Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline (2008-2026): Complete DC vs RCB Match History, Broken History 

The Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline is one of the longest-running head-to-head stories in the Indian Premier League. The two franchises have faced each other since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, producing dominant spells, close finishes, high-scoring matches and some unforgettable individual performances.

The rivalry began when Delhi were known as the Delhi Daredevils and RCB competed under the name Royal Challengers Bangalore. Delhi were renamed Delhi Capitals in 2019, while Royal Challengers Bangalore officially became Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. The franchise identities changed, but the historical head-to-head record continued as one rivalry.

Over the years, the balance between the two sides has shifted considerably. Delhi started strongly, winning both of their meetings in 2008 and again taking a clean sweep in 2010. RCB then enjoyed a prolonged period of dominance, particularly between 2012 and 2018. Delhi responded with consecutive 2-0 seasons in 2019 and 2020, before RCB again established an advantage in the following years.

As of the end of IPL 2026, the teams have played 35 matches, with RCB winning 21, Delhi Capitals winning 13 and one match ending without a result.

This complete DC vs RCB timeline covers the rivalry from 2008 to 2026, including season-wise results, memorable matches, major records, important players and the evolution of the contest.

Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline at a Glance

Category	Record
First meeting	April 30, 2008
Latest meeting	April 27, 2026
Total matches	35
RCB wins	21
DC wins	13
No result	1
Highest RCB score	215/1
Highest DC score	196/4
Lowest score	DC 75 all out
Biggest RCB win by runs	47 runs
Biggest DC win by runs	59 runs
Biggest RCB win by wickets	10 wickets
Closest completed match	RCB won by 1 run in 2021
Super Over matches	1

The latest official IPL records show RCB leading the overall rivalry 21-13 after 35 meetings, with one no-result.

Delhi Capitals vs RCB First Match

The first match in the Delhi Capitals vs RCB match history took place on April 30, 2008, at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, now known as Arun Jaitley Stadium.

At that time, Delhi were the Delhi Daredevils and RCB were Royal Challengers Bangalore. Delhi made an excellent start to the rivalry by scoring 191/5. Gautam Gambhir played a major role with a powerful 86 from 54 balls, while Glenn McGrath delivered an outstanding spell of 4/29.

RCB fought hard and finished on 181/5, but Delhi held their nerve to win by 10 runs.

The second meeting of the inaugural season was played in Bengaluru on May 19. Delhi again emerged victorious, this time by five wickets after chasing RCB’s 154/7.

That meant Delhi completed the first season with a 2-0 record against RCB.

The opening chapter was significant because it immediately established Delhi as the stronger team in this particular matchup. However, the following seasons would see the balance change dramatically.

Also read this: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Scorecard | Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline | Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Match Scorecard

Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline: Season-Wise History

DC vs RCB Timeline 2008

The rivalry began with two matches in the inaugural IPL season.

Delhi won the first encounter in Delhi by 10 runs after scoring 191/5. Gambhir’s 86 and McGrath’s 4/29 were the major highlights.

In the second meeting, Delhi travelled to Bengaluru and chased RCB’s 154/7 successfully, winning by five wickets.

2008 results:

Date	Venue	Result
April 30, 2008	Delhi	DC won by 10 runs
May 19, 2008	Bengaluru	DC won by 5 wickets

Delhi therefore started the DC vs RCB timeline with a perfect 2-0 season.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2009

• The 2009 IPL was moved to South Africa, giving the rivalry two matches at overseas venues.
• Delhi won the first meeting at Port Elizabeth on April 26. RCB responded strongly in Johannesburg on May 19, chasing Delhi’s 134/7 and reaching 135/3 to win by seven wickets.
• The season ended 1-1, with both franchises claiming one victory.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2010

• Delhi regained complete control in 2010.
• At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Delhi scored 183/4 and restricted RCB to 166/9, winning by 17 runs. The second match in Delhi was even more convincing. Delhi made 184/5 and held RCB to 147/9, winning by 37 runs.
• The two victories gave Delhi another 2-0 season against RCB.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2011

• The teams met only once in 2011.
• Delhi scored 160/6 in their home fixture, but RCB successfully chased the target. RCB reached 161/7 to win by three wickets with three balls remaining.
• The result was important because RCB had begun reversing the pattern established during the opening seasons.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2012

