DC host RCB after two back-to-back defeats:Virat Kohli 11 runs away from 9,000-run milestone; Rahul vs Bhuvi in focus

Reeling from a crushing defeat despite putting up a massive total of 264, Delhi Capitals (DC) have little time to regroup as they prepare to take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 39 of the IPL 2026 season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on 26 April. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss set to take place at 7:00 PM IST. After back-to-back defeats, DC look to bounce back to winning ways as they are currently sitting at sixth spot in the points table with six points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.184. The Axar Patel-led side were left stunned by the Punjab Kings on Saturday, conceding the highest run chase in IPL history. RCB, on the other side, defeated the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their last game. With 10 points, they are currently in the second spot with the net run rate of +1.101 and aim to jump right to the top of the standings. The two teams were involved in a magnificent clash earlier this season, which saw David Miller’s finishing skills come to the fore as the Delhi Capitals overcame the defending champions at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB look forward to avoiding a league double as Virat Kohli returns to his home ground, the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Kohli is also closing in on reaching the 9000-run mark in the IPL, a feat achieved by no other. The RCB star is just 11 runs away from reaching the milestone. DC vs RCB, IPL 2026, Match Details Match Info: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, match 39 Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Time: 7:30 PM IST, toss at 7:00 PM IST Where to watch: Star Sports Network (Broadcast), JioHotstar (Streaming) Where to follow: Catch all live updates on the Bhaskar English App DC vs RCB, head-to-head record Bengaluru and Delhi have met 34 times in the IPL, with RCB leading the head-to-head record 20–13, while one match produced no result. RCB’s highest score against DC is 215, with a lowest of 137. Meanwhile, DC’s top total is 196, and their lowest is 95, making their contests consistently competitive and exciting. KL Rahul, Axar Patel brightest stars for Delhi Capitals For Delhi, KL Rahul is the leading run-scorer as he has scored 357 runs with a strike rate of 187.89 in this season so far in seven matches. Rahul hammered an outstanding century (152*) for DC against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday. Axar Patel with the ball has taken the most wickets for the Delhi Capitals. He has taken seven wickets in seven matches and has conceded runs with an economy of 8.47. ‘King’ Kohli boast 160+ strike rate, Bhuvi brings experience on the field Kohli is the leading run-scorer with 328 runs with a strike rate of 163.18 in seven matches for Bengaluru. On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken the most wickets for the side. He has taken 11 wickets in seven matches and has conceded runs with an economy of 8.25. Balanced battle between KL Rahul and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar KL Rahul had scored 111 runs, facing 102 balls with a strike rate of 108.82 in the tournament history. On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar with the ball had dismissed Rahul twice in the past and he had conceded runs with a cheap economy of 6.52. Virat Kohli vs Kuldeep Yadav: Less encounters but serious battle Veteran RCB batter, Kohli had scored 75 runs, facing 64 balls with a strike rate of 117.18 in the tournament history. However, Kuldeep Yadav has dismissed Kohli only once in the past and he had conceded runs with an economy of 7.08. Arun Jaitley Stadium, pitch report The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, with a flat surface and good bounce that helps stroke play, especially in the powerplay. Scores often range between 170–200+, with big totals common. Pacers get early swing, while spinners find grip later. Quick outfield and short boundaries favor batters, though smart variations from bowlers can be effective. Afternoon heat will also test players. Delhi weather report On Monday evening, the weather is expected to be clear. The temperature will be between 30°C and 35°C. There is no chance of precipitation. Although the wind gusts at a speed of 35 kmph might provide some relief to the spectators. However, the humidity will increase upto 23% with a dew point of 11° in Delhi.