IPL 2026, Match 26: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Match Preview

Published - 17 Apr 2026, 09:54 IST | Updated - 17 Apr 2026, 10:27 IST

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match No. 26 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on April 18 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

RCB currently sit second on the points table, having secured four wins from five matches. They have carried strong momentum from last season, with their only setback this year coming against Rajasthan Royals. The defending champions will be eager to register their fifth win, further strengthening their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

On the other hand, DC are placed fifth with two wins from four matches. After a promising start, they have struggled for consistency, suffering defeats against Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. They will be keen to bounce back and return to winning ways in this crucial encounter.

The pitch at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is traditionally batting-friendly, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat, allowing stroke-makers to play their shots freely. However, bowlers can still have an impact, especially if the surface tends to slow down as the game progresses. Given that this is an afternoon fixture, dew is unlikely to play a role, which should provide some relief for the bowlers.

Phillip Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suyash Sharma Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal Delhi Capitals (DC): Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi Dar, Vipraj Nigam, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar Impact Player: Sameer Rizvi