Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending IPL champions and current table-toppers, host Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 26 of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 3:30 PM IST. This is an afternoon match, which changes the dew dynamics compared to evening games at this venue.
Virat Kohli holds the Orange Cap with 228 runs in 5 matches at an average of 49.11 and strike rate of 158.42. RCB have won 4 of 5 matches and remain unbeaten at home this season. In contrast, DC have lost their last two matches after starting with back-to-back wins. Sameer Rizvi has moved to No. 3 after Nitish Rana was dropped, adding a new dynamic to DC’s batting order.
RCB vs DC IPL 2026 Match 26: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 26, IPL 2026 |
| Teams | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals |
| Date | Saturday, April 18, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST (Afternoon Match) |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| RCB Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| DC Captain | Axar Patel |
| IPL 2026 Standings | RCB: 1st-2nd (W4, L1) | DC: Mid-table (W2, L2 = 4 pts) |
This is a 3:30 PM afternoon start, which is different from the standard 7:30 PM slot. Afternoon matches at the Chinnaswamy tend to produce slightly different conditions, with heat affecting the first innings and less dew compared to evening games. Consequently, batting first could be a viable option today.
How Both Teams Have Performed in IPL 2026 So Far
Here is the performance of both teams in IPL 2026 so far:
RCB: Dominant Defending Champions
RCB have been IPL 2026’s most balanced team. They beat SRH (Kohli’s 69*), crushed CSK by 43 runs (Tim David’s 70* off 25), lost to unbeaten RR in Guwahati, thrashed MI by 18 runs at Wankhede (240/4, Salt’s 78, Kohli-Salt 120-run stand), and beat LSG by 5 wickets at home (Rasikh Dar’s 4/24).
Virat Kohli leads the Orange Cap with 228 runs at avg 49.11 and SR 158.42. Captain Rajat Patidar has been equally impressive with 195+ runs at SR 184.33. Additionally, Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads RCB’s bowling with 7 wickets, all at the Chinnaswamy, while Krunal Pandya has taken 5 wickets at an economy of 7.86.
RCB are unbeaten in three home matches at the Chinnaswamy this season. Vice-captain Jitesh Sharma noted they are “adjusting to the wicket” and “working smartly and efficiently.” That tactical awareness has been the key difference between this year’s RCB and previous editions.
DC: Two-Match Losing Streak After Strong Start
DC started brilliantly, beating LSG and MI in their first two matches (Rizvi’s back-to-back 70 and 90). However, they then lost to GT by 1 run in a last-ball thriller and CSK by 23 runs. Those two defeats have dented their confidence.
A big change came when DC dropped Nitish Rana and promoted Sameer Rizvi to No. 3. Rizvi has been DC’s best batter (263 runs at avg 65.75, SR 156.54) but his move up the order adds extra pressure. KL Rahul has 111 runs in 4 matches, including a brilliant 92 against GT, but his other scores have been poor (0, 1, 18).
DC return to action after a 6-day break, which could help them reset mentally. Their bowling, led by Lungi Ngidi and Kuldeep Yadav, has been consistent but lacked match-winning spells recently.
Injury and Availability Updates for RCB vs DC
Here are Injury Updates of both Teams:
RCB: Kohli as Impact Player? Rasikh Dar Fitness Watch
The biggest surprise from Khel Now’s predicted XI is Virat Kohli listed as the impact player instead of the starting XI. However, BJ Sports and CricTracker’s predicted XI start Kohli as the opener alongside Salt. Given Kohli holds the Orange Cap, dropping him from the starting XI seems unlikely unless there is a specific tactical reason.
Rasikh Salam Dar took 4/24 against LSG but his workload needs management. If he is rested, Mangesh Yadav‘s left-arm pace or Abhinandan Singh could fill in. Additionally, Josh Hazlewood has returned and is expected to play tonight.
