The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline showcases one of the most exciting and longstanding rivalries in the Indian Premier League. Over the years, these teams have produced thrilling matches featuring high-scoring chases, brilliant individual performances, and nail-biting finishes. Historically, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had an edge, but Delhi Capitals (DC) have consistently challenged them, making every encounter unpredictable and must-watch for fans.
Table of Contents
RCB vs DC Head-to-Head: Team & Match Stats
While RCB leads the overall head-to-head, Delhi Capitals have achieved some remarkable victories, especially in recent seasons, showing the competitive balance in this fixture.
| Statistic | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Delhi Capitals (DC) |
| Matches Played (IPL) | 33 | 33 |
| Wins | 20 | 12 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Team Total in Clash | 215/1 | 196/4 |
| Lowest Team Total in Clash | 95 | 137 |
RCB & DC Squad Lists for IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Squad – IPL 2026:
Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan
Delhi Capitals (DC) Squad – IPL 2026:
KL Rahul, Axar Patel (c), Nitish Rana, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera, David Miller, Ben Duckett, Auqib Nabi, Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Kyle Jamieson
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Timeline – Season-Wise
2008–2019: Early Rivalry Years
The rivalry began in the inaugural IPL seasons, with RCB often dominating through big-hitting performances and consistent bowling. Delhi Capitals, then known as Delhi Daredevils, also secured key victories, keeping the contests competitive.
2020: Close Contests
Matches in 2020 were tightly contested. DC adapted quickly with new strategies, winning narrow games while RCB relied on their star players to hold the upper hand.
2021–2022: Tense Fixtures
During this period, both teams were involved in low-margin victories. RCB won thrilling encounters by just a few runs, while DC showed resilience with strategic chases and key partnerships.
2023: Mixed Results
The 2023 season saw victories shared between the sides, with RCB posting strong totals and DC chasing successfully in several matches. Both teams showcased tactical depth and explosive performances.
2024: RCB Edge
RCB strengthened their dominance with a commanding 47-run victory over DC at home. The team displayed a combination of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling that kept DC under pressure.
2025: Balanced Battles
- Early Season: DC won by 6 wickets in Bengaluru, driven by a brilliant innings from KL Rahul, highlighting their strong batting depth.
- Later Season: RCB responded in Delhi with a 6-wicket win, led by their middle order, leveling the rivalry’s excitement for the season.
These 2025 results emphasised the unpredictable nature of this fixture, maintaining its status as a fan-favorite clash.
IPL Title Wins: RCB vs DC
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline highlights the franchise success in the IPL. While RCB finally lifted their maiden title in 2025, DC continue to be strong playoff contenders seeking their first championship.
| Team | IPL Titles Won | Notable Finishes |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 1 (2025) | Runners-up: 2009, 2011, 2016; Playoff appearances in multiple seasons |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | 0 | Playoff appearances: 2012, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023; IPL Finalist in 2020 |
RCB vs DC Head-to-Head: Top Performers
Top Batters:
- Virat Kohli (RCB) – the standout performer in this matchup with over 1000 runs, consistently anchoring RCB innings.
- KL Rahul (DC) – key contributor in DC victories, including crucial unbeaten innings that changed the course of matches.
Key Bowlers:
- Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB) – a consistent wicket-taker who has troubled DC batters in multiple seasons.
- Kagiso Rabada (DC) – impactful in high-pressure games, often providing crucial breakthroughs for DC.
What to Expect from Royal Challengers Bengaluru & Delhi Capitals in 2026
Both teams head into the 2026 IPL season with strong squads and high expectations. RCB, fresh off their maiden IPL title in 2025, will rely on experienced leaders like Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, supported by a powerful batting lineup and versatile bowlers such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. Delhi Capitals, led by KL Rahul and Axar Patel, boast a balanced team with explosive batting, quality pacers like Lungi Ngidi, and reliable spinners. Their clashes in 2026 are expected to be high-scoring, tactical, and thrilling, adding an exciting new chapter to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline.
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline reflects a rivalry that has grown in intensity and excitement over nearly two decades. From the early dominance of RCB to the resilient comebacks by DC, these encounters have consistently delivered thrilling cricket, memorable performances, and high-stakes drama. With both teams entering the 2026 season with strong squads, experienced leaders, and talented new players, fans can expect more competitive, high-scoring, and tactically rich matches. As this rivalry continues to evolve, every RCB vs DC clash promises to be a highlight of the IPL calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals first face each other in the IPL?
They first played against each other in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, starting one of the league’s most exciting rivalries.
2. What is the overall head-to-head record between RCB and DC?
As of the 2025 season, RCB have won 20 matches and DC have won 12 in 33 encounters, with one match ending with no result.
3. Who are the top performers in the RCB vs DC rivalry?
For RCB, Virat Kohli and Yuzvendra Chahal have been standout players. For DC, KL Rahul and Kagiso Rabada have made significant impacts in this matchup.
4. Have RCB or DC won an IPL title?
RCB won their maiden IPL title in 2025. DC are yet to win an IPL championship but have been strong playoff contenders multiple times.
5. What can fans expect from RCB and DC in the 2026 IPL season?
Both teams have strong, balanced squads. RCB will rely on experienced leaders and explosive batting, while DC focus on aggressive chases and tactical bowling. Their matches are expected to be high-scoring, competitive, and thrilling.
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