• The 2012 season represented a major turning point.
• RCB won both meetings. The first match ended with a 20-run RCB victory after the Bengaluru side scored 157/8 and restricted Delhi to 137/7. AB de Villiers was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 64 from 42 balls.
• The second meeting in Delhi produced an even bigger batting display. RCB scored 215/1, with Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli among the major contributors. Delhi replied with 194/9 but lost by 21 runs.
• RCB’s 215/1 remains the highest team score in DC vs RCB history.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2013

• The 2013 season produced one of the most memorable matches in the entire rivalry.
• On April 16 in Bengaluru, both teams finished their innings on 152, resulting in a tie. RCB eventually won the Super Over.
• The second meeting in Delhi was another close contest. RCB scored 183/4 and Delhi responded with 179/7. RCB won by just four runs.
• RCB therefore completed another 2-0 season.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2014

• RCB continued their dominance in 2014.
• The first match was played in Sharjah. Delhi scored 145/4, but RCB chased the target in only 16.4 overs, reaching 146/2 and winning by eight wickets.
• The second match returned to Bengaluru. RCB scored 186/4, with Yuvraj Singh producing a spectacular 68 from 29 balls. Delhi managed 170/7, handing RCB a 16-run victory.
• RCB again finished 2-0 against Delhi.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2015

The 2015 rivalry contained one completed match and one abandoned encounter.

On April 26, RCB produced one of their most dominant victories. Delhi were bowled out for only 95, and RCB chased the target without losing a wicket, reaching 99/0 in 10.3 overs.

RCB won by 10 wickets.

The second meeting was abandoned without a result after RCB had reached only 2/0 in 1.1 overs.

Date	Result
April 26, 2015	RCB won by 10 wickets
May 17, 2015	No Result

The 10-wicket victory remains RCB’s biggest win over Delhi by wickets.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2016

• The two sides split their matches in 2016.
• The first meeting in Bengaluru became a memorable Delhi chase. RCB scored 191/5, but Delhi successfully chased 192, winning by seven wickets. Quinton de Kock produced a century from 48 balls during the chase.
• RCB responded in the second match at Raipur. Chasing 139, RCB reached 139/4 to win by six wickets.
• The season ended 1-1.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2017

• RCB again regained control in 2017.
• They won the first meeting in Bengaluru by 15 runs after scoring 157/8 and restricting Delhi to 142/9. Kedar Jadhav was named Player of the Match after scoring 69 from 37 balls.
• In the return match in Delhi, RCB scored 161/6 and bowled Delhi out for 151, winning by 10 runs.
• RCB completed another 2-0 season.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2018

• RCB maintained their advantage in 2018.
• At Bengaluru, RCB scored 176/4 and defeated Delhi by six wickets. In the return fixture in Delhi, RCB posted 187/5 and won by five wickets.
• The two victories extended RCB’s strong run against Delhi and reinforced the team’s dominance during this period.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2019

• The 2019 season marked an important change in the identity of the rivalry.
• Delhi Daredevils entered the season as Delhi Capitals after the franchise was renamed in December 2018.
• The new identity coincided with a dramatic change in results. Delhi won both matches against RCB.
• At Bengaluru, Delhi chased 149/8 and reached 152/6 to win by four wickets. In Delhi, the Capitals scored 187/5 and defeated RCB by 16 runs after RCB finished on 171/7.
• After several years of RCB dominance, Delhi had returned strongly.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2020

• The 2020 IPL was held in the United Arab Emirates, and the change of location added another unique chapter to the rivalry.
• The first meeting took place in Dubai on October 5. Delhi produced a dominant batting performance, scoring 196/4. RCB struggled in reply and were restricted to 137/9.
• Delhi won by 59 runs.
• The second meeting took place in Abu Dhabi. RCB scored 152/7, but Delhi successfully chased the target, reaching 154/4 to win by six wickets.
• Delhi completed a second successive 2-0 season against RCB.
• Their 59-run victory remains the biggest win by runs for either side in the rivalry.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2021

• The 2021 season produced one of the closest games in the history of DC vs RCB.
• On April 27, Delhi scored 170/4. RCB eventually reached 171/5, winning by only one run.
• The match remained competitive until the closing stages and is still one of the defining encounters in the Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline.
• The second meeting in Dubai also went RCB’s way. RCB scored 166/3 and restricted Delhi to 164/5, winning by seven wickets.
• RCB completed a 2-0 season.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2022

• The teams met only once in the 2022 league stage.
• RCB scored 189/5 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Delhi managed 173/7 in response, giving RCB a 16-run victory.
• The result extended RCB’s strong record against Delhi during the period.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2023

• The 2023 season was split between the two teams.
• RCB won the first match in Bengaluru by 23 runs. RCB scored 174/6 and restricted Delhi to 151/9.
• The return fixture in Delhi produced a completely different result. RCB scored 181/4, but Delhi chased the target and reached 187/3 to win by seven wickets.
• The contrasting results demonstrated how quickly the momentum can change in this matchup.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2024

• There was only one meeting in 2024.
• At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 12, RCB scored 187/9. Delhi struggled badly during the chase and were bowled out for 140.
• RCB won by 47 runs.
• It remains RCB’s biggest victory by runs against Delhi in the rivalry.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2025

The two teams met twice in IPL 2025 and split the results.