Devdutt Padikkal has been used as an impact player in recent matches, coming in especially during chases. Venkatesh Iyer is another impact option after his unbeaten 29 off 15 balls vs MI.
DC: Mitchell Starc Still Out, Rizvi at No. 3
Mitchell Starc remains unavailable. No update on his return. DC’s pace attack relies on Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, and T Natarajan. Additionally, Auqib Nabi Dar has retained his spot after his debut.
DC’s batting order has changed. Nitish Rana has been dropped after poor scores (15 off 17, then a 3-ball duck). Sameer Rizvi moves from No. 4 to No. 3, with Axar Patel now at No. 4. Karun Nair and Ashutosh Sharma remain impact player options.
RCB Predicted Playing XI vs DC
RCB will field a similar XI to the one that beat LSG. The main question is whether Devdutt Padikkal starts or serves as impact player.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phil Salt (wk) | Opener / Wicketkeeper |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | Opener |
| 3 | Rajat Patidar (c) | No. 3 / Captain |
| 4 | Jitesh Sharma (wk) | WK-Batter |
| 5 | Tim David | Finisher |
| 6 | Krunal Pandya | Spin All-rounder |
| 7 | Romario Shepherd | Pace All-rounder |
| 8 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Pace Bowler |
| 9 | Josh Hazlewood | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Rasikh Salam Dar | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Suyash Sharma | Leg-spinner |
Impact Player Options: Devdutt Padikkal, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Bethell, Mangesh Yadav
Kohli at the Chinnaswamy: Orange Cap Holder at Home
Kohli‘s 228 runs at avg 49.11 and SR 158.42 make him the tournament’s leading run-scorer. At the Chinnaswamy, where he has dominated for over a decade, Kohli is at his most dangerous. Against DC’s bowling, his ability to build an innings and accelerate in the middle overs will be crucial.
Moreover, Kohli has scored 97 runs off 86 balls against Axar Patel across 13 innings, getting dismissed only once. That record suggests Axar‘s left-arm spin won’t trouble Kohli tonight. DC need their pacers to dismiss Kohli early, or he could bat them out of the match.
Bhuvneshwar and Rasikh: RCB’s Pace Punch
Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s 7 wickets, all at the Chinnaswamy, show his mastery of home conditions. Additionally, Rasikh Dar‘s 4/24 against LSG was the best bowling performance by an RCB bowler this season. Together with Josh Hazlewood‘s Australian precision, RCB have three international-class pacers.
Furthermore, Suyash Sharma‘s leg-spin adds variety, while Krunal Pandya‘s economy of 7.86 provides control during the middle overs.
DC Predicted Playing XI vs RCB
DC have made changes to their batting order. Rizvi moves to No. 3, Axar to No. 4. The bowling remains settled.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pathum Nissanka | Opener |
| 2 | KL Rahul (wk) | Opener / Wicketkeeper |
| 3 | Sameer Rizvi | No. 3 (promoted) |
| 4 | Axar Patel (c) | All-rounder / Captain |
| 5 | David Miller | Middle Order |
| 6 | Tristan Stubbs | Finisher |
| 7 | Auqib Nabi Dar | Pace Bowler |
| 8 | Lungi Ngidi | Pace Bowler |
| 9 | Kuldeep Yadav | Leg-spinner |
| 10 | T Natarajan | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Mukesh Kumar | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Vipraj Nigam, Dushmantha Chameera
DC’s Batting Reshuffle: Rizvi at No. 3
Sameer Rizvi‘s promotion to No. 3 is DC’s biggest tactical change. With 263 runs at avg 65.75 and SR 156.54, Rizvi has been the tournament’s second-most impactful batter (behind Kohli). However, batting at No. 3 instead of No. 4 changes his role from a finisher to an anchor. That adjustment will be tested tonight against RCB’s bowling.
KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 93 at this very ground in 2025 to lead DC to victory over RCB (85 off 51 balls in 6 innings vs Hazlewood, dismissed only once). If Rahul recaptures that Chinnaswamy form, DC’s batting could pose a genuine threat.
