Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are two of the most popular franchises in Indian Premier League history. Their rivalry dates back to the inaugural IPL season in 2008, when Delhi played as the Delhi Daredevils. Over the years, the two sides have produced high-scoring games, close finishes and several memorable individual performances.bangalore-vs-delhi-head-to-head in ipl
As of the end of the 2026 IPL season, RCB and DC have faced each other 35 times. RCB have won 21 matches, while DC have won 13, with one match ending without a result. This gives RCB a clear advantage in the overall head-to-head record.
RCB vs DC Head-to-Head Record
| Head-to-Head Record | RCB | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 35 | 35 |
| Matches Won | 21 | 13 |
| Matches Lost | 13 | 21 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Team Score | 215/1 | 196/4 |
| Lowest Team Score | 137 | 75 |
RCB’s 21 victories give them a winning share of roughly 60% of completed matches, making DC one of the teams against whom Bengaluru have historically enjoyed considerable success.bangalore-vs-delhi-head-to-head in ipl
Early History: 2008 to 2010
The rivalry began in 2008. Delhi Daredevils won both meetings against Royal Challengers Bangalore during the inaugural season.
RCB then responded in 2009 by winning one of their two matches against Delhi, while the Daredevils won the other. Delhi again dominated the 2010 season, winning both encounters.
The early years therefore belonged largely to Delhi. However, the balance of the rivalry changed dramatically from 2011 onward.
RCB Take Control
From 2011, Royal Challengers Bengaluru started establishing a stronger record against Delhi.
RCB won their only meeting in 2011 and then produced a particularly dominant run between 2012 and 2014. They won both matches against Delhi in each of those three seasons.
The trend continued in 2017 and 2018, when RCB again won every match against Delhi. According to the season-by-season record, RCB won two matches in each of those seasons.
This period was important in shaping the overall head-to-head advantage that RCB still possess today.
Delhi’s Resurgence in 2019 and 2020
Delhi Capitals enjoyed a strong comeback during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
In 2019, Delhi won both matches against RCB. They repeated that achievement in 2020, including a convincing 59-run victory in one of their meetings.
The 2020 match was particularly memorable. Delhi posted 196/4, while RCB managed only 137/9. Delhi’s strong batting performance and disciplined bowling resulted in a comfortable victory.
Although DC enjoyed this period of dominance, RCB quickly returned to winning ways.
2021: Two Dramatic RCB Victories
The 2021 IPL season produced two memorable meetings between RCB and DC, with Bengaluru winning both.
The first was one of the closest games in their rivalry. RCB scored 171/5, while Delhi finished on 170/4, giving RCB a thrilling one-run victory.
The second meeting was more comfortable for RCB, who won by seven wickets after chasing Delhi’s target.
The one-run victory remains particularly memorable because it showed how important the final over can be in an IPL contest.
RCB’s 2022 Victory
RCB continued their strong record in 2022, defeating Delhi by 16 runs.
RCB scored 189/5, with Delhi replying with 173/7. The result gave Bengaluru another important victory in the rivalry.
RCB’s batting strength was again a major factor. Their ability to post a competitive total and then defend it demonstrated the balance in their squad.
Split Results in 2023
The two teams met twice in 2023, and the season was evenly divided.
RCB won the first encounter by 23 runs, scoring 174/6 and restricting Delhi to 151/9.
Delhi responded in the return match by defeating RCB by seven wickets. Delhi scored 187/3 after RCB had made 181/4.
The split results showed that DC remained capable of challenging RCB despite the latter’s stronger overall record.
RCB Dominate in 2024
The teams met once in the 2024 IPL season, and RCB produced a convincing performance.
RCB scored 187/9 and then bowled Delhi out for only 140, winning by 47 runs. This remains RCB’s biggest victory over DC by runs according to the available head-to-head records.
The match demonstrated the importance of RCB’s bowling attack. After setting a competitive target, Bengaluru consistently took wickets and prevented Delhi from building a successful chase.
2025: One Win Each
The 2025 season produced another split result.
Delhi Capitals won the first meeting by six wickets, chasing RCB’s 163/7 with a score of 169/4.
RCB responded in the second encounter by defeating Delhi by six wickets. RCB chased Delhi’s 162/8, reaching 165/4.
The results showed that neither side had complete control over the rivalry in the modern era.
2026: Another Split Season
The rivalry remained competitive in 2026, with the teams again winning one match each.
Delhi Capitals defeated RCB by six wickets in their first meeting. Delhi scored 179/4 after RCB posted 175/8.
RCB then responded strongly in the return match. Bengaluru bowled Delhi out for just 75 before chasing the target in only 6.4 overs, winning by nine wickets.
