April 17, 2025: In a nail-biting finish to the IPL 2025 clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, it was Mitchell Starc’s brilliant bowling in the 20th over that took the match to a thrilling Super Over.
DC’s Tristan Stubbs, who had a pivotal role in the match, reflected on the roller-coaster moments, including a crucial dropped catch and his composure in the high-pressure Super Over.
Speaking after the match, Stubbs acknowledged his mistake during the 19th over when he dropped a vital catch, which allowed Rajasthan to put up more runs and put the game in jeopardy. However, he credited KL Rahul, who was there to calm him down and help him refocus.
“I felt horrible when I dropped that catch,” said Stubbs, clearly disappointed with the error. “But KL kept me calm there and I tried to stay focused to win the game for the team. I couldn’t believe I dropped it, and then they hit a six and a four off the next few balls. It was definitely a moment of disappointment for me.”
Despite the setback, the match headed into the Super Over, and Stubbs, along with Sandeep Sharma, formulated a strategy to take on the opposition. Reflecting on the Super Over plan, Stubbs mentioned, “Sandeep was going for slower ball bouncers, and so I committed to that shot. KL reminded me to take my time and focus on handling the pressure, which was key.”
When asked about his current form, Stubbs expressed confidence and satisfaction with how he has been playing. “It’s going well so far, I just want to keep going,” he said. “Feels good to bounce back after the dropped catch, and I hope we can carry on with that momentum.”
As the match entered the Super Over, both teams knew the outcome would be decided by a final showdown. Despite the challenges, it was Stubbs’ calmness under pressure and Rahul’s advice that helped DC stay composed, pushing them through a tight finish. The match certainly showcased both individual brilliance and collective team spirit, ensuring it would be remembered as a thrilling IPL encounter.