Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into their upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 meeting with Delhi Capitals with a squad that is starting to look far more settled than in seasons where the franchise leaned heavily on a single bat. A big reason for that confidence is the way Rajat Patidar has been striking the ball this year, while Virat Kohli’s consistency continues to set the tempo at the top.
Patidar’s six-hitting surge gives RCB a faster finish
Rajat Patidar has emerged as one of RCB’s most impactful performers in IPL 2026, particularly through his willingness to clear the boundary. The captain currently tops the six-hitting leaderboard with 21 maximums across five matches, a tally that is three more than Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals.
That aggressive streak has helped RCB keep pressure on opponents during the middle overs, with the batting often reaching decisive totals in fewer balls. Just as importantly, Patidar’s form has eased the strain on the rest of the lineup—especially Kohli—because RCB are able to form partnerships without losing momentum or slowing down the run flow.
With regular contributions coming from the captain, Bengaluru’s batting order has appeared more stable for long stretches. As RCB prepare to take on Delhi Capitals, Patidar will be a key figure again, whether the team is setting a target or chasing one.
Kohli still leads, but RCB aren’t built around one name
Virat Kohli remains at the forefront of the batting charts for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and is currently holding the Orange Cap. However, the storyline around the team has shifted this season: RCB are no longer dependent on Kohli alone to carry the batting.
The change in how the side has been structured has given Kohli room to play his natural game, without the constant burden of having to shoulder the entire innings. With support arriving from multiple batters, RCB have been able to post big totals and chase targets more comfortably—an overall balance that has played a major role in the results they have collected so far.
Against Delhi Capitals, Kohli’s influence will still matter, but the team’s plan will again revolve around collective output rather than relying on one player to deliver every time.
RCB vs DC: RCB aim to keep momentum after a strong start
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will lock horns with Delhi Capitals in the 26th match of IPL 2026. The encounter is scheduled for Saturday at RCB’s home venue, M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
RCB have looked in excellent rhythm throughout the campaign, with only one loss recorded so far—coming against Rajasthan Royals. Beyond that defeat, Bengaluru have been dominant, producing convincing wins over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants.
With those results, RCB currently occupy the second spot on the points table. They will be looking to extend their strong run and carry the momentum forward as they push toward the top of the standings.
As the match approaches, the key theme for RCB is continuity: maintaining the form that has made them such a complete unit, and ensuring that both Kohli’s consistency and Patidar’s boundary-hitting continue to shape the outcome against Delhi Capitals.
