Fantasy Cricket · IPL 2026 · Match 26
DC vs RCB Dream11 Team Today: Best Fantasy XI, Captain & Vice-Captain Picks for IPL 2026 Match 26 — April 18, 2026
Updated: · Match 26, IPL 2026 · RCB vs DC · M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru · 3:30 PM IST
🔥 MATCH DAY HERO STAT — DC vs RCB, IPL 2026
Virat Kohli: 1,827 IPL Runs in Last 37 Innings at Avg 63 & SR 152 — The #1 Dream11 Captain Certainty
Today’s DC vs RCB clash at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is a fantasy goldmine. The Bengaluru ground averages 199 runs in the first innings this IPL season — and with Kohli, Patidar, Phil Salt, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav all in the mix, this match has the highest ceiling for Dream11 points of any fixture this week.
199
Avg 1st Inn Score at Chinnaswamy (IPL 2026)
250
RCB’s Record Score Here (vs CSK this season)
213
Patidar SR (222 runs, 2 fifties)
20–12
RCB vs DC All-Time H2H (33 matches)
If you are searching for the best DC vs RCB Dream11 Team Today for IPL 2026 Match 26, you are in exactly the right place. This is one of the most high-stakes, high-scoring fantasy fixtures of the entire season — and the player picks you make today could be the difference between winning your grand league or finishing mid-table.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Delhi Capitals at the legendary M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru — a ground that posted a season-high score of 250/3 this IPL and averages 199 in the first innings. With RCB in brilliant form (4 wins in 5 matches, NRR +1.503) and DC needing a win to keep pace in the top-4 race (4 pts, 5th place), both sides come into this match with maximum motivation.
This complete Dream11 guide gives you the verified playing XIs, pitch and weather report, head-to-head data, expert captain and vice-captain recommendations, three ready-made teams for small leagues, mega leagues, and grand leagues, plus a full player-by-player breakdown. Read every word — this guide covers everything.
⚡ DC vs RCB MATCH DAY UPDATES — April 18, 2026
- Match Time: 3:30 PM IST | Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Day/Night)
- Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Hindi, Regional) + JioHotstar
- RCB Form: Won 4 of 5 | 2nd on table (8 pts) | NRR +1.503 — best in IPL 2026
- DC Form: Won 2 of 4 | 5th on table (4 pts) | In must-win territory for playoff hopes
- Weather: Hot (max 36°C), no rain expected. Dew factor likely in second innings — teams prefer to bowl first.
- Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Possible rest due to quick turnaround from LSG match. Monitor pre-toss news — if rested, Jacob Duffy comes in as replacement.
- RCB’s last score here: A record 250/3 vs CSK in IPL 2026 — Chinnaswamy is their fortress.
- Head-to-Head: RCB lead DC 20–12 in 33 IPL meetings. RCB are heavy favourites today (53% win probability).
DC vs RCB Probable Playing XI — IPL 2026 Match 26 (April 18)
Always confirm the final playing XIs at toss time (30 minutes before match). These are the most reliable probable lineups based on current selection patterns and latest squad news.
| # | RCB Player | Role | | | DC Player | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phil Salt 🌍 | WK-Opener | | | Pathum Nissanka 🌍 | Opener |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | Opener | | | KL Rahul (wk) | WK-Batter |
| 3 | Devdutt Padikkal | Top-Order | | | Sameer Rizvi | Top-Order |
| 4 | Rajat Patidar (c) | Mid-Order | | | Axar Patel (c) | All-Rounder |
| 5 | Jitesh Sharma | Finisher | | | David Miller 🌍 | Mid-Order |
| 6 | Tim David 🌍 | Finisher | | | Tristan Stubbs 🌍 | Mid-Order |
| 7 | Romario Shepherd 🌍 | All-Rounder | | | Ashutosh Sharma | Lower-Order |
| 8 | Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder | | | Auqib Nabi 🌍 | Bowling All-Rnd |
| 9 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Pace Bowler | | | Kuldeep Yadav | Spin Bowler |
| 10 | Josh Hazlewood / Jacob Duffy 🌍 | Pace Bowler | | | Lungi Ngidi 🌍 | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Suyash Sharma | Wrist Spinner | | | T. Natarajan | Pace Bowler |
🌍 = Overseas player. Confirm final XI at toss. Always edit your Dream11 team after the toss announcement.
