IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's strongest predicted XI against Delhi Capitals

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be aiming to maintain their impressive run as they take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 26 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on April 18.

RCB have been one of the standout sides this season, currently sitting near the top of the points table with four wins from their first five matches. Having recently defeated Lucknow Super Giants, the defending champions look well-balanced and confident across departments. However, they will be keen to maintain consistency, particularly in their playing XI, as the competition intensifies.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals find themselves in a tricky position in the mid-table, having managed just two wins from their four matches so far. While they have shown glimpses of potential, inconsistency has hurt their campaign.

With team combinations, pitch conditions, and recent performances set to play a crucial role, let’s have a look at RCB’s predicted XI for this important clash against DC. 

Here's RCB's predicted Playing XI vs DC in Match 26, IPL 2026

Top-order: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (C)

Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar are in the top-three of the Orange cap list for IPL 2026, and that clearly showcases how dominant this top-order has been in this year for RCB. 

Kohli will open the innings for RCB along with Phil Salt, and the duo can create magic on the pitch with two different styles of batting. Captain Rajat Patidar has also been brilliant and leads the side from the front with the bat. On a good Chinniswamy wicket, he can change the game on his own.

Middle-order: Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya

The middle-order of RCB has been one of the key reasons for their dominance so far in IPL 2026. Tim David is in the form of his life, playing the role of finisher to perfection for his side. He is accompanied by the company Jitesh Sharma,  Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya in the middle-overs. 

Krunal adds immense value with his all-round ability, whereas Jitesh is yet to contribute significantly with the bat. Romario Shepherd has done well in the limited opportunities he has got so far.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suyash Sharma

It was a complete bowling performance by the RCB bowlers against LSG in their last match. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood form a deadly new ball duo with their immense experience. Rasikh Salam Dar is coming after an impressive performance against LSG, where he took four wickets at Chinnaswamy.

Suyash Sharma gives RCB a solid wicket-taking option with his leg-spin. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar give confidence in the death overs on a flat Bengaluru wicket.  

RCB's predicted playing XI for match 26, IPL 2026

Phillip Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suyash Sharma

Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal