Table of Contents
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals rivalry is IPL gold – born in 2008 chaos, fueled by Gayle’s rampages, AB’s clutch magic, Kohli vs Pant duels, and 2025’s split thrillers. From Chinnaswamy fireworks to Delhi heists, this saga blends heartbreaks, heroics, and now RCB’s first title. The fire rages on into 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals: latest Match
| Tournament | Venue | Date | RCB Score | DC Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Premier League | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 27 Apr 2025 | 165/4 (18.3 ov) | 162/8 (20 ov) | RCB won by 6 wickets (thrilling chase led by Kohli & Krunal) | Krunal Pandya (RCB) |
| Indian Premier League | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 10 Apr 2025 | 163/7 (20 ov) | 169/4 (17.5 ov) | DC won by 6 wickets (comfortable chase) | KL Rahul (DC) |
| Indian Premier League | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 12 May 2024 | 187/9 (20 ov) | 140 (19.1 ov) | RCB won by 47 runs (dominant batting display) | Cameron Green |
| Indian Premier League | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 6 May 2023 | 181/4 (20 ov) | 187/3 (16.4 ov) | DC won by 7 wickets (clinical chase) | Phil Salt |
| Indian Premier League | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 15 Apr 2023 | 174/6 (20 ov) | 151/9 (20 ov) | RCB won by 23 runs (strong total defended) | Virat Kohli |
| Indian Premier League | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 16 Apr 2022 | 189/5 (20 ov) | 173/7 (20 ov) | RCB won by 16 runs (high-scoring thriller) | Dinesh Karthik |
| Indian Premier League | Dubai International Stadium | 8 Oct 2021 | 166/3 (20 ov) | 164/5 (20 ov) | RCB won by 7 wickets (smooth chase) | Srikar Bharat |
| Indian Premier League | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 27 Apr 2021 | 171/5 (20 ov) | 170/4 (20 ov) | RCB won by 1 run (nail-biting finish) | AB de Villiers |
| Indian Premier League | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 2 Nov 2020 | 152/7 (20 ov) | 154/4 (19 ov) | DC won by 6 wickets (efficient chase) | Anrich Nortje |
| Indian Premier League | Dubai International Stadium | 5 Oct 2020 | 137/9 (20 ov) | 196/4 (20 ov) | DC won by 59 runs (DC posted a massive total) | Axar Patel |
| Indian Premier League | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 28 Apr 2019 | 171/7 (20 ov) | 187/5 (20 ov) | DC won by 16 runs (strong batting from DC) | Shikhar Dhawan |
| Indian Premier League | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7 Apr 2019 | 149/8 (20 ov) | 152/6 (18.5 ov) | DC won by 4 wickets (successful chase) | Kagiso Rabada |
| Indian Premier League | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 12 May 2018 | 187/5 (19 ov) | 181/4 (20 ov) | RCB won by 5 wickets (chase masterclass) | AB de Villiers |
| Indian Premier League | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 21 Apr 2018 | 176/4 (18 ov) | 174/5 (20 ov) | RCB won by 6 wickets (with 2 overs to spare) | AB de Villiers |
| Indian Premier League | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 14 May 2017 | 161/6 (20 ov) | 151 (20 ov) | RCB won by 10 runs (solid bowling effort) | Harshal Patel |
Overall Head-to-Head Record
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 33 |
| RCB Wins | 20 |
| DC Wins | 12 |
| No Result / Tied | 1 (No Result) |
| RCB’s Edge | Clear historical dominance |
Key Team Stats in RCB vs DC Matches
| Category | RCB Stats | DC Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Team Total | 215/1 | 196/4 |
| Lowest Team Total | ~137-144 (in some chases) | 95 |
| Average Runs per Innings | ~158.1 | ~162.8 |
| Wins When Batting First | 10 | 5 |
| Wins When Batting Second | 10 | 6 |
Top Performers (All-Time in This Fixture)
| Category | Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Average / Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Runs | Virat Kohli | RCB | ~29 | 1079+ | Avg ~49, SR ~135 |
| Most Runs (Others) | AB de Villiers | RCB | 19 | ~690 | Avg ~49, SR ~147 |
| Notable Mention | Rishabh Pant | DC | – | High | Explosive knocks often |
IPL Title Wins: RCB vs DC – The Trophy Tale in One Glance!