April 10, 2025

• The first match was played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
• RCB scored 163/7, but Delhi successfully chased the target. The Capitals reached 169/4 and won by six wickets.

April 27, 2025

• The second meeting was held at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
• RCB scored 165/4 and Delhi finished on 162/8. RCB won by six wickets.
• The 2025 season therefore ended 1-1.

DC vs RCB Timeline 2026

The 2026 season produced two contrasting matches and one of the most dramatic swings in the recent rivalry.

RCB vs DC – April 18, 2026

• The first meeting took place at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
• RCB scored 175/8 in 20 overs. Phil Salt led the innings with 63 from 38 balls.
• Delhi’s chase was led by Tristan Stubbs, who scored 60. With valuable support from KL Rahul and the lower middle order, Delhi reached 179/4 in 19.5 overs.
• Delhi won by six wickets with one delivery remaining.
• The victory gave DC a 1-0 lead in the season series.

DC vs RCB – April 27, 2026

• Only nine days later, the teams met again at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
• This time the match was completely different.
• Delhi were bowled out for only 75. RCB chased the target comfortably, reaching 77/1 and winning by nine wickets.
• Josh Hazlewood was one of the major reasons behind Delhi’s collapse, taking 4/12.
• The result was remarkable because Delhi had beaten RCB only nine days earlier. RCB responded with one of their most emphatic victories in the fixture.
• The 2026 season therefore ended 1-1.

Delhi Capitals vs RCB Head-to-Head Record

After the completion of IPL 2026, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have played 35 IPL matches.

Team	Matches	Wins	Losses	No Result
Royal Challengers Bengaluru	35	21	13	1
Delhi Capitals	35	13	21	1

RCB have the clear long-term advantage, winning 21 of the 35 encounters. Delhi have won 13, while one match ended without a result.

However, the overall record does not tell the entire story. Delhi dominated the rivalry in its earliest phase, RCB controlled much of the middle period, and Delhi then enjoyed another strong period in 2019 and 2020.

The recent years have once again generally favoured RCB.

DC vs RCB Head-to-Head by Venue

DC vs RCB at Bengaluru

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has hosted numerous important matches in this rivalry.

The venue has witnessed:

• Delhi’s victory in the 2008 season
• Delhi’s 17-run win in 2010
• The 2013 Super Over
• RCB’s victories in 2014 and 2017
• Delhi’s successful 192 chase in 2016
• RCB’s 47-run win in 2024
• Delhi’s six-wicket victory in 2026

The Bengaluru venue has often provided batting-friendly conditions, although the 2026 match showed that even a relatively high target can become difficult when wickets fall regularly.

DC vs RCB at Delhi

Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla, has also been central to the rivalry.

The first-ever DC-RCB match was played at this venue in 2008.

Important matches at the ground include Delhi’s 2008 victory, RCB’s wins in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017, Delhi’s seven-wicket victory in 2023, RCB’s six-wicket win in 2025 and RCB’s nine-wicket victory in 2026.

DC vs RCB at Neutral Venues

The rivalry has also travelled well beyond the traditional home venues.

The two sides have met at venues including:

• St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
• Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
• Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur
• Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The 2009 IPL was held in South Africa, while the 2020 tournament and portions of the 2021 season involved matches outside the traditional home venues.

DC vs RCB Season-Wise Match Results

Season	Matches	RCB Wins	DC Wins	No Result
2008	2	0	2	0
2009	2	1	1	0
2010	2	0	2	0
2011	1	1	0	0
2012	2	2	0	0
2013	2	2	0	0
2014	2	2	0	0
2015	2	1	0	1
2016	2	1	1	0
2017	2	2	0	0
2018	2	2	0	0
2019	2	0	2	0
2020	2	0	2	0
2021	2	2	0	0
2022	1	1	0	0
2023	2	1	1	0
2024	1	1	0	0
2025	2	1	1	0
2026	2	1	1	0

This season-wise record shows the changing nature of the rivalry. RCB’s strongest stretches came during 2012-14, 2017-18 and 2021, while Delhi recorded consecutive 2-0 seasons in 2019 and 2020.

