Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will rely on Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Josh Hazlewood, while Delhi Capitals (DC) count on KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav in Match 26 of IPL 2026 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 3:30 PM IST.
Currently, the defending champions RCB sit 2nd with four wins from five matches, whereas DC are placed in the mid-table with two wins from four games. Although DC started strongly with back-to-back victories, they have since lost two in a row and therefore need a turnaround quickly.
RCB vs DC Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | RCB vs DC, Match 26, IPL 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, April 18, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST (Afternoon Match) |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| Toss | 3:00 PM IST |
| RCB Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| DC Captain | Axar Patel |
RCB Playing 11 Today
Because RCB defeated LSG by five wickets in their last outing, they are unlikely to change a winning combination. Accordingly, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli continue to open, since the duo has been among the most destructive partnerships in IPL 2026.
Furthermore, captain Rajat Patidar anchors the middle order, with both Kohli and Patidar currently in the top three of the Orange Cap list. Additionally, Tim David provides late-innings power, while Jitesh Sharma keeps wickets.
On the bowling front, the return of Josh Hazlewood has transformed RCB’s attack. Moreover, Bhuvneshwar Kumar swings the new ball effectively, while Rasikh Salam adds raw pace. Besides that, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma cover the spin department.
RCB Predicted XI: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam.
DC Playing 11 Today
Since Delhi Capitals have lost their last two games, captain Axar Patel faces pressure to find the right balance. Consequently, Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul will open, though neither has contributed significantly so far this season.
However, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs strengthen the middle order with overseas power-hitting. Additionally, Sameer Rizvi at No. 3 offers a left-handed option, although he could be replaced by Nitish Rana if DC opt for experience.
In terms of bowling, Kuldeep Yadav leads DC’s spin attack, while Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan handle the pace duties. Besides that, Mukesh Kumar adds a workhorse option, and Axar Patel himself bowls crucial middle-over spells.
DC Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (WK), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi Dar, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.
Impact Player Picks for Both Sides
RCB Impact Sub: Virat Kohli
Interestingly, Virat Kohli could slot in as the impact player if RCB choose to strengthen their bowling-first XI. Since this is an afternoon match, the toss-winning captain may bat first, and therefore Kohli’s inclusion as a specialist top-order weapon makes strategic sense.
DC Impact Sub: Ashutosh Sharma
Similarly, Ashutosh Sharma offers DC a dynamic batting option in the lower order. Specifically, his ability to clear short Chinnaswamy boundaries also makes him an ideal candidate to come in during a run chase or to add firepower in the death overs.
Key Players to Watch in Match 26
Firstly, the clash between Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav will be the headline battle at Chinnaswamy. Similarly, KL Rahul returning to his former home ground in Bengaluru adds an emotional subplot, since his knock won DC the game here in 2025.
| Player | Team | Role | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Opener | 1,130 runs all-time vs DC; top-three in Orange Cap 2026; IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer |
| Phil Salt | RCB | Opener / WK | Explosive starts; strike rate above 160; key powerplay performer |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | Pace Spearhead | Player of the Match vs LSG; 11 wickets in 10 recent games; economy 8.35 |
| Rajat Patidar | RCB | Captain / Batter | Top-three Orange Cap; leads from the front; strong against pace |
| KL Rahul | DC | WK-Batter | Won DC the game at Chinnaswamy in 2025; returning to former home ground |
| Kuldeep Yadav | DC | Left-arm Spinner | Dangerous on turning tracks; middle-overs threat; economy 7.64 |
| Axar Patel | DC | Captain / All-rounder | 7 wickets in 7 games; bowls crucial overs; left-arm spin weapon |
Head-to-Head Record: RCB vs DC
Across 33 IPL meetings, RCB comfortably lead with 20 wins to DC‘s 12, while one match ended without a result. Notably, Kohli’s 1,130 runs and Yuzvendra Chahal’s 15 wickets make this rivalry particularly one-sided in RCB’s favour.
| Category | RCB | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 33 | 33 |
| Wins | 20 | 12 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Score | 215/1 | 196/4 |
| Lowest Score | 99 | 95 |
| Most Runs | Virat Kohli (1,130) | Rishabh Pant (421) |
| Most Wickets | Yuzvendra Chahal (15) | Kagiso Rabada (4/21 best) |
| Best Bowling | J Unadkat (5/25) | K Rabada (4/21) |
Additionally, DC’s 95 all out at Delhi in 2015 remains the lowest team total in this rivalry. However, DC won the reverse fixture at Chinnaswamy in IPL 2025, proving they can challenge RCB on their home turf.
Pitch Report & Weather Forecast
Firstly, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch generally favours batters, with the average first-innings IPL score around 167. Furthermore, the short boundaries at 65 metres and a flat, true surface mean scores above 185 are entirely possible.
Secondly, the Bengaluru weather forecast shows sunny conditions with 35°C and around 20% humidity. Since this is a 3:30 PM afternoon match, the dew factor will be less significant compared to night games. Consequently, bowling second may not carry as big an advantage as evening fixtures typically do at this venue.
Besides that, RCB’s last home game against LSG was played on a slightly sticky wicket that gripped more than usual. However, a fresher pitch is expected for this contest, which should therefore make stroke-play easier for both sides.
Match Prediction: Who Wins Today?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter this clash as strong favourites, especially since they are the defending champions playing at fortress Chinnaswamy. Specifically, their batting depth with Kohli, Salt, and Patidar gives them a clear edge over DC’s bowling unit.
On the other hand, DC carry the memory of winning at this very ground in IPL 2025, which gives them belief. However, their back-to-back losses to GT and CSK have dented confidence, and the bowling needs to deliver under pressure.
As for the toss, since this is an afternoon game, the captain winning the flip may choose to bat first and put runs on the board. Ultimately, RCB are predicted to win this contest and therefore consolidate their position in the top two.
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Final Word
To sum up, the RCB vs DC Match 26 promises an exciting Saturday afternoon at Chinnaswamy. If Virat Kohli fires in front of his home crowd, then DC’s bowling could face a very long session in the Bengaluru heat.
Otherwise, KL Rahul’s return to his former home might produce a special innings. Either way, fans are in for a treat as the defending champions look to extend their dominant run.