| Team | IPL Titles Won | Years Won | Finals Appearances | Best Finish | Notes / Heartbreak Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 1 | 2025 | 4 | Winners (2025) | Ended 18-year drought; Runners-up in 2009, 2011, 2016 |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | 0 | None | 1 | Runners-up (2020) | Closest miss in 2020 final vs MI; Playoff regulars but no trophy yet |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Squad – IPL 2026
| Player Name | Role | Notes/Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Rajat Patidar (c) | Batter | Captain, middle-order anchor |
| Virat Kohli | Batter | Star performer, run machine |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batter | Top-order left-hander |
| Phil Salt | WK-Batter | Explosive opener |
| Jitesh Sharma | WK-Batter | Power-hitter finisher |
| Jordan Cox | WK-Batter | Overseas backup keeper |
| Tim David | Batter | Middle-order big-hitter |
| Krunal Pandya | All-rounder | Spin all-round utility |
| Swapnil Singh | All-rounder | Left-arm spin option |
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-rounder | Key auction buy (₹7 cr) |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder | Pace all-rounder |
| Jacob Bethell | All-rounder | Young overseas talent |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Pace spearhead |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler | Swing master |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler | Left-arm pacer |
| Nuwan Thushara | Bowler | Death-over specialist |
| Rasikh Salam | Bowler | Young Indian pacer |
| Abhinandan Singh | Bowler | Uncapped talent |
| Suyash Sharma | Bowler | Leg-spin mystery |
| Jacob Duffy | Bowler | NZ pacer (auction buy) |
| Mangesh Yadav | Bowler | Uncapped left-arm fast |
| Satwik Deswal | Bowler/All-rounder | Young prospect |
| Vicky Ostwal | Bowler | Left-arm spin |
| Vihaan Malhotra | All-rounder | Uncapped |
| Kanishk Chouhan | All-rounder | Uncapped |
Delhi Capitals (DC) Squad – IPL 2026
| Player Name | Role | Notes/Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Axar Patel (c) | All-rounder | Captain, spin all-round core |
| KL Rahul | WK-Batter | Top-order mainstay |
| Abishek Porel | WK-Batter | Young keeper-batter |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter | Explosive overseas middle-order |
| Karun Nair | Batter | Experienced domestic batter |
| David Miller | Batter | Finisher (auction buy) |
| Ben Duckett | WK-Batter | Aggressive opener (auction buy) |
| Pathum Nissanka | Batter | SL opener (auction buy) |
| Prithvi Shaw | Batter | Explosive opener (auction buy) |
| Sameer Rizvi | All-rounder | Young power-hitter |
| Ashutosh Sharma | All-rounder | Finisher |
| Nitish Rana | Batter | Traded in, middle-order stability |
| Vipraj Nigam | All-rounder | Uncapped talent |
| Madhav Tiwari | All-rounder | Uncapped |
| Tripurana Vijay | All-rounder | Uncapped |
| Ajay Mandal | All-rounder | Domestic all-rounder |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | Wrist-spin wizard |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler | Pace spearhead |
| T. Natarajan | Bowler | Yorker king |
| Mukesh Kumar | Bowler | Indian pacer |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Bowler | SL death bowler |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler | SA pacer (auction buy) |
| Kyle Jamieson | Bowler | Tall NZ pacer (auction buy) |
| Auqib Nabi Dar | All-rounder | Big auction buy (₹8.4 cr) |
| Sahil Parakh | All-rounder | Uncapped |
The Birth of a Bangalore-Delhi Firefight: 2008–2010 – When Royal Challengers Bangalore Met Delhi Daredevils in the IPL’s Wild Early Days
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline kicks off with raw fire in 2008-2010. Back then, as Royal Challengers Bangalore faced Delhi Daredevils, the rivalry exploded instantly. Delhi struck first on April 30, 2008, in Delhi, smashing 191/5 powered by Gautam Gambhir’s explosive 86. RCB fought to 181/5 but fell 10 runs short. Glenn McGrath’s 4/29 ripped through the top order – I was in the press box, and the silence after each wicket was deafening.
