IPL 2026 Match 26 Preview (RCB vs DC): The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium turns green today as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) host Delhi Capitals (DC) for their iconic “Go Green” initiative. While RCB looks to solidify their #2 spot on the table, the personal narrative belongs to Virat Kohli. Following Shubman Gill’s masterclass last night, Kohli has slipped to second in the Orange Cap race. At his home fortress, the “King” has a clear mission: reclaim the cap and propel the Green Brigade to the top.
Match Details: IPL 2026 Match 26
- Fixture: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: 3:30 PM IST (Afternoon Start)
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Live Streaming: JioCinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The Chinnaswamy “Road”
Bengaluru’s afternoon heat (35°C) will bake the pitch, likely making it a high-scoring paradise.
- Boundary Dimensions: The short square boundaries and the thin air make it a nightmare for bowlers.
- Toss Factor: In afternoon games at the Chinnaswamy, the pitch stays consistent. However, since the dew factor only kicks in significantly toward the end of evening games, the captain winning the toss might bat first to avoid the peak afternoon heat while fielding.
Updated Playing XIs: New Arrivals & Tactical Shifts (RCB vs DC)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Virat Kohli (Opener)
- Phil Salt (Opener/WK)
- Devdutt Padikkal (Back in Green!)
- Rajat Patidar (c) (Captain/Anchor)
- Jitesh Sharma
- Krunal Pandya
- Tim David (Finisher)
- Romario Shepherd
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood (Strike Bowler)
- Rasikh Salam Dar
- Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- KL Rahul (wk) (Opener)
- Pathum Nissanka (New Opening Duo)
- Sameer Rizvi
- Tristan Stubbs (Lone Warrior)
- Axar Patel (c) (Captain)
- David Miller (Finisher)
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Auqib Nabi
- Kuldeep Yadav (Lead Spinner)
- T Natarajan (Death Specialist)
- Mukesh Kumar
- Impact Player: Lungi Ngidi
Top Fantasy Picks: RCB vs DC Dream11 Prediction
Captaincy Choice: Virat Kohli (RCB)
He needs just 24 runs to reclaim the Orange Cap from Shubman Gill. Averaging 57.00 this season, Kohli’s record at the Chinnaswamy is legendary.
Vice-Captain Choice: KL Rahul (DC)
Against his former side, KL Rahul is always a threat. On a flat track, his ability to anchor while maintaining a 140+ strike rate makes him a safe vice-captaincy bet.
The Differential: Rajat Patidar (RCB)
Currently 4th in the Orange Cap race (222 runs), Patidar is striking at over 213.46. As captain, he is taking more responsibility in the middle overs.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
RCB enters this game with 4 wins in 5 matches and a massive NRR of +1.503. Delhi Capitals are still searching for their best combination. Given the home advantage and the depth of the RCB batting order—boosted by Devdutt Padikkal’s return—the defending champions are heavy favorites.
Crick Insider Win Probability:
- RCB: 61%
- DC: 39%
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