DC vs RCB Dream11 Fantasy Stats — Complete Player Data Table
This master data table covers every key pick for today’s DC vs RCB Dream11 team — form, fantasy points, batting/bowling stats, and our verdict on whether to include them.
| Player | Team | Role | Key IPL 2026 Stat | Fantasy Pts* | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | BAT (Opener) | 228 runs | Avg 63 last 37 inn | SR 152 | High | 10/10 | ✅ Must Captain |
| Rajat Patidar | RCB | BAT (No.4) | 222 runs | SR 213.46 | 2 fifties | Very High | 9.5/10 | ✅ C/VC Pick |
| Phil Salt | RCB | WK-BAT (Opener) | 78 off 36 vs MI | MOTM | SR ~216 | Very High | 9.2/10 | ✅ Must Pick WK |
| Tim David | RCB | BAT (Finisher) | 147 runs | SR 216.17 | High | 8.5/10 | ✅ Power Pick |
| Krunal Pandya | RCB | ALL-RND | 271 Dream11 pts | 7 wkts (=leading) | High | 8.8/10 | ✅ All-Rnd Pick |
| KL Rahul | DC | WK-BAT | Consistent | 279 runs vs RCB in career | High | 8.5/10 | ✅ VC Option |
| Sameer Rizvi | DC | BAT (Top-Order) | 166 runs | 2x MOTM awards | In-form | High | 8.3/10 | ✅ Key Pick |
| Pathum Nissanka | DC | BAT (Opener) | 3 consecutive 40+ scores in IPL 2026 | High | 8.2/10 | ✅ Form Pick |
| Axar Patel | DC | ALL-RND | 279 runs vs RCB | Avg 34.9 | SR 151.6 | High | 8.5/10 | ✅ Differential |
| Kuldeep Yadav | DC | BOWL (Spin) | Lethal vs RCB batting | Chinnaswamy helps spin | High | 8.5/10 | ✅ Must Pick Bowl |
| Tristan Stubbs | DC | BAT (Mid-Order) | 60 off 38 vs CSK | Dangerous finisher | Medium | 7.8/10 | ⚡ Differential |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | BOWL (Pace) | MOTM vs LSG | Possible rest — monitor | Medium | Risk | ⚠️ Confirm at Toss |
*Fantasy points are estimated based on IPL 2026 form and historical Chinnaswamy data. Always check the final playing XI before submitting your team.
DC vs RCB Dream11 Team Today — 3 Ready-Made XIs for Every Contest Type
🏆 Dream11 Team 1 — Small League (Safe, High Floor)
Strategy: Load on in-form RCB batters + safe all-rounders. Avoid high-risk differentials. Low ownership is not the goal here — consistency is.
Format: 1 WK · 4 BAT · 2 ALL · 3 BOWL | Captain: Virat Kohli | VC: Rajat Patidar
🎯 Dream11 Team 2 — Grand League (High Ceiling, Differentials)
Strategy: Axar Patel as captain is the big differential (low ownership, massive IPL record vs RCB). Load DC batters in case RCB has a rare off-day. Tim David at SR 216 is the ceiling pick from RCB.
Format: 1 WK · 4 BAT · 2 ALL · 3 BOWL | Captain: Axar Patel (Differential) | VC: Rajat Patidar
💥 Dream11 Team 3 — Mega Contest (RCB-Heavy, Max Ceiling)
Strategy: If RCB post 200+ again (very likely at Chinnaswamy), loading RCB batters wins you the mega. Phil Salt as captain is the pure powerplay ceiling choice — 78 off 36 in last outing shows the upside.
Format: 1 WK · 5 BAT · 2 ALL · 3 BOWL | Captain: Phil Salt | VC: Virat Kohli
Deep Analysis: Why the Chinnaswamy Pitch Is a Dream11 Fantasy Goldmine Today
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of the most batter-friendly grounds in world cricket — and in IPL 2026, it has exceeded even its own legendary reputation. The average first innings score here this season is 199, with RCB posting a stunning 250/3 against CSK in the tournament opener. The dew factor in evening fixtures also significantly assists the chasing team’s batters, making a run-fest almost certain.