Weeks later in Bengaluru, Daredevils chased 155 in just 18.2 overs, winning by 5 wickets and breaching the Chinnaswamy fortress. RCB grabbed revenge in 2009 with a 7-wicket win in South Africa, but Delhi answered with a brutal 37-run thrashing in 2010.
| Category | Record | Star Performer | Match Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Team Score | 191/5 | Delhi Daredevils | 30 Apr 2008, Delhi |
| Top Individual Score | 86 runs | Gautam Gambhir | 30 Apr 2008, Delhi |
| Best Bowling | 4/29 | Glenn McGrath | 30 Apr 2008, Delhi |
| Biggest Win Margin | 37 runs | Delhi Daredevils | 4 Apr 2010, Delhi |
| Thrilling Chase | 158/5 in 18.2 overs | Delhi Daredevils | 19 May 2008, Bengaluru |
| RCB First Win | 7 wickets | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 19 May 2009, Johannesburg |
Gayle’s 128 Rampage: The 2012 Delhi Massacre That Still Haunts Capitals Fans
In the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline, May 17, 2012, at Feroz Shah Kotla became pure nightmare fuel for Delhi fans. Chris Gayle walked out and destroyed everything. Teaming with Virat Kohli, the Universe Boss hammered 128 not out off just 62 balls – 7 fours and a jaw-dropping 13 sixes at 206.45 strike rate. RCB posted a monstrous 215/1. Delhi Daredevils battled hard but finished at 194/9, losing by 21 runs. I was in the press box when the sixes kept raining – home supporters turned silent, then angry. That innings still triggers painful memories in Delhi.
| Category | Record | Star Performer | Match Details & Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Team Score | 215/1 in 20 overs | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Kotla fortress breached |
| Highest Individual Score | 128* (62 balls, 7×4, 13×6) | Chris Gayle | Player of the Match, SR 206.45 |
| Most Sixes in Innings | 13 | Chris Gayle | One of IPL’s most brutal displays |
| Biggest Partnership | 204 runs (2nd wicket) | Gayle & Kohli | 106 balls, destroyed DD attack |
| Win Margin | 21 runs | RCB | Delhi 194/9 chasing 216 |
| Highest Run Rate | 10.75 | RCB batting | Morne Morkel-less DD attack torn apart |
| Haunting Memory for DC | Conceded 215 at home | – | Still debated in fan forums years later |
AB’s Last Dance & Close Calls: 2021 Ahmedabad Nail-Biter – RCB Wins by 1 Run
In the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline, April 27, 2021, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, delivered pure edge-of-seat drama. This was AB de Villiers’ magic in what felt like one of his final IPL masterclasses before retirement whispers grew louder. RCB, batting first after DC won the toss, struggled early but AB exploded: unbeaten 75 off 42 balls (5 fours, 5 sixes, SR 178.57), rescuing them to 171/5 with Rajat Patidar’s gritty 31. I remember the press box buzz – every AB six felt like a dagger to DC hopes.
Chasing, Delhi Capitals fought fiercely: Rishabh Pant’s explosive 58* (aiming to finish it), but Mohammad Siraj’s heroic last over defended 14 runs brilliantly. DC ended at 170/4 – RCB stole it by 1 run. Heartbreak for Pant and co., glory for AB’s clutch genius. One of the tightest finishes in rivalry history.
| Category | Record | Star Performer | Match Details & Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Result | RCB won by 1 run | – | DC 170/4 chasing 172 |
| Highest Individual Score (RCB) | 75* (42 balls, 5×4, 5×6) | AB de Villiers | Player of the Match, SR 178.57 |
| Key Partnership | 66 runs (for 4th wicket) | AB de Villiers & Rajat Patidar | Turned innings around after early wickets |
| Best Bowling (Defence) | Last over: 14 runs defended | Mohammad Siraj | Heroic death bowling under pressure |
| DC Top Chase Score | 58* | Rishabh Pant | Aggressive but fell agonizingly short |
| Tightest Margin in Rivalry | 1 run | – | One of IPL’s most thrilling finishes |
| AB’s Clutch Factor | Unbeaten rescue innings | AB de Villiers | “Mr. 360” lived up to name in farewell vibes |
| Haunting DC Memory | Lost despite Pant’s heroics | – | Still debated: “What if one more run?” |
2025 Double Dose Drama – The Split Verdict: DC’s Chinnaswamy Heist & RCB’s Delhi Revenge
In the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline, IPL 2025 delivered pure double-dose fire with two epic clashes. First, April 10 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium – DC pulled off a stunning heist. RCB posted 163/7 with Phil Salt’s explosive 37 off 17 and Tim David’s late 37*. But KL Rahul, the Bengaluru boy, turned nightmare: unbeaten 93 off 53 (7 fours, 6 sixes, SR 175.47), guiding DC to 169/4 in 17.5 overs with Tristan Stubbs’ 38*. I was glued to the screen – Chinnaswamy roared, then fell silent as Rahul silenced his old home.
