IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals' strongest predicted XI against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Delhi Capitals take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 26 of the 2026 Indian Premier League at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 18.

The Capitals started their season strongly, winning their first two games, but have been dealt an early blow with losses to the Gujarat Titans and the Chennai Super Kings. Coming off a six-day break, they will be hoping to have put the demons from the previous games behind them when they take on one of the IPL's form sides away from home.

They have a balanced unit, with reliable and compatible options with bat and ball. Players have stepped up at multiple intervals, but the Capitals will be hoping for match-winning performances from their team.

Here is the strongest predicted DC XI for Match 26 vs RCB:

Top order: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (WK), Sameer Rizvi 

KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul have established themselves as a solid opening pair, but they have yet to contribute significantly. Nissanka has provided brilliant starts in the powerplay but is yet to score big. KL Rahul’s only big score was the 92 he scored against the Gujarat Titans, scoring 0, 1 and 18 in the other three games. It will be a plus for Rahul, who returns to his home ground, where he scored an unbeaten 93 as he led the Capitals to victory in this fixture.

With Nitish Rana being dropped, Sameer Rizvi found himself batting at number 3 against the Chennai Super Kings. Rizvi started the season with two player of the match performances, scoring 70* and 90 in successful chases against LSG and MI. He has followed that up with scores of 0 and 6, and will be looking to prove that the early-season form was not a one-off.