The RCB vs DC rivalry in the Indian Premier League is one of the most entertaining contests in T20 cricket. Royal Challengers Bengaluru lead the head-to-head record 20–13 against Delhi Capitals across 35 IPL matches. In IPL 2026, the two sides shared the spoils – DC won a last-over thriller at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while RCB responded with a dominant nine-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This fixture consistently delivers high drama, world-class performances, and unforgettable moments that capture the imagination of cricket fans worldwide.
Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League generate as much excitement as RCB vs DC. Whether it’s the electric atmosphere of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium or the passionate Delhi crowd at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, every encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals feels like a blockbuster event. From Virat Kohli’s masterful strokeplay to KL Rahul’s elegant timing, this fixture brings together some of the finest talents in world cricket.
The rivalry took on a new dimension in 2026, with both matches producing contrasting outcomes that showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. One was a nerve-shredding last-over finish, the other a one-sided demolition. This article covers everything you need to know about the RCB vs DC head-to-head record, key performers, memorable matches, and what makes this IPL rivalry so special.
Head-to-Head Record: RCB vs DC
Overall Statistics
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have historically dominated this fixture. Across 35 IPL meetings, RCB have won 20 matches, while Delhi Capitals have secured 13 victories, with one match ending in a tie and one producing no result.
| Statistic | Details |
| Matches Played | 35 |
| RCB Wins | 20 |
| DC Wins | 13 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 1 |
Venue-Wise Breakdown
The venue often plays a crucial role in determining the outcome:
| Venue | Matches | RCB Wins | DC Wins |
| M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 12 | 6 | 4 |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Neutral Venues | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Interestingly, RCB have won more matches at Delhi’s home ground than DC have, underlining the unpredictable nature of this rivalry.
IPL 2026 Encounters: A Tale of Two Matches
Match 26 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (April 18)
Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets
DC captain Axar Patel won the toss and elected to bowl first. RCB opener Phil Salt smashed a brilliant 63 off 38 balls, but the middle order failed to capitalise. RCB finished at 175/8 in 20 overs.
In reply, KL Rahul anchored the chase with 57 off 34 balls, while Tristan Stubbs played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 60 off 47 balls. Needing 15 runs off the final over, David Miller smashed back-to-back sixes followed by a boundary to seal a thrilling win. RCB captain Rajat Patidar admitted his side fell “15-20 runs short” despite a spirited effort.
Match 39 – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (April 27)
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 9 wickets
RCB opted to field first and produced a stunning bowling performance, bowling DC out for just 75 runs. Josh Hazlewood picked up 4 wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 3. It was DC’s third-lowest total in IPL history.
RCB chased the target in just 6.3 overs, with Virat Kohli (23) and Devdutt Padikkal (34) guiding the team home. Hazlewood was named Player of the Match for his bowling heroics.
All-Time Top Performers
Leading Run-Scorers in RCB vs DC Matches
| Batter | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
| Virat Kohli (RCB) | 31 | 1,149 | 47.87 | 134.07 | 99 |
| AB de Villiers (RCB) | 19 | 690 | 49.28 | 147.12 | 90* |
| Rishabh Pant (DC) | 12 | 421 | 42.10 | 150.35 | 85 |
| Chris Gayle (RCB) | 11 | 311 | 38.87 | 146.00 | 128* |
Virat Kohli stands head and shoulders above the rest, having amassed over 1,100 runs against Delhi Capitals – a testament to his consistency and mastery in this fixture.
Leading Wicket-Takers in RCB vs DC Matches
| Bowler | Innings | Wickets | Economy | Average | Best Figures |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 15 | 15 | 7.97 | 27.73 | 3/32 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 11 | 13 | 8.80 | 26.30 | 2/23 |
| Harshal Patel | 14 | 13 | 9.46 | 35.69 | 3/43 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 6 | 13 | 7.54 | 13.92 | 4/21 |
RCB vs DC: Key Players to Watch
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
| Player | Role | Key Strength |
| Virat Kohli | Batsman | All-time leading run-scorer in this fixture; master of chases |
| Rajat Patidar | Captain/Batsman | Led RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025 |
| Phil Salt | Wicketkeeper/Batsman | Explosive opener; scored 63 in the April 2026 clash |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler | Leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026 with 14 wickets |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Took 4 wickets against DC in the Delhi match |
Delhi Capitals
| Player | Role | Key Strength |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper/Batsman | Anchored the chase with 57 in the Bengaluru win |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batsman | Match-winning 60* against RCB; Player of the Match |
| David Miller | Batsman | Ice-cool finisher; smashed 22 off 10 balls in the chase |
| Axar Patel | Captain/All-Rounder | Led from the front with 2 wickets in the Bengaluru match |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | Picked up 2 crucial wickets including the big scalp of Phil Salt |
Memorable Matches in RCB vs DC History
The Super Over Thriller (2013)
One of the most iconic matches in IPL history took place on April 16, 2013, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB defeated Delhi Daredevils in a Super Over. The match set the tone for a rivalry that would produce countless unforgettable moments over the years.
The One-Run Win (2021)
On April 27, 2021, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB held their nerve to win by just one run – one of the narrowest margins in IPL history. The match epitomised the never-say-die attitude of both sides.
RCB’s Title-Winning Season (2025)
In 2025, RCB won their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Their victories against DC that season were an important part of their championship run, with RCB winning both encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has won more matches between RCB and DC?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru hold the edge, having won 20 matches compared to Delhi Capitals’ 13 victories across 35 IPL encounters.
2. What was the result of the RCB vs DC match in IPL 2026 at Bengaluru?
Delhi Capitals won a thrilling last-over match by 6 wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18, 2026. KL Rahul scored 57, while Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 60.
3. What happened in the second RCB vs DC match of IPL 2026?
RCB produced a stunning performance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, bowling DC out for just 75 runs and chasing the target in 6.3 overs to win by 9 wickets. Josh Hazlewood took 4 wickets.
4. Who is the leading run-scorer in RCB vs DC matches?
Virat Kohli is the all-time leading run-scorer in this fixture with 1,149 runs from 31 innings at an average of 47.87.
5. Who is the leading wicket-taker in RCB vs DC matches?
Yuzvendra Chahal leads the wicket-taking charts with 15 wickets from 15 innings, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.97.
6. When did RCB win their first IPL title?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in the final.
7. Has Delhi Capitals ever won the IPL?
No, Delhi Capitals are still searching for their first IPL trophy despite reaching the final in 2020.
8. Where do RCB and DC play their home matches?
RCB play their home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, while DC play at the Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla) in Delhi.
9. Who is the captain of RCB in IPL 2026?
Rajat Patidar is the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026.
10. Who is the captain of DC in IPL 2026?
Axar Patel captains Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.
Conclusion
The RCB vs DC rivalry encapsulates everything that makes the Indian Premier League the world’s most exciting T20 cricket tournament. With RCB holding a commanding 20–13 lead in the head-to-head record, the numbers favour the Bengaluru franchise. But as the IPL 2026 season demonstrated, this rivalry is anything but predictable.
The two matches played in 2026 told completely different stories – DC’s last-over heist at the Chinnaswamy Stadium showcased the nerve and composure of Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, while RCB’s demolition of DC in Delhi was a masterclass in bowling from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Both sides have world-class match-winners capable of turning the game on its head.
For cricket fans, the beauty of this rivalry lies in its contrasts – the red and gold of RCB against the blue of DC, the passionate Bengaluru crowd versus the vocal Delhi supporters, the free-flowing batting of Virat Kohli against the crafty spin of Kuldeep Yadav. As both teams continue to evolve and strengthen their squads, future RCB vs DC encounters promise to deliver more drama, more excitement, and more unforgettable moments. One thing is certain – whenever these two teams meet, cricket is the real winner.