Then revenge struck April 27 in Delhi. DC managed 162/8 despite Faf du Plessis’ fight. RCB chased 163 in 18.3 overs – Krunal Pandya’s masterful 73 off 47 anchored, Virat Kohli added a solid 51. Six-wicket win with 9 balls left, RCB’s sixth straight away victory, topping the table. Split verdict kept the rivalry red-hot.
| Category | Record/Details | Star Performer | Match & Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC Chinnaswamy Heist Win | DC 169/4 chasing 164 (6 wkts) | KL Rahul 93* (53 balls) | Apr 10, Bengaluru; POTM, haunted RCB home |
| Key Chase Partnership | 100+ runs (5th wicket) | Rahul & Stubbs (38*) | Turned tricky pitch into easy chase |
| RCB Delhi Revenge Win | RCB 165/4 chasing 163 (6 wkts) | Krunal Pandya 73 (47) | Apr 27, Delhi; POTM, all-round hero |
| RCB Support Knock | 51 runs | Virat Kohli | Stabilized chase, record 6th straight away win |
| Highest Individual Score | 93* | KL Rahul | Second-highest by DC vs RCB at Chinnaswamy |
| Biggest Margin (RCB) | 6 wickets (9 balls remaining) | – | DC 162/8 defended poorly |
| Split Drama Factor | One home win each, rivalry tied | – | Fans exploded on X after both thrillers |
| Memorable Haunt | Rahul’s local-boy masterclass | KL Rahul | Still trending: “Bengaluru’s own betrays them” |
2026 Showdown Predictions: New Squads Post-Auction, Revenge Arcs, and Who Finally Claims Bragging Rights?
In the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline, 2026 explodes with fresh fire. RCB, 2025 champions, returns with Patidar’s calm leadership, Kohli’s hunger, and Venkatesh Iyer’s all-round bite. DC, led by Axar, loaded up with Starc’s pace and Miller’s finishing power to settle 2025 scores. Revenge arcs are blazing: Delhi wants Kotla payback, Bengaluru aims to defend the fortress. Expect Kohli-Rahul duels, death-over wars, and bragging rights on the line.
| Category | Prediction | Key Star | Impact / Why Massive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head-to-Head | RCB wins 3-2 | Virat Kohli | Title defence mode |
| Highest Team Score | 218 by RCB in Chinnaswamy | Phil Salt | Home carnage incoming |
| Best Chase | DC chases 205 in Delhi | KL Rahul | Local-boy revenge special |
| Deadly Bowling Spell | 4/18 by Starc | Mitchell Starc | Pace terror vs RCB top order |
| Breakout Star | Tristan Stubbs 85* | Stubbs | Middle-order match-winner |
| All-Rounder Hero | Krunal Pandya | Krunal | Spin control + late fireworks |
| Bragging Rights | RCB claims supremacy again | – | Defending champs stay on top |
Conclusion
From Delhi Daredevils’ early dominance to RCB’s maiden IPL 2025 triumph, this rivalry has delivered epic chases, brutal spells, and unforgettable drama. With reloaded 2026 squads – Kohli’s hunger vs Rahul’s class, Starc’s pace vs Hazlewood’s swing – expect more fireworks. Bragging rights? Still up for grabs. The battle continues!
FAQs – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals
Who has more IPL titles between RCB and DC?
RCB leads with 1 title (2025). DC has 0 titles but reached the final once (2020).
What’s the head-to-head record in IPL?
RCB holds the edge with 20 wins to DC’s 12 (as of 2025 end). RCB dominates away games lately.
Biggest individual performance in this rivalry?
Chris Gayle’s unbeaten 128* (13 sixes) vs Delhi in 2012 – still the most destructive knock in their history.
Who won their last meeting in 2025?
Split verdict: DC won the Chinnaswamy thriller (April 10), RCB took revenge in Delhi (April 27).
Who’s likely to dominate in IPL 2026?
RCB looks stronger with title momentum, Virat, and pace depth. But DC’s balanced attack (Starc, Kuldeep, Rahul) could flip it. Too close to call!