Most Memorable DC vs RCB Matches

The 2013 Super Over Thriller

The April 16, 2013 encounter remains one of the most memorable games in the fixture.

Both teams scored 152, forcing the match into a Super Over. RCB eventually won the tie-breaker.

It was the first and most famous Super Over chapter in the historical DC vs RCB rivalry.

RCB’s One-Run Win in 2021

• The April 27, 2021 match was another classic.
• Delhi posted 170/4, but RCB managed to finish on 171/5. The one-run margin made it one of the closest completed matches in the history of the rivalry.

Delhi’s 59-Run Win in 2020

• Delhi’s 59-run victory in Dubai was one of their most dominant performances against RCB.
• After scoring 196/4, Delhi’s bowlers restricted RCB to 137/9. The 59-run margin remains the biggest win by runs for either team in the matchup.

RCB’s 47-Run Win in 2024

• RCB scored 187/9 at Bengaluru before dismissing Delhi for 140.
• The 47-run victory was particularly notable because RCB’s bowling unit completely controlled the second innings.

The Two Contrasting Matches of 2026

• The two 2026 encounters deserve special mention because of how quickly the rivalry changed.
• On April 18, Delhi chased 176 at Bengaluru and won by six wickets.
• Nine days later, RCB bowled Delhi out for 75 and won by nine wickets.
• The pair of matches demonstrated the unpredictability of T20 cricket and showed just how quickly momentum can shift between these franchises.

Biggest Wins in DC vs RCB History

RCB’s biggest victory by runs came in 2024, when they defeated Delhi by 47 runs.

Their biggest victory by wickets came in 2015, when they chased Delhi’s 95 without losing a wicket.

Delhi’s biggest win by runs was their 59-run victory in 2020.

Delhi have also recorded several comfortable chasing victories, including six-wicket wins across different seasons.

Highest Scores in DC vs RCB Matches

The rivalry has produced several substantial team totals.

Rank	Team	Score	Season	Venue
1	RCB	215/1	2012	Delhi
2	DC	196/4	2020	Dubai
3	DC	192/3	2016	Bengaluru
4	RCB	191/5	2016	Bengaluru
5	DC	191/5	2008	Delhi

RCB’s 215/1 in 2012 remains the highest team score recorded in the fixture.

At the other end of the scale, Delhi’s 75 all out in 2026 is the lowest team score in the rivalry. Delhi’s 95 all out in 2015 was another major batting collapse, especially because RCB chased it without losing a wicket.

Best Batting Performances in DC vs RCB Matches

The rivalry has featured some of the biggest names in IPL history.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been one of the most consistent RCB batters against Delhi. His longevity with the franchise means he has featured against Delhi across the Delhi Daredevils and Delhi Capitals eras.

His importance to the rivalry comes not only from individual scores but also from his ability to build innings and accelerate when required.

AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers produced several important performances against Delhi.

One of his notable contributions came in 2012, when he scored an unbeaten 64 from 42 balls during RCB’s 20-run victory.

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle was particularly influential during RCB’s dominant early-2010s period. His explosive batting added another dimension to the rivalry, particularly during the high-scoring matches of the era.

Rishabh Pant

For Delhi, Rishabh Pant became one of the defining batters of the modern era.

His aggressive approach and ability to change the pace of an innings made him an important player in DC’s middle order.

David Warner

Warner brought experience and aggressive opening batting to the Delhi Capitals lineup. His ability to attack during the powerplay made him one of the important Delhi batters during the Capitals era.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer played an important role during Delhi’s transformation into the Capitals era, contributing as both a batter and leader.

Best Bowling Performances in DC vs RCB Matches

The bowling history of the fixture is equally impressive.

Glenn McGrath delivered one of the most important spells in the first-ever meeting, taking 4/29 and helping Delhi win by 10 runs.

RCB have also featured influential bowlers such as Anil Kumble and Yuzvendra Chahal, while Delhi have relied on bowlers including Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada and Kuldeep Yadav during different periods.

The latest major bowling performance came in 2026 when Josh Hazlewood took 4/12 as RCB bowled Delhi out for 75.

Virat Kohli vs Delhi Capitals

Virat Kohli’s connection with the DC vs RCB timeline stretches across almost the entire history of the fixture.

He was part of RCB’s early years and remained a central figure as the team moved through different generations of players.

