Delhi Capitals will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a blockbuster IPL 2026 encounter in New Delhi on Monday, with both teams chasing crucial points in the season’s middle phase. RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, have been among the more consistent sides so far and will be looking to notch a fourth win in five matches. The spotlight, however, is firmly on Virat Kohli, who needs just 11 more runs to become the first batter to reach 9,000 IPL runs. For Delhi, led by Axar Patel, the priority is immediate recovery after their last outing turned into a nightmare chase—one that set a new high-water mark in IPL history. KL Rahul will also be central to the storyline after his stunning 152* off 67 in the previous game, a knock that earned him Player of the Match honours even though the result did not swing in DC’s favour.
What’s at stake in Delhi
Delhi Capitals find themselves on the wrong side of momentum despite occasional sparks in a mixed campaign. Their most recent match against Punjab Kings ended painfully, with the opposition producing the highest successful chase in IPL history—tracking down a target of 265 with more than an over to spare. Even with KL Rahul’s spectacular 152* off 67, DC could not convert that individual brilliance into a win.
- In the previous fixture, Punjab Kings chased 265 successfully with over a full over remaining.
- KL Rahul’s 152* off 67 was recognised as Player of the Match for his effort.
- The 152* also became the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history.
- It was the first time an Indian batter crossed the 150-run mark in an IPL innings.
RCB’s form and Kohli’s milestone
Royal Challengers Bengaluru arrive in New Delhi looking like a side built to make a serious title push. The reigning champions have started IPL 2026 strongly, winning 5 of their opening 7 matches. If they manage to win on Monday, they will move to just one point behind the top spot—an outcome that would underline their intent over the next stretch.
- RCB have won 5 of their first 7 matches in IPL 2026.
- A victory on Monday would leave them only 1 point behind the leaders.
- Rajat Patidar’s side are aiming to make it a fourth win in five games.
For RCB, Virat Kohli’s milestone adds extra pressure and excitement. He is currently 11 runs away from becoming the first player to score 9,000 IPL runs. With the current rhythm he has shown, the chance of him reaching that landmark in this match remains very real.
- Virat Kohli needs 11 runs to become the first batter to reach 9,000 IPL runs.
- RCB will be hoping Kohli’s run of form carries him to the record during the contest.
DC’s recent struggles and the playoff push
Delhi’s situation is clear: they cannot afford to slip further away from the playoff race. Axar Patel and the group will be eager to reverse the trend after a tough run of results—one that has made today’s game even more significant.
- Delhi Capitals have lost 4 of their last 5 matches.
- They need a win today to remain close to the playoff race.
Match-day build-up
Welcome to the live coverage of the IPL 2026 match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The action is set to unfold at the historic Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, where the contest brings together Delhi’s need to bounce back and RCB’s momentum—along with a historic milestone within touching distance for Virat Kohli.
Stay with us for ball-by-ball updates and the latest live score from the ground.
