New Delhi is bracing for a full-blown Virat Kohli wave ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 meeting between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With large crowds expected, supporters are gearing up to fill the stands in huge numbers, many donning jerseys emblazoned with “Kohli” or “Virat” on the back. As the match gets underway, one slogan is expected to dominate the atmosphere: “Kohli! Kohli!” The excitement is especially high because the game will mark another chance to see the franchise icon perform at what fans consider his home ground.
Delhi’s match-day preparations for a packed stadium
Given the scale of attendance anticipated for the day, the relevant authorities have put in place extensive arrangements to keep movement and security smooth. Alongside elevated security checks and added surveillance, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has stepped in to address travel needs for spectators travelling to and from the venue.
- Enhanced security and surveillance are in place for the match-day crowd.
- Delhi Metro has expanded train options to reduce travel stress for fans.
- Passengers will benefit from extended last-train timings after the night fixture.
DMRC extended last trains on April 27
For cricket lovers planning their return journeys after the evening game, DMRC has announced revised timings on all lines on April 27. The decision is aimed at ensuring a steady, hassle-free flow for spectators heading home after the match ends.
Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): DMRC revised last train timings (April 27)
- Line 1: Shaheed Sthal – Rithala: Normal last train 23:00; revised service up to 00:10–00:15.
- Line 2: Samaypur Badli – HUDA City Centre: Normal last train 23:00; revised service up to 00:20.
- Lines 3/4: Dwarka – Vaishali / Noida: Normal last train 22:50–23:00; revised service up to 00:00.
- Line 5: Kirti Nagar – Mundka: Normal last train 22:45–23:00; revised service up to 01:00.
- Line 6: Kashmere Gate – Raja Nahar Singh: Normal last train 23:00; revised service up to 00:25.
- Line 7: Majlis Park – Shiv Vihar: Normal last train 22:40–23:00; revised service up to 01:55.
- Line 8: Botanical Garden – Krishna Park Ext.: Normal last train 22:50–23:00; revised service up to 00:45.
- Line 9: Dwarka – Dhansa Bus Stand: Normal last train 23:00; revised service up to 01:30.
- Airport Express: New Delhi – Yashobhoomi: Normal last train 23:15–23:40; revised service up to 01:00.
Squads for DC vs RCB
With the stadium expected to be electric, the teams are set for the contest with the following squads:
Delhi Capitals
- Axar Patel (c)
- K.L. Rahul
- Karun Nair
- David Miller
- Pathum Nissanka
- Sahil Parakh
- Prithvi Shaw
- Abishek Porel
- Tristan Stubbs
- Sameer Rizvi
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Ajay Mandal
- Tripurana Vijay
- Madhav Tiwari
- Auqib Dar
- Nitish Rana
- T. Natarajan
- Mukesh Kumar
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Lungisani Ngidi
- Kyle Jamieson
- Kuldeep Yadav
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Rajat Patidar (captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Tim David
- Jacob Bethell
- Romario Shepherd
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nuwan Thushara
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Jitesh Sharma
- Krunal Pandya
- Rasikh Dar
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Jordan Cox
- Suyash Sharma
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Swapnil Singh
- Jacob Duffy
- Kanishk Chouhan
- Abhinandan Singh
- Mangesh Yadav
- Phil Salt
- Satvik Deswal
- Vicky Ostwal
- Vihaan Malhotra
Key travel reminders for fans
DMRC has also shared practical guidance for supporters travelling on April 27. Timings may be influenced by when the match concludes, so fans are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid last-minute rush at stations. The metro has advised passengers to use smart cards or digital payments to speed up movement through gates.
- Train timings could shift based on match completion.
- Plan exits in advance to prevent crowding near the end of the game.
- Use smart cards or digital payments for quicker entry and smoother movement.