Kohli’s importance against Delhi has been built over a long period rather than through one isolated performance. His ability to anchor an innings, control the chase and accelerate at the right time has repeatedly made him one of RCB’s key players in this fixture.

His presence also connects different eras of the rivalry, from the Delhi Daredevils years to the modern Delhi Capitals period.

Rishabh Pant vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rishabh Pant has been one of Delhi’s most recognizable players in the modern era.

His attacking batting style makes him particularly suited to the high-pressure nature of T20 cricket. Against RCB, Pant’s ability to score quickly through the middle and later stages of an innings has made him an important part of Delhi’s batting strategy.

Pant represents the newer generation of Delhi players who became central to the franchise after the team adopted the Capitals identity.

Other Players Who Shaped the DC vs RCB Rivalry

Several players have contributed significantly to the rivalry over the years.

For RCB, the list includes:

• Virat Kohli
• AB de Villiers
• Chris Gayle
• Faf du Plessis
• Yuzvendra Chahal
• Anil Kumble
• Glenn Maxwell
• Rajat Patidar

For Delhi, important names include:

• Rishabh Pant
• David Warner
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul
• Glenn McGrath
• Kagiso Rabada
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Amit Mishra

These players represent different generations of the rivalry rather than one continuous team combination.

DC vs RCB Captaincy History

Captaincy has also changed significantly across the timeline.

Delhi’s leadership history includes captains from the Delhi Daredevils era as well as the modern Capitals period. Shreyas Iyer became particularly important during Delhi’s transition into a more competitive side.

For RCB, the captaincy story includes several major figures, including Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis.

Virat Kohli’s long tenure as RCB captain gave the rivalry continuity for several seasons, while later leadership changes brought different tactical approaches.

Delhi Daredevils vs Royal Challengers Bangalore History

A common source of confusion for people researching this fixture is the change in team names.

Delhi competed as the Delhi Daredevils from 2008 until the end of 2018 before becoming Delhi Capitals. The franchise’s historical matches under the Daredevils name remain part of the same Delhi franchise record.

Similarly, RCB originally competed as Royal Challengers Bangalore before adopting the name Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Therefore, searches such as:

• Delhi Daredevils vs RCB
• DD vs RCB
• Delhi vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
• Delhi Capitals vs RCB
• DC vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• RCB vs Delhi Capitals

all refer to different eras of essentially the same IPL head-to-head rivalry.

DC vs RCB Match-Winning Trends

The history of the rivalry shows that neither side has remained permanently dominant.

Delhi controlled the opening years, particularly 2008 and 2010.

RCB then established a long period of superiority, winning multiple consecutive seasons between 2012 and 2018.

Delhi’s transformation into the Capitals coincided with a strong response in 2019 and 2020, when they won all four meetings across the two seasons.

RCB then regained the upper hand, winning both meetings in 2021 and taking several important victories in the following seasons.

Batting First vs Chasing

The rivalry has produced victories in both batting-first and chasing situations.

Some of Delhi’s biggest victories have come while chasing, including the 2016 successful chase of 192 and the 2026 chase of 176.

RCB have also produced major successful chases, including the 2015 chase of 96 without losing a wicket.

Powerplay Battles

The powerplay is often decisive in this fixture because both teams have historically featured aggressive opening batters.

Early wickets can change the character of the match, while strong starts have often allowed the middle order to play with greater freedom.

Middle Overs

The middle overs have featured battles between aggressive batters and quality spin.

Players such as Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have represented the importance of spin during different periods of the rivalry.

Death Overs

The final overs have produced several dramatic finishes.

The 2021 one-run victory is perhaps the best example of how important the final overs can become when both teams remain within touching distance.

DC vs RCB Records and Statistics

The major records in the rivalry include:

Record	Details
Most wins	RCB – 21
DC wins	13
No result	1
Highest team score	RCB 215/1, 2012
Lowest team score	DC 75 all out, 2026
Biggest RCB win by runs	47 runs, 2024
Biggest DC win by runs	59 runs, 2020
Biggest RCB win by wickets	10 wickets, 2015
Closest RCB win	1 run, 2021
Super Over victory	RCB, 2013
Notable early bowling performance	Glenn McGrath 4/29
Notable 2026 bowling performance	Josh Hazlewood 4/12

These records underline the contrasting nature of the rivalry: huge victories, narrow finishes, high-scoring games and dramatic collapses have all appeared in the timeline.

Turning Points in the DC vs RCB Rivalry

2008–2012: The Early IPL Era

Delhi started the rivalry strongly, winning both matches in 2008 and both in 2010.