The nine-wicket victory was especially dominant and gave RCB the latest win in the rivalry.
Biggest Wins in RCB vs DC History
Both teams have produced some major victories.
RCB’s biggest win by runs came in 2024, when they defeated DC by 47 runs.
Delhi’s biggest win by runs came in 2020, when they beat RCB by 59 runs.
The largest winning margin by wickets for RCB came in 2026, when they defeated Delhi by nine wickets.
These results highlight the contrast between the teams. While some matches have been decided by only one run, others have produced extremely one-sided victories.
Highest Team Scores
RCB’s highest score against Delhi Capitals is 215/1, recorded in 2012.
Delhi’s highest total against RCB is 196/4, achieved in 2020.
RCB’s 215/1 remains an important batting record in this fixture. It demonstrated the team’s ability to dominate the Delhi bowling attack and build a huge total.
At the other end of the scale, Delhi’s lowest score against RCB is 75 all out, recorded in 2026. RCB’s lowest score in the fixture is listed as 137.
Memorable Matches
1. RCB’s One-Run Thriller in 2021
One of the most exciting matches came in 2021. RCB scored 171/5 and Delhi came extremely close at 170/4. RCB held their nerve to win by one run.
2. Delhi’s 59-Run Victory in 2020
Delhi produced a dominant performance in 2020. They scored 196/4 and restricted RCB to 137/9, winning by 59 runs.
3. RCB’s 47-Run Victory in 2024
RCB’s 2024 victory was another impressive performance. Bengaluru scored 187/9 before dismissing Delhi for 140.
4. RCB’s Nine-Wicket Win in 2026
The most recent meeting ended in a comprehensive RCB victory. Delhi were bowled out for 75, and RCB reached 77/1 to win by nine wickets.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Several major IPL stars have contributed to the RCB vs DC rivalry over the years.
For RCB, Virat Kohli has been one of the most important figures. His consistency, longevity and ability to perform under pressure have made him central to Bengaluru’s batting lineup.
Other notable RCB players associated with this rivalry include AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Delhi have also featured several outstanding players, including Rishabh Pant, David Warner, Shreyas Iyer, Kagiso Rabada, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
The combination of experienced international stars and emerging Indian talent has helped make this fixture one of the more entertaining matchups in the IPL.
Why RCB Have the Head-to-Head Advantage
RCB’s overall advantage can be linked to several factors.
First, Bengaluru have frequently possessed powerful batting lineups capable of producing large totals. Their highest score against Delhi, 215/1, is an example of that strength.
Second, RCB have often been able to perform strongly in the middle overs. Quality spin and pace options have allowed them to put pressure on Delhi’s batting lineup.
Third, RCB have enjoyed several long periods of dominance. Their record between 2012 and 2014, as well as 2017-18 and 2021, contributed significantly to their overall 21-13 lead.
Recent Head-to-Head Trend
The recent record is much more competitive than the historical numbers might suggest.
In 2025, the teams split their two matches. The same happened in 2026, with Delhi winning the first match and RCB winning the second.
Therefore, although RCB lead the overall rivalry, Delhi remain a dangerous opponent. Recent seasons suggest that the next encounter could go either way.
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals head-to-head rivalry has produced 35 IPL matches through the 2026 season. RCB have won 21, Delhi Capitals have won 13, and one match ended without a result.
RCB have enjoyed the stronger overall record, particularly during several dominant periods between 2011 and 2018 and again in the early 2020s. Delhi, however, have also produced memorable victories, including their 59-run win in 2020.
Recent seasons have been much more balanced. Both 2025 and 2026 ended with one victory apiece for each team. The latest meeting, however, belonged emphatically to RCB, who dismissed Delhi for 75 and won by nine wickets.
With two popular franchises, powerful batting lineups and talented bowling attacks, RCB vs DC remains an important IPL matchup. While the historical numbers clearly favour Bengaluru, Delhi have repeatedly shown that they can turn the rivalry around on their day.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times have RCB and Delhi Capitals played each other in the IPL?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have played 35 matches against each other in IPL history.
2. Who has won more matches between RCB and Delhi Capitals?
RCB have the better head-to-head record, with 21 wins, while Delhi Capitals have won 13 matches. One match ended without a result.
3. What is RCB’s highest score against Delhi Capitals?
RCB’s highest team total against Delhi Capitals is 215/1, scored in the 2012 IPL season.
4. What is Delhi Capitals’ biggest win over RCB?
Delhi Capitals’ biggest win by runs came in 2020, when they defeated RCB by 59 runs.
5. What was the result of the latest RCB vs DC match?
In their latest meeting in 2026, RCB defeated Delhi Capitals by 9 wickets after bowling DC out for just 75 runs.