Delhi Capitals Aim To Match RCB's Six-Hitting Firepower

RCB and Delhi Capitals. [Source - AP]

RCB has been unstoppable in IPL 2026, with their batting proving a brutal force that no team has matched. As they face Delhi Capitals next, RCB will look to continue their dominance, while the Capitals aims to bounce back from recent setbacks.

The key to this match lies in six-hitting. RCB leads the IPL 2026 charts with a strike-rate of 180.25, hitting a six every 8.82 balls. In contrast, Delhi Capitals are striking at 144.83 and hitting a six every 14.67 balls, ranking 8th.

Delhi will need to match RCB’s firepower to compete. Their ability to hit sixes consistently is crucial if they are to close the gap. If Delhi Capitals can improve in this area, they may have a shot at toppling the defending champions.

DC vs RCB Match Preview

RCB is set to play their fourth home game of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, hosting Delhi Capitals in Match 26. This Saturday afternoon clash on April 18th will start at 3:30 PM IST, with both teams looking to get the crucial 2 points.

Thinking of RCB vs Delhi Capitals in Bengaluru brings back memories of KL Rahul’s unbeaten 93 last season, guiding Delhi to a tricky chase. A year later, they meet again with RCB in the top two, having won 4 out of 5 games, while the Capitals sits mid-table with 2 wins from 4 matches.

Watchful Start a Must for Big Finish at the Chinnaswamy

RCB's home ground in Bengaluru has seen high scores, provided the team batting does not lose too many wickets in the powerplay.

• RCB’s 250-run score against CSK earlier this season was built on a solid yet watchful start from openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, setting the stage for hard-hitters.
• The good length has been extremely difficult to bat against at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
• RCB has completely mastered this length, taking 6 of the 7 powerplay wickets at home off that delivery.

All eyes on KL Rahul

KL Rahul will be a key figure vs RCB, as always. In fact, four of the five times he has scored 50+ against RCB, his team has emerged victorious.

• However, his early struggles in IPL 2026 have been a concern, with three dismissals within the first 10 balls. 
• This has hurt the team's overall powerplay strike-rate, which currently stands at 131.25, the second lowest in the tournament.

Timing Axar Patel’s Powerplay Overs Will Be Key for Delhi

Powerplay wickets with the ball will be crucial for Delhi Capitals if they are to challenge RCB effectively. RCB won’t feel too troubled unless Axar Patel comes into play against Kohli. 

• Salt has an impressive strike rate of 268.75 against left-arm spinners in the powerplay since IPL 2025, 
• while Kohli’s strike rate is 126.2, making Axar’s timing crucial for Delhi.
• RCB have suffered just 1 wicket per game in their 3 matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this season, 
• allowing their middle-order to come in at the perfect time. 

Also Read: Virat Kohli In As Impact Player Again? RCB Strongest XI vs DC For IPL 2026, Match 26

Players To Watch Out

Lungi Ngidi 

Lungi Ngidi will be a key player to watch in the upcoming RCB vs DC clash. With RCB’s finishers in brutal form, striking at an astonishing 234.72 in the death overs, Delhi will need Ngidi to counter this firepower effectively. 

Delhi has conceded 9.41 runs per over in the 17-20 over phase, second-lowest this season. Ngidi, with his variations, particularly the dipping slower balls, has been exceptional, conceding just 6.71 runs per over in the death overs, the best for any bowler with 5 or more overs in this phase.

Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar has been in sensational form for RCB, amassing 222 runs at a staggering strike-rate of 213.46. He has taken on spinners with ease, but now faces the challenge of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. 

For RCB to maintain their explosive batting, Patidar’s continued dominance in the middle-overs will be crucial. No player has scored more runs than him between 7-16 overs this season, striking at an incredible 223.86, with 18 sixes to his name.

Key Stats

• RCB lead the head-to-head record vs Delhi Capitals by 19-12 with 1 tie and a washout. 
• RCB also lead the head-to-head record vs Delhi Capitals in Bengaluru by 6-5.
• RCB has won each of their last 5 matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
• KL Rahul loves playing vs RCB - 71.09 average, 144.28 strike-rate, 1 100, 4 50s.
• RCB has scored at 11.16 runs per over vs pace - second best in IPL 2026.
• Delhi Capitals' pace attack has been the second most economical in IPL 2026 - 8.97 runs per over.
• Krunal Pandya has second highest wickets in middle-overs this season - 7
• Kuldeep Yadav in last 10 IPL matches for DC - 6 wickets, 52.3 average and 6 overs to take 1 wicket.
• Tim David has scored 100 runs of 34 balls between 17-20 overs in IPL 2026.
• David Miller is striking at 229.41 in 17-20 overs this season.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar has 5 wickets at 7.62 in death overs this season. 

Possible Changes

Abishek Porel at 3

Nitish Rana was dropped in Delhi Capitals' last match against CSK, leaving the top-order feeling a bit light. To address this gap, they might bring in Abishek Porel their playing XI vs RCB.

Kyle Jamieson: A Gamble for Delhi Capitals?

Kyle Jamieson is another option Delhi Capitals could explore, especially with Bengaluru's pitch offering some assistance to bowlers who hit the deck hard. It’s an unlikely move, but if they take the chance, Jamieson could be a potent weapon with the new ball against RCB's openers.

What To Expect

RCB will definitely start as favorites in this contest against Delhi Capitals. It’s an afternoon game, and RCB has not lost an afternoon match at Chinnaswamy since 2020. 

Notably, defending totals has been successful in afternoon games here recently, with two wins after 2020 for the team batting first. If history repeats itself, a target around 180 could be the winning total, so don’t be surprised if that’s the case.

Also Read: Watch- Cameron Green Slams Ahmedabad Outfield After Outrageous Catch Off Shubman Gill