For Dream11 players, this venue profile has one critical implication: load your team with batters and batting all-rounders. On a surface where 200+ is routine, every top-order pick has the potential to score 40-80+ runs. The ceiling for a well-constructed RCB-heavy team today is extraordinary.
The one caveat is Hazlewood’s availability. Josh Hazlewood was the MOTM vs LSG with a decisive bowling performance, but the quick turnaround (less than 48 hours) means RCB might rest him. If Hazlewood plays, include him as a bowling pick. If Jacob Duffy comes in, switch to Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Suyash Sharma in that slot.
The head-to-head data also favours RCB strongly. In 33 IPL meetings, RCB have beaten DC 20 times to DC’s 12. At Chinnaswamy specifically, RCB are near-unbeatable. The pitch suits their top-heavy batting lineup (Kohli, Salt, Patidar, Tim David) far more than DC’s more balanced approach.
DC vs RCB Dream11 Player Cards — In-Depth Pick Analysis
🔥 Virat Kohli (RCB) — The Ultimate Captain Pick | 228 Runs | Avg 63 in Last 37 Innings
Opener · Orange Cap Leader · IPL 2026 Runs: 228 · SR: ~145
Kohli is the safest captain pick in all of IPL 2026 fantasy cricket — and at Chinnaswamy, his own home ground, he becomes almost unmissable. His record of 1,827 runs in his last 37 IPL innings at an average of 63 is the kind of consistency that no other batter in world cricket can match. In 33 career IPL matches against DC, Kohli has repeatedly delivered big innings. Today, on a flat Chinnaswamy track, he is the #1 captain selection for all contest formats.
💥 Rajat Patidar (RCB) — Strike Rate 213 | 222 Runs | The Explosive Vice-Captain
Number 4 / Captain RCB · SR: 213.46 · IPL 2026: 222 runs, 2 fifties
Patidar is having the best season of his IPL career. His 17-ball fifty against MI — when RCB needed a finisher — was one of the highlights of the season. At Chinnaswamy, where he plays all his home games, his strike rate of 213 is particularly devastating. As a VC in small leagues and a differential captain candidate in grand leagues, Patidar is the most dangerous pick not named Virat Kohli in today’s DC vs RCB Dream11 contest.
🎯 Axar Patel (DC) — 279 Career Runs vs RCB | 21 Wickets vs RCB | The Grand League Differential
All-Rounder / DC Captain · IPL Career vs RCB: 279 runs (Avg 34.9, SR 151.6) + 21 wickets
Axar Patel has the most impressive record of any player in today’s match against the opposition he is facing. His career stats against RCB are staggering — 279 runs at 34.9 and 21 wickets at an average of 26.1. He is DC’s captain, will bat in the top 5, and will bowl in the crucial middle overs where Chinnaswamy’s variable bounce and turn can trouble even the best batters. At low ownership in grand leagues, making him your captain is the selection that separates podium finishers from mid-table ones.
🌀 Kuldeep Yadav (DC) — The Wrist Spin Weapon | Chinnaswamy’s Middle-Overs Threat
Left-arm Wrist Spin · DC’s Primary Wicket-Taking Bowler
Kuldeep Yadav is consistently undervalued in fantasy cricket on high-scoring grounds, but his ability to take wickets with his googly and chinaman in the middle overs makes him dangerous regardless of pitch conditions. At Chinnaswamy, where the surface offers variable bounce that complements wrist spinners, Kuldeep becomes even more threatening. His record against RCB’s top order — particularly Kohli (64 balls, 75 runs, 1 wkt) and Tim David — shows he can create breakthroughs against the best. He is a must-pick in today’s bowling slots.
⚡ Sameer Rizvi (DC) — 166 Runs | 2 Man of the Match Awards | DC’s Top Run-Scorer in IPL 2026
Top-Order Batter · DC’s Most In-Form Batsman · 2x MOTM in IPL 2026
Sameer Rizvi is the best-kept secret on the DC batting card this IPL season. With 166 runs and two Man of the Match awards, he is DC’s leading run-scorer and their primary batting asset heading into today’s match. He bats in the top three for DC, meaning he faces the new ball and has maximum overs to accumulate runs on the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy surface. At a relatively low Dream11 credit cost compared to Kohli or Salt, Rizvi offers exceptional value for today’s DC vs RCB team.
