashwin (2/32) bowled fine spells for RR to help them defend the target.
There was some controversy in the final over bowled by Obed McCoy as with 36 runs needed from six balls, Powell smacked three consecutive sixes off the first three balls to raise some hopes of the DC fans, but the third of those sixes came off a high full-toss which according to the DC camp should have been called a no-ball which wasn't by the onfield umpires.
DC captain Pant lost his calm as he gestured towards Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to come back to the dugout and batting coach Pravin Amre entered the field to talk to the umpires. Ultimately, the decision of the onfield umpires stayed as the IPL rules don't allow the third umpire to intervene or the onfield umpires to refer the no-ball for height unless a wicket falls.
While tempers flared elsewhere, spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav were seen having a cheeky banter of their own, perhaps around the no-ball decision as the latter reacted to instructions from the DC dugout, but Chahal told him to bat. The wrist-spinners often refered to as 'Kul-Cha' share a strong bond and enjoy each other's success equally.
Here's few clips of their hilarious banter:
