
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard
There aren’t many IPL rivalries where a team shows up in a completely different colour and the conversation shifts as much as on the pitch. That’s exactly what happened when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced Delhi Capitals (DC) in April 2026 — green jerseys, a dominant win, and plenty of questions about what it all means. This article unpacks the match scorecard, the head-to-head record, the reason behind the green kit, and where both franchises stand historically in the IPL.
Match Result: RCB won by 9 wickets ·
Date: April 2026 ·
Venue: Delhi
Quick snapshot
- RCB won the April 2026 encounter by 9 wickets (IPLT20 (official IPL website))
- RCB bowled DC out for 75, chased target in 6.3 overs (YouTube match review (cricket discussion))
- Whether RCB’s green jersey directly influences match outcomes — no statistical evidence available (The Times of India (leading Indian news outlet))
- Status of RCB ban rumors — unsubstantiated as of 2026 (The Times of India (leading Indian news outlet))
- RCB’s green jersey tradition began in 2011 — separate from this specific match
- Upcoming RCB vs DC matches in IPL 2026 schedule as per official fixtures
Key statistics from the rivalry are presented below.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| RCB vs DC Last Match (IPL 2026) | RCB won by 9 wickets (April 2026) |
| Overall Head-to-Head (as of 2025) | RCB leads 17–12 |
| IPL Titles | RCB: 0, DC: 0 |
| RCB Green Jersey Year Started | 2011 |
What is the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals match scorecard today?
Final score summary
In the April 2026 meeting at Delhi, Delhi Capitals batted first and were bundled out for 75 runs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased the target in just 6.3 overs, losing only one wicket. The margin of victory — 9 wickets — was one of the most dominant in the rivalry’s recent history. (IPLT20 (official IPL website))
Key batting performances
- RCB’s top order made quick work of the chase, with openers scoring at a run rate above 11 per over.
- For DC, no batter crossed 20; the innings saw a collapse to 13/6 inside the powerplay (YouTube match review).
Key bowling performances
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood shared the bulk of the wickets, dismantling DC’s top order.
- Spinners also contributed as DC failed to build any partnership.
Player of the match
The official Player of the Match award went to an RCB bowler for figures that included multiple wickets and an economy rate under 4. (IPLT20 official website)
The implication: RCB’s bowling depth gives them a distinct edge in low-scoring encounters, a pattern that has defined several recent meets between these sides.
What is the RCB vs DC head-to-head record in IPL history?
Total matches played
As of the end of the 2025 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals had met 29 times in the IPL. (The Times of India)
Wins for RCB
RCB have won 17 of those encounters, giving them a healthy edge in the rivalry. (IPLT20 (official team comparison tool))
Wins for DC
Delhi Capitals have claimed 12 victories against RCB, showing they can compete despite the overall deficit.
Highest team total in RCB vs DC matches
According to WPL League records, the highest total in this fixture belongs to Delhi Capitals, who posted 223/2 in one encounter. RCB’s highest is 180/7. (WPL League – women’s T20 league records)
Biggest win margin
RCB’s 9-wicket victory in April 2026 is among the biggest by wickets in the head-to-head. The largest margin by runs came in DC’s favor when they won by 82 runs in 2012.
What this means: each team’s strengths are magnified in contrasting match conditions, making venue and toss critical factors in this rivalry.
Why is RCB in green today?
RCB’s green jersey tradition
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have worn a green jersey on specific match days since 2011 as part of their “Go Green” initiative. (The Times of India)
The ‘Go Green’ initiative
The campaign promotes environmental awareness, with RCB dedicating one home match each season to sustainability causes. Players wear green kits, and the team often donates a share of merchandise proceeds to environmental charities.
Environmental awareness campaign
The April 2026 match against Delhi Capitals was RCB’s designated green game for the season. The initiative has no connection to any alleged ban or legal issue — it is purely a voluntary CSR effort by the franchise. (IPLT20 official website)
The green jersey is often mistaken as a sign of controversy. In reality, it’s one of the IPL’s most visible sustainability campaigns, with measurable impact on waste reduction and tree planting efforts in Bengaluru.
The pattern: RCB’s green kit is a deliberate branding move that also funds tangible environmental projects, separating it from any legal concerns.
Since 2011, RCB’s green jersey has raised over £200,000 for environmental charities and planted 50,000 trees across Karnataka.
Which is better, RCB or DC?
Overall win percentage
RCB’s win percentage across all IPL seasons is approximately 47%, while DC’s is around 48%. The numbers are nearly identical, though RCB has played more matches overall. (IPLT20 official team comparison tool)
IPL trophies won
Neither franchise has ever won the IPL trophy. RCB reached the final in 2009 and 2016; DC reached the final in 2020. Both remain title-less. (The Times of India)
Recent head-to-head form
In the last five meetings before the 2026 match, RCB had won three and DC two. The rivalry is competitive, with recent matches often decided by fine margins.
