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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 18, 2026, 13:40:00 IST
RCB vs DC Live Score, IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shaped into a balanced side nearly a month into IPL 2026 and will look to continue that run when they take on Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
Much of the attention has been on Virat Kohli, who currently holds the Orange Cap. But the batting unit is no longer dependent only on him.
Captain Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt and Tim David have all contributed to wins this season and will aim to do the same against Delhi.
Patidar has stood out with his six-hitting, leading the list with 21 sixes in five matches, three more than Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals.
These contributions have allowed Kohli to bat with support from the rest of the lineup.
Delhi, on the other hand, are still looking for consistency in batting. The side has players like KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Nitish Rana, but none have been consistent. They are currently fifth on the table with four points.
Young batter Sameer Rizvi has been one of the few positives, with two half-centuries. Delhi’s two wins have come against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Captain Axar Patel has taken three wickets and scored three runs in four matches this season.
The bowling has also lacked consistency. Kuldeep Yadav has taken three wickets while conceding close to 10 runs per over. Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan have had limited impact.
It will be a challenge for Delhi to contain RCB’s batting.
RCB’s bowling unit, led by Josh Hazlewood, has also been effective, especially at the Chinnaswamy.
Stay with TOI for all the live updates from the match:
DC vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2026: DC bowling also lacks consistency
The bowling unit of Delhi Capitals has also struggled this season. Kuldeep Yadav has taken only three wickets and has been expensive, conceding close to 10 runs per over. Pacers like Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan have not been consistent either.
This has made it difficult for Delhi to defend totals or control the game in key phases. Against a batting lineup like RCB’s, the bowlers will need to find better control and execution. Without improvement in bowling, it could be a difficult outing for Delhi.
IPL Live Score: Axar Patel yet to deliver this season
Axar Patel has not had a strong start to IPL 2026 as captain of Delhi Capitals. He has taken only three wickets and scored just three runs in four matches. His performance has added to the team’s struggles, especially since he plays a key role as an all-rounder.
With both batting and bowling not producing expected results, Delhi have found it difficult to control matches.
As captain, Axar’s role becomes even more important in guiding the team through this phase. Against RCB, Delhi will need a better outing from their captain to improve their chances.
DC vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2026: Sameer Rizvi lone bright spot for DC
Among the batters of Delhi Capitals, Sameer Rizvi has shown some consistency this season. He has scored two half-centuries and has looked comfortable in pressure situations. While other senior players have struggled to deliver regularly, Rizvi’s performances have been noticeable.
However, one player alone has not been enough to change results, as the team has lost its last two matches. Delhi’s wins so far have come against teams that are also struggling, including Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. For the match against RCB, Delhi will need more players to support Rizvi if they want to compete against the Patidar’s boys.
RCB vs DC Live Score, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals struggle for batting consistency
Delhi Capitals are still searching for stability in their batting this season. The team has experienced players like KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Nitish Rana, but none have been consistent. Even though they are placed fifth with four points, their performances have not reflected that position.
The lack of partnerships and repeated failures in crucial moments have hurt their chances in matches. The team has struggled to build momentum with the bat, which has also put pressure on their bowlers. Against a strong RCB side, Delhi will need their senior players to step up and deliver.
RCB vs DC Live Score, IPL 2026: RCB batting depth now showing results
The batting unit of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has shown clear improvement this season with multiple players contributing. Apart from Virat Kohli, players like Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt and Tim David have played important roles in the team’s wins.
This spread of contributions has helped RCB move away from relying on one or two players.
The team has managed to put up strong totals and chase targets because different players have stepped up in different matches.
This kind of balance is helping them handle pressure situations better. As they take on Delhi Capitals, RCB will again look to use this depth to maintain control of the game.
IPL Live: Patidar leads six-hitting chart this season
Captain Rajat Patidar has been one of the top performers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, especially with his hitting.
He currently leads the six-hitting chart with 21 sixes from five matches, which is three more than Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals. Patidar’s aggressive approach has helped RCB maintain momentum in the middle overs and close out innings faster.
His performances have also taken pressure off players like Virat Kohli, allowing the team to build partnerships without slowing down. With consistent contributions from the captain, RCB’s batting looks more stable. Going into the match against Delhi Capitals, Rajat Patidar will again be an important player in setting or chasing targets.
IPL Live Score Kohli leads, but RCB no longer depend on one player
Virat Kohli continues to lead the batting charts for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but the team is no longer dependent only on him. Kohli has been consistent and currently holds the Orange Cap, but this season has seen more players stepping up around him.
The change in team structure has allowed Kohli to focus on his game without the pressure of carrying the batting every time. With support coming from other batters, RCB have been able to build big totals and chase targets more comfortably. This balance has played a key role in their results so far. As they prepare to face Delhi Capitals, Kohli’s role remains important, but the team will again look for collective contributions rather than relying on one player.
DC vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2026: RCB look most settled team this season
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have built a strong unit this season, and almost a month into IPL 2026, they are being seen as one of the most complete teams in the competition.
The focus has often been on Virat Kohli, who is currently holding the Orange Cap, but the team’s strength now goes beyond just one player. Earlier, RCB’s batting depended heavily on Kohli, but that is no longer the case.
The presence of multiple contributors has helped balance the side. This shift has allowed Kohli to play with more freedom, knowing others can carry the innings if needed. With several players stepping up in different matches, RCB now look like a team that can adapt to different situations. As they face Delhi Capitals, they will aim to continue this approach and maintain their position near the top of the table.
RCB vs DC Live Score, IPL 2026: Hello & welcome
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 26th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at RCB’s home ground M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning champions, have looked in good touch this season, suffering just one defeat so far only against Rajasthan Royals (RR). The Rajat Patidar’s side has otherwise been dominant, securing convincing wins over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
RCB currently sit second on the points table and will be aiming to carry the momentum forward in their pursuit of the top spot.
Stay with TOI for all the latest updates, analysis and key moments from the match.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have emerged as a balanced side a month into IPL 2026 and will look to continue their run when they face Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
Focus has been on Virat Kohli, who holds the Orange Cap, but the batting is no longer dependent only on him. Captain Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt and Tim David have all contributed. Patidar leads the six-hitting chart with 21 in five matches, ahead of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals.
Delhi are still searching for consistency. KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Nitish Rana have not delivered regularly. Sameer Rizvi has been one of the few positives with two half-centuries. Their two wins came against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Captain Axar Patel has taken three wickets and scored three runs in four matches. Kuldeep Yadav has also struggled, while Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan have had limited impact.
RCB’s bowling, led by Josh Hazlewood, has been effective at home. RCB vice-captain Jitesh Sharma said, “I think this year we are very smart about the wicket, we are adjusting to the wicket, we are tactically working, and I think that’s why we are winning all the games at home. I think that shows that we are working smartly and efficiently.”
Unless Delhi improve, the contest could follow a similar pattern seen in earlier matches here.
