RCB Strongest XI vs DC for IPL 2026. Credits - AP
The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are on a roll under Rajat Patidar's leadership. After winning three on three, they will take on the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Saturday afternoon.
RCB played one of the most clinical fixtures against LSG. On a two-bounced Chinnaswamy track, efforts from Rasikh Salam, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped the them toss Lucknow for 146 runs.
Later in the chase, Virat Kohli, playing as an Impact Player for the first time, scored an aggressive 49, before Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma’s assault took them even closer to the victory. Eventually, Tim David and Romario Shepherd’s finishing touches saw them home in 15.1 overs.
Ahead of Bengaluru's next home team, let us see what chopping and choosing can be done in the RCB Playing XI vs DC in the IPL 2026, Match 26.
RCB Playing XI vs DC, IPL 2026, Match 26
Top Order: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal
Virat Kohli, who played as the Impact Player vs LSG, must have regained his full fitness in the last couple of days. The RCB opener is batting like a dream and currently holds the Orange Cap, but he adds a whole new energy when he is fielding. He will likely be part of the RCB Playing XI vs DC and not just play as an Impact Player.
Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal both had an off day in the previous games, but the two have been in some form in the IPL 2026. Although Padikkal got out after scoring 10 runs, the Englishman fell cheaply after getting outclassed due to the two-bounced track. They will be key member of the RCB Playing XI, and the team management will back them to score big runs against Delhi's bowling.
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Middle Order & All-Rounders: Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya
The way RCB captain Rajat Patidar is batting, he comes across as someone who can hit any ball to any corner of the park. He was dismissed on 27 runs vs LSG, but only after spanking three biggies.
To back his style of play, Patidar has Tim David, Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd to follow. All of the these have the ability to turn the tables around on their given days. This Herculean trio has the ability to hit 100 runs in the last five-six overs while batting first, and can chase down a required run rate. However, RCB needs to use Shepherd, the bowler, even more in the RCB Playing XI.
Krunal Pandya has been a champion bowler for Bengaluru. Using his variations, he has been outfoxing batters in the middle overs. Given the number of right-handers in the opposition's line-up, Krunal will be a crucial pick in the RCB Playing XI vs DC.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam
Josh Hazlewood returned to the RCB Playing XI in their previous outing and bagged the Player of the Match award. Although the team management has been playing the Aussie seamer in alternative fixtures, Hazlewood will be a must against Delhi.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned with three wickets vs LSG. The 36-year-old is bowling like his vintage best and will be the go-bowler in the RCB Playing XI vs DC. The other Indian seamer who performed vs LSG was Rasikh Salam. He faced a hamstring injury in the game before the previous one, and boy, he made a comeback. He took four big wickets in his four overs and was as good as Bhuvi or Hazlewood.
Suyash Sharma completes the RCB bowling. The young leg-spinner has become far better than he was last season. This year, he is bowling with a knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures. He will be playing as an Impact Player vs DC.
RCB Playing XI vs DC- Match 26, IPL 2026
Virat Kohli
Phil Salt
Devdutt Padikkal
Rajat Patidar (c)
Tim David
Jitesh Sharma (wk)
Romario Shepherd
Krunal Pandya
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Josh Hazlewood
Rasikh Salam
RCB vs DC Impact Player Options
RCB Impact Players: Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan
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