RCB’s first victory came in 2009, but the real change began around 2011 and 2012.

By 2012, RCB had clearly shifted the balance, winning both meetings and producing the fixture’s then-record 215/1.

2013–2018: RCB Establishes Dominance

The Super Over victory in 2013 was followed by further RCB success in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

This became the most sustained period of RCB dominance in the rivalry.

2019–2020: Delhi’s Revival

Delhi’s name change to Delhi Capitals coincided with a remarkable improvement in results.

The Capitals won all four meetings against RCB across 2019 and 2020.

The 59-run victory in 2020 was particularly dominant.

2021–2024: RCB Responds

RCB responded with a one-run thriller in 2021 and another victory later that year.

They also won the 2022 meeting, split the 2023 matches and dominated the 2024 encounter by 47 runs.

2025–2026: A More Competitive Recent Rivalry

The 2025 season ended 1-1.

The same happened in 2026, although the two matches could hardly have been more different. Delhi won the first by six wickets before RCB responded with a nine-wicket victory.

The recent results show that while RCB retain the historical advantage, Delhi remain capable of producing major wins.

DC vs RCB Playoff and High-Stakes Encounters

Unlike some major IPL rivalries, the DC vs RCB fixture has largely been a league-stage contest.

The historical record through 2026 shows that the 35 meetings have not produced a Qualifier, Eliminator or IPL final between the two franchises.

That makes the rivalry interesting for a different reason: its significance has come primarily from repeated league-stage encounters, individual performances and dramatic finishes rather than a long history of knockout matches.

Recent DC vs RCB Matches

The latest completed meetings show the recent balance particularly well.

Date	Venue	Winner	Margin
April 27, 2026	Delhi	RCB	9 wickets
April 18, 2026	Bengaluru	DC	6 wickets
April 27, 2025	Delhi	RCB	6 wickets
April 10, 2025	Bengaluru	DC	6 wickets
May 12, 2024	Bengaluru	RCB	47 runs
May 6, 2023	Delhi	DC	7 wickets
April 15, 2023	Bengaluru	RCB	23 runs
April 16, 2022	Mumbai	RCB	16 runs
October 8, 2021	Dubai	RCB	7 wickets
April 27, 2021	Ahmedabad	RCB	1 run

The official IPL match records show the same recent sequence, with RCB winning seven of the latest ten meetings entering the 2026 season and then winning one of the two 2026 games.

What Makes Delhi Capitals vs RCB Rivalry Interesting?

Several factors make this one of the IPL’s most searchable and entertaining team matchups.

First is the sheer number of famous players involved. Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Rishabh Pant, David Warner, Faf du Plessis and several other major names have appeared in the fixture.

Second is the changing balance. Delhi dominated the early rivalry, RCB controlled the middle period, Delhi enjoyed a revival in 2019-20 and RCB subsequently returned to the top of the head-to-head record.

Third is the variety of results. The fixture has produced a Super Over, a one-run finish, 10-wicket victories, a 59-run victory and a match where one team was bowled out for only 75.

Finally, the teams have met in very different conditions and venues. Matches have been played in India, South Africa, the UAE and at several neutral grounds, making the Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline more diverse than a conventional home-and-away rivalry.

Conclusion

The Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline is a story of changing fortunes rather than a one-sided rivalry.

Delhi started with a 2-0 record in 2008, remained strong in 2010 and then watched RCB gradually take control. The period from 2012 through 2018 produced several RCB-dominated seasons, including the 2013 Super Over and the 2015 10-wicket victory.

Delhi’s transformation from the Delhi Daredevils into the Delhi Capitals brought a major change. The Capitals won every meeting against RCB in both 2019 and 2020, including a 59-run victory that remains the biggest win by runs in the fixture.

RCB subsequently responded, producing the famous one-run victory in 2021, continued success in 2022 and 2024, and several important wins in the following seasons.

The 2026 season perfectly captured the unpredictable nature of the rivalry. Delhi chased 175 successfully in Bengaluru, only for RCB to return nine days later and bowl Delhi out for 75 in Delhi.

With 35 matches, 21 RCB wins, 13 Delhi wins and one no-result, RCB currently hold the overall advantage. Yet the history of this fixture shows that previous dominance offers no guarantee in the next encounter.

That is ultimately what makes the Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match history so compelling. From the first Delhi victory in 2008 to the contrasting contests of 2026, the rivalry has continually produced new chapters, new stars and unexpected results.

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