DC’s Bowling: Kuldeep vs RCB’s Right-Handers
Kuldeep Yadav‘s wrist spin at the Chinnaswamy is a fascinating subplot. The surface helps batters, but Kuldeep’s variations can trouble right-handers like Kohli and Patidar during the middle overs. Furthermore, Lungi Ngidi and Mukesh Kumar (7 wickets each) provide consistent pace support.
Alternate XI Scenarios: What Could Change?
RCB: Padikkal In or Out of Starting XI?
Khel Now’s predicted XI includes Devdutt Padikkal in the starting XI (dropping Kohli to impact player, which seems unlikely). CricTracker and BJ Sports keep Padikkal as impact player. The most probable scenario is Padikkal coming in as impact during the chase if needed.
Additionally, Venkatesh Iyer‘s 29* off 15 vs MI makes him another batting impact option. Jacob Bethell is yet to feature this season but could be an option if RCB want a left-hand batting change.
DC: Karun Nair and the Vipraj Nigam Question
Karun Nair, with his vast experience at the Chinnaswamy playing for Karnataka, is a tempting impact player option. He could replace Auqib Nabi or Vipraj Nigam if DC need extra batting depth. Additionally, Ashutosh Sharma‘s all-round ability makes him useful in any situation. CricTracker’s prediction includes Vipraj Nigam in the starting XI instead of Auqib Nabi.
Chinnaswamy Pitch Report for RCB vs DC
The Chinnaswamy pitch remains a batting paradise. However, today’s 3:30 PM start changes the dynamics compared to evening games.
| Pitch Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Flat black soil; consistent bounce; fast outfield |
| IPL 2026 Matches Here | 3 matches (all high-scoring); RCB unbeaten |
| Last Match Here | RCB beat LSG by 5 wickets (pitch gripped slightly) |
| Match Time | 3:30 PM IST (afternoon); less dew than evening |
| Par Score | 200-205 (could be lower in afternoon heat) |
| Dew Factor | Less than evening games; still possible later |
| H2H Batting First Win % | 54% chasing still favoured, but less decisively |
How the Afternoon Slot Changes the Game
The 3:30 PM start means the first innings is played in peak afternoon heat (35 degrees Celsius). Consequently, batting conditions could be slightly more challenging compared to evening games when the ball comes onto the bat better. However, the Chinnaswamy’s flat surface still favours stroke-making.
Importantly, the last match here (RCB vs LSG) saw the pitch grip slightly. If that continues, spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, and Suyash Sharma could have a bigger role than usual. Furthermore, dew in the second innings will still exist but be less prominent than in a 7:30 PM game.
Bengaluru Weather Forecast for April 18, 2026
Sunny and bright afternoon. Maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius with just 20% humidity. No rain expected. Heat could be a factor for fielding teams during the first innings. Lower humidity means less dew compared to night games.
RCB vs DC Head-to-Head Record in IPL
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 33 |
| RCB Wins | 20 |
| DC Wins | 12 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Last 5 Meetings | RCB 3 – DC 2 |
| Last Meeting at Chinnaswamy (2025) | RCB won by 6 wickets (DC chased 203) |
RCB dominate the head-to-head 20-12. That is one of the most lopsided records in IPL history. However, DC have won their share at the Chinnaswamy, including the reverse fixture in 2025 when Rahul scored 93 to chase down 203.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Here are ome Key Player’s battles to watch out for:
Virat Kohli vs Kuldeep Yadav
The Orange Cap holder against India’s best wrist spinner. Kohli‘s technique against spin is excellent, but Kuldeep‘s variations can trouble any batter. In the middle overs, when the pitch grips slightly, this battle could determine whether RCB score 200 or 220.