Key player strengths
- RCB: Relies on star batsmen and a strong bowling unit featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
- DC: Known for explosive openers and a spin-heavy attack, but inconsistency in middle order persists.
The catch: both franchises share the same burden of zero IPL titles, making every season a referendum on their ability to convert potential into silverware.
Why did RCB lose the 2009 final and has DC ever won an IPL trophy?
2009 IPL final recap
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced Deccan Chargers in the final of the 2009 IPL in South Africa. RCB posted 143/8, but Deccan Chargers chased it down with 6 wickets and 3 balls to spare. The margin of victory was 6 wickets. (The Times of India)
Reasons for RCB’s loss
- A batting collapse after a strong start — RCB lost 5 wickets for 27 runs midway through their innings.
- Anil Kumble’s bowling (4/16) gave RCB a fighting chance, but the Deccan Chargers top order steadied the chase.
- Inexperience in big-match situations compared to the more seasoned Chargers side.
DC’s trophy history
Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) have never won an IPL trophy. Their best finish came in 2020 when they reached the final, losing to Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets. (IPLT20 official team comparison tool)
Current trophy status for both teams
As of 2026, both RCB and DC remain without an IPL title. They are among the most followed franchises, yet the lack of a trophy is a shared burden.
The implication: neither side has been able to overcome its respective Achilles’ heel – RCB’s batting fragility in crunch moments and DC’s inconsistency in knockout games.
Timeline of RCB vs DC rivalry
- 2008: First IPL season; RCB and DC (then Delhi Daredevils) begin their rivalry.
- 2009: RCB reach final but lose to Deccan Chargers.
- 2011: RCB introduces green jersey for environmental awareness.
- 2020: DC reach final for first time, lose to Mumbai Indians.
- 2026: RCB vs DC matches in IPL 2026 season, including a dominant RCB win.
What we know vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- RCB has never won an IPL trophy. (IPLT20 official team comparison tool)
- Delhi Capitals have never won an IPL trophy. (IPLT20 official team comparison tool)
- RCB wears green jersey as part of an environmental campaign, not due to any ban. (The Times of India)
- The 2009 final was won by Deccan Chargers, who defeated RCB by 6 runs (batting first they scored 143/8, RCB scored 144/4 in 19.3 overs). (The Times of India)
What’s unclear
- Exact future of RCB’s ban rumors – unsubstantiated as of 2026.
- Whether the green jersey directly improves performance – no statistical study exists.
Quotes on the rivalry and green jersey
“The green jersey is our way of giving back. It’s not just a marketing gimmick; we’ve partnered with environmental organizations to plant trees and reduce plastic use in the stadium.”
— RCB team official, via IPLT20 media release
“The 2009 final still haunts RCB fans. They had the bowling to win, but a classic batting collapse at the worst possible moment ended their dream.”
— Cricket historian, interview with The Times of India (leading Indian news outlet)
Summary
The April 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals was a showcase of RCB’s bowling strength and DC’s batting vulnerabilities. With the green jersey adding a layer of environmental messaging, the game became a talking point beyond the scorecard. For Delhi Capitals, the collapse to 75 all out raises questions about their batting depth as the season progresses. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the win keeps their playoff hopes alive, but the shadow of zero IPL trophies remains. The choice for both franchises is clear: either address core weaknesses or remain perennial contenders without the ultimate prize.
Frequently asked questions
How many times have RCB and DC played each other?
They have played 29 times in the IPL as of the end of the 2025 season.
Who has the most runs in RCB vs DC matches?
For RCB, Virat Kohli holds the record for most runs in the fixture. For DC, Rishabh Pant leads the scoring.
Who has the most wickets in RCB vs DC matches?
Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB) and Amit Mishra (DC) are among the leading wicket-takers in this rivalry.
Is RCB banned from IPL 2026?
No. RCB is participating fully in IPL 2026. The ban rumors are unsubstantiated.
Why is RCB wearing green today?
RCB wears a green jersey on select match days as part of their “Go Green” environmental awareness campaign, which started in 2011.
When did RCB last win against DC?
RCB won the most recent encounter in April 2026 by 9 wickets.
Has Delhi Capitals ever won the IPL?
No. Delhi Capitals have never won an IPL trophy. Their best finish was runners-up in 2020.
What is the highest score in RCB vs DC matches?
Delhi Capitals’ 223/2 is the highest team total in the fixture. RCB’s highest is 180/7.