Ben Stokes Century vs Delhi Capitals (IPL 2018)

Lore & Background

This victory is often cited by fans as the defining moment of Stokes' tenure with the franchise, showcasing his unique blend of aggression and calculation. It transformed a potential defeat into a statement win, reminding the cricketing world why he was considered one of the most valuable assets in the tournament.

In Their Own Story

The Delhi evening air was thick with anticipation as the crowd roared for their home side. As the bowler ran in, the world seemed to slow down; every bounce, every swing of the bat felt like a heartbeat. With the stadium lights cutting through the haze, he loosed off a boundary that silenced the opposition and ignited the blue-clad faithful.

Reader's Guide

The turning point arrived as Stokes stabilized the innings with aggressive stroke play against the spinners, refusing to let the bowlers dictate the tempo. As the required run rate climbed into double digits, Stokes began clearing the boundaries at will, hitting a series of sixes that shifted the momentum entirely in Rajasthan's favor. The Delhi bowlers looked helpless as he dismantled their plans with sheer power and precision. The emotional impact on the fans was electric; what started as a somber realization of defeat turned into a euphoric celebration. When Stokes finally raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd after reaching his century, the stadium erupted in a mix of shock and admiration for one of the greatest chases ever witnessed.

Did You Know?

• This was Ben Stokes' first IPL century, coming off a strike rate that kept the pressure on Delhi throughout the chase.
• The match took place just days after the Royals suffered a heavy defeat, making this win crucial for their playoff hopes.
• Stokes finished unbeaten, ensuring he did not have to face any more deliveries in what was already a completed innings of brilliance.

Franchise Origins and Ownership Evolution

The Rajasthan Royals emerged as one of the eight founding franchises when the Indian Premier League launched in 2008, purchased by Manoj Badale's Emerging Media Ventures for $67 million. This bid made them the least expensive team in the inaugural auction, yet they defied expectations to win the very first title under Shane Warne's captaincy. Over the years, their ownership structure saw significant shifts, including high-profile minority investments from Bollywood figures Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra until a 2013 scandal forced their exit. By 2021, RedBird Capital Partners entered with a substantial stake, valuing the team at $250 million. The franchise's history reached a pivotal moment in 2026 when Badale sought to sell his majority holding. After an initial failed attempt involving American investors Kal Somani and Rob Walton for $1.63 billion, the team was eventually acquired by a consortium led by Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla for $1.65 billion, marking a new era of global investment in Indian sports.

The Scandal Suspension and Legal Return

The franchise faced its darkest hour following the 2013 spot-fixing scandal, which resulted in a two-year suspension by the Supreme Court-appointed panel. This ban prevented the Royals from competing in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons, effectively erasing them from the league's landscape during those years. Their return to competition was only realized with the start of the 2018 season, a crucial period that allowed players like Ben Stokes to eventually contribute to their legacy. Prior to this suspension, the team had also faced expulsion threats in 2010 due to ownership controversies involving the BCCI. However, through legal battles at the Bombay High Court and arbitration, they successfully negotiated to remain in the league while investigations continued. The legal turmoil caused significant reputational damage and financial losses for the BCCI, ultimately leading them to drop further actions against the Royals, ensuring their survival and eventual resurgence in the tournament.

Historical Achievements and Key Contributors

Rajasthan Royals have a habit of exceeding expectations, highlighted by winning the inaugural IPL title as underdogs. They added runner-up spots on the 2013 Champions League Twenty20 and 2022 IPL scoreboards, proving consistent strength across eras led by Shane Warne to Sanju Samson. The team's story is written by world-class players who shaped its winning culture. Sanju Samson leads all-time run-scorers with 4,219 runs; Jofra Archer tops the wicket charts with 70 dismissals. Legends like Shane Watson, Jos Buttler, Steve Smith, and Yusuf Pathan were vital in building the Royals into a Twenty20 powerhouse.

Modern Era Resilience and Future Outlook

Recently, Rajasthan Royals have kept hitting the playoffs despite shifting leadership. Guided by captain Sanju Samson and mentor Kumar Sangakkara, the squad reached the 2024 final before losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Looking forward, they appointed former India coach Rahul Dravid as Head Coach for the 2025 season to sharpen tactical focus. While Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is their primary home ground, the team also plays select matches at Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati. Under new ownership from Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla following the 2026 acquisition, the Royals will use deeper resources to stay true to their reputation of winning against all odds.