Phil Salt vs Mohammed Shami… Wait, There’s No Shami
DC don’t have Shami’s new-ball swing. Instead, Salt faces Lungi Ngidi‘s pace and Mukesh Kumar‘s seam in the powerplay. On a flat Chinnaswamy surface, Salt’s aggressive approach should dominate. However, Ngidi’s bounce could cause trouble if the pitch has some life.
Sameer Rizvi vs Josh Hazlewood
Rizvi‘s new No. 3 position means he faces Hazlewood during the powerplay or early middle overs. Hazlewood’s back-of-a-length precision against Rizvi’s aggressive intent creates a fascinating matchup. If Rizvi survives Hazlewood’s spell, his 263 runs (avg 65.75) suggest he can dominate the rest.
Rajat Patidar vs Axar Patel
Patidar (195+ runs, SR 184.33) against Axar‘s left-arm spin (eco 7.86) is the captain vs captain duel. Patidar has been exceptional against spin this season. However, Axar’s economy shows he can contain batters even on flat tracks.
Impact Player Predictions for RCB vs DC
Here are Impact Player Predictions of both Teams:
RCB’s Likely Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal or Venkatesh Iyer
Padikkal has been used as impact player during chases. If RCB bowl first, Padikkal replaces a bowler to strengthen the chase. Alternatively, Venkatesh Iyer‘s 29* off 15 vs MI makes him useful as a lower-order enforcer.
DC’s Likely Impact Player: Ashutosh Sharma or Karun Nair
Ashutosh Sharma‘s all-round ability fits most situations. However, Karun Nair‘s Chinnaswamy experience (playing for Karnataka domestically) makes him a tempting batting option if DC need middle-order reinforcement.
RCB vs DC IPL 2026 Match 26: Match Prediction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are strong favourites at their home fortress. Three factors support this prediction.
Why RCB Will Win at Home
First, home dominance. RCB are unbeaten in three matches at the Chinnaswamy this season. Their tactical awareness of the surface (adjusting bowling lengths, using spinners smartly) gives them a significant edge. Moreover, Bhuvneshwar’s 7 wickets, all at this ground, show how well RCB’s bowlers understand these conditions.
Second, batting firepower. Kohli (Orange Cap, 228 runs), Patidar (195+ runs, SR 184.33), Salt (78 vs MI), and Tim David (70* off 25 vs CSK) give RCB the deepest batting lineup in the tournament. DC’s bowling will struggle to contain all four.
Third, DC’s inconsistency. After starting well, DC have lost two consecutive matches. Their batting order reshuffle (Rizvi to No. 3, Rana dropped) shows they are still searching for the right combination.
Can DC Upset RCB at the Chinnaswamy?
DC’s best chance is through Kuldeep Yadav‘s wrist spin in the middle overs and KL Rahul‘s Chinnaswamy memories (93 vs RCB in 2025). If Rahul and Rizvi fire together, DC can post or chase a competitive total. Furthermore, the afternoon start reduces dew, which could help DC’s bowlers grip the ball better in the second innings.
Still, RCB’s all-round balance, home advantage, and individual match-winners give them the clear edge.
Prediction: RCB to win by 20-25 runs (if batting first) or chase down the target with 8-10 balls to spare (if bowling first).
Toss Prediction: The afternoon start makes batting first more viable than in evening matches. However, teams may still prefer chasing due to Chinnaswamy’s traditionally batting-second advantage. Expect the toss winner to lean towards bowling first, though batting first is a genuine option today.
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Final Verdict
Match 26 of IPL 2026 features the tournament’s most balanced team (RCB) against a DC side struggling for consistency. The 3:30 PM afternoon start adds a different dimension to this Chinnaswamy contest.
Kohli’s Orange Cap form, Patidar’s captaincy, and RCB’s unbeaten home record make them heavy favourites.
DC need Rizvi’s bat, Rahul’s Chinnaswamy memories, and Kuldeep’s spin to compete. If all three fire, this could be a close game. If they don’t, RCB will extend their dominance and strengthen their position at the top of the IPL 2026 table.
