The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been about passion, pressure, and pure entertainment. Over the years, it has created unforgettable rivalries — but few match the unpredictability and intensity of Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR).
From nail-biting last-ball finishes to century-making heroes and heartbreak defeats, this clash has delivered it all. Since 2008, these two sides have gone head-to-head in matches that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s take a trip through the Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals timeline (2008–2025) — a story packed with turning points, drama, and unforgettable moments.
The Rivalry Begins: 2008–2010
The inaugural IPL season in 2008 marked the birth of this thrilling rivalry. Back then, the Delhi franchise was known as the Delhi Daredevils, and they made a powerful statement early on by defeating Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
But the Shane Warne-led Royals — who would go on to win the title that year — weren’t ones to stay quiet. They struck back hard in the reverse fixture and later crushed Delhi by 105 runs in the semifinals, one of the most dominant playoff victories in IPL history.
In 2009, with the IPL temporarily shifted to South Africa, both teams traded wins — RR triumphed in Centurion, and DD replied in Bloemfontein. By 2010, Delhi had found their rhythm again, sweeping both fixtures with commanding performances, including a 67-run victory that sent a clear message — this rivalry was just getting started.
Mid-Era Grind and Resurgence: 2011–2015
From 2011 onward, the momentum began to swing back and forth.
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2011: Rajasthan got their revenge, defeating Delhi by six wickets in Jaipur.
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2012: Delhi fought back fiercely, clinching both matches — including a dramatic one-run win that remains one of their most memorable victories.
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2013–2015: This period belonged entirely to the Royals. They dominated the Capitals, winning six consecutive matches over three seasons. Whether it was Shane Watson’s explosive batting or their balanced bowling attack, RR had Delhi’s number.
By the end of 2015, Rajasthan had turned what was once an even rivalry into a one-sided affair.
Rebranding and Revival: 2018–2020
After a two-year suspension, Rajasthan Royals returned in 2018 — and so did the rebranded Delhi Capitals, marking the start of a new chapter.
Their first clash post-rebranding was fittingly dramatic. Rajasthan edged out Delhi by 10 runs via the D/L method in Jaipur, but Delhi returned the favor, winning by four runs (also D/L) in the reverse fixture.
Then came 2019, a turning point for Delhi. With young stars like Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, and Shreyas Iyer stepping up, DC won both matches — one by 6 wickets and another by 5 — signaling a new era of confidence.
In 2020, with matches played in the UAE, Delhi went a step further, winning both encounters convincingly (by 46 runs and 13 runs). For the first time, they had strung together three straight wins in a single season — a major power shift.
A Balanced Rivalry Restored: 2021–2022
By 2021, the competition between Delhi and Rajasthan had grown tighter than ever. Both sides exchanged wins that season:
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Delhi won the first game at Wankhede by 3 wickets.
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Rajasthan took the second in Abu Dhabi by 33 runs.
These results reflected just how balanced the two teams had become. Every match was unpredictable — exactly what fans loved about this rivalry.
In 2022, that balance continued. RR won the first match by 15 runs, while DC responded with an 8-wicket victory in the return leg. Neither team could claim superiority — it was now about tactics, teamwork, and form on the day.
Modern-Day Drama: 2023–2025
In 2023, Rajasthan struck early and strong, winning by 57 runs at Guwahati. Their batting looked fierce, their bowling sharp, and Delhi seemed rattled. But true to the rivalry’s theme, Delhi would bounce back the next season.
The 2024 IPL saw both teams sharing the spoils again — Rajasthan winning by 12 runs in Jaipur, and Delhi answering back with a 20-run victory in the capital. These matches weren’t just contests; they were tactical battles — where team combinations, pitch conditions, and even dew played a deciding role.
Then came 2025 — the season fans will never forget. In their clash at Delhi on April 16, both teams ended regular play tied, leading to a Super Over — a rare sight in IPL history. Delhi held their nerve, winning the tiebreaker and scripting one of the most thrilling matches of the decade.
Turning Points in the DC vs RR Rivalry
When you look back at 17 seasons of intense clashes, a few moments stand out as defining:
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2008: Rajasthan’s crushing 105-run semifinal win — the day they stamped their authority.
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2012: Delhi’s one-run miracle — proof of their grit.
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2019–2020: Delhi’s revival era — when the Capitals turned into contenders.
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2025: The Super Over victory — symbolic of the rivalry’s unpredictable brilliance.
These weren’t just cricket matches — they were emotional rollercoasters that shaped both teams’ IPL journeys.
Stars Who Lit Up the Rivalry
No great rivalry is complete without its heroes, and DC vs RR has had plenty:
For Rajasthan Royals:
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Shane Warne: The master tactician who set the tone in 2008.
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Sanju Samson: The elegant leader who carried RR’s batting mantle.
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Jos Buttler: The English powerhouse who made six-hitting look effortless.
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Jofra Archer: The X-factor bowler capable of turning games in a single over.
For Delhi Capitals:
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Virender Sehwag: The original Daredevil whose aggression was unmatched.
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Rishabh Pant: The fearless finisher who defines DC’s modern spirit.
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Shreyas Iyer: The calm and composed captain who led their comeback.
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David Warner & Kagiso Rabada: The veteran duo who added balance and firepower.
Each era of this rivalry has had its share of fireworks — be it Sehwag vs Warne, Buttler vs Rabada, or Pant vs Samson — adding layers of nostalgia and respect between the teams.
Also Read : Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians Timeline
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
Unlike some IPL rivalries built on geography or star power, DC vs RR stands out for its unpredictability. There’s no guarantee of who’ll win — every encounter feels like a new chapter.
Sometimes it’s a run-fest under lights; sometimes a low-scoring thriller that goes down to the wire. Rain, dew, super overs — you name it, this rivalry has seen it all.
And perhaps that’s what fans love most — the element of surprise.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Rivalry
As the IPL continues to evolve, both Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals have matured into strong, well-balanced teams. They’re no longer the underdogs — they’re serious contenders.
With emerging stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Axar Patel, and Tristan Stubbs carrying the torch, the next few years promise to bring even more thrilling chapters to this timeline.
What began as a 2008 face-off between the Delhi Daredevils and the 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals has transformed into one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in IPL history.
Whether it’s a dominating win, a last-ball finish, or a dramatic Super Over, the Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals rivalry continues to symbolize everything the IPL stands for — passion, unpredictability, and pure cricketing drama.