Pitch Report, Weather & Key Trends for DC vs RCB, IPL 2026 Match 26
Pitch — Batting Paradise with a Spin Twist. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch is consistently among the most batter-friendly surfaces in IPL history. The record T20 score here is SRH’s 287/3 against RCB in 2024. In IPL 2026 specifically, this ground has already produced a 250+ total. The outfield is lightning-fast, boundaries are short, and the ball sits up nicely on a flat surface. Expect the first innings to be between 185 and 220+ today. Pace bowlers can find some movement early (first 2-3 overs), but after that the track becomes a batting highway.
Dew Factor — Toss is Critical. Evening matches at Chinnaswamy are significantly affected by dew from around the 10th over of the second innings onwards. Teams winning the toss almost always choose to bowl first, knowing the chase becomes easier as dew sets in and bowlers lose grip. Today’s match starts at 3:30 PM IST (day/night), so dew will begin affecting conditions from approximately the 15th over of the second innings. The team batting second has a clear advantage — load picks from the chasing team after the toss.
Head-to-Head Trend. RCB hold a dominant 20–12 record against DC across all 33 IPL meetings. At their home ground in Bengaluru, that advantage is even more pronounced. In IPL 2026, RCB beat DC in their last meeting by 23 runs — with Sanju Samson (then CSK) irrelevant; the RCB core of Kohli, Salt, and Patidar has been the engine behind all their wins. The historical data strongly favours loading RCB batters in all three Dream11 team formats.
RCB’s Record Score Here. RCB smashed 250/3 against CSK at this very ground in IPL 2026’s first home match of the season. That total sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and reminded everyone why the Chinnaswamy is cricket’s most exciting batting arena. Any fantasy player who went RCB-heavy that day cleaned up in their contest. Today’s surface and conditions are nearly identical.
Frequently Asked Questions — DC vs RCB Dream11 Team Today (IPL 2026)
Who is the best captain pick for DC vs RCB Dream11 today, April 18?
Virat Kohli (RCB) is the #1 captain pick for today’s DC vs RCB Dream11 team. He leads the Orange Cap with 228 runs and has averaged 63 across his last 37 IPL innings. At Chinnaswamy — his own home ground — Kohli is virtually unmissable. Rajat Patidar (RCB) is the best VC, with 222 runs at an incredible strike rate of 213.46. For grand league differentials, Axar Patel (DC) is the dark horse captain — he has 279 career runs and 21 wickets against RCB specifically.
What is the pitch report for DC vs RCB at Chinnaswamy today?
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch is extremely batter-friendly and one of the highest-scoring venues in IPL history. The average first innings score in IPL 2026 at this venue is 199, and RCB posted a record 250/3 here this season. Pacers can find movement in the first 2-3 overs, but the surface quickly becomes flat and the fast outfield makes boundary hitting easy. The dew factor in the second innings benefits the batting side further. Fantasy tip: Load your DC vs RCB Dream11 team with top-order batters and batting all-rounders — this is not a bowling-heavy match to build your team around.
Is Josh Hazlewood playing DC vs RCB today?
Josh Hazlewood’s availability for today’s DC vs RCB match is uncertain due to a quick turnaround — RCB played LSG less than 48 hours ago, and Hazlewood was the Man of the Match. There is a chance RCB rest him to manage workload. If Hazlewood plays, include him as a bowling pick (he is lethal in powerplay conditions). If he is rested, Jacob Duffy is expected to replace him. Always confirm the final playing XI at toss time before submitting your Dream11 team.
Who will win today’s DC vs RCB IPL 2026 match?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are strong favourites to win today’s match against Delhi Capitals, with a win probability of approximately 53%. RCB are at home in Bengaluru, have won 4 of their last 5 matches, and lead DC 20–12 in their all-time IPL head-to-head. Their NRR of +1.503 is the best in the tournament. DC, on 4 points and in 5th place, need a win to stay in top-4 contention — which means they will play aggressive, high-risk cricket that could backfire against RCB’s balanced attack. RCB are the safer match prediction today.
Which DC players should I pick for today’s Dream11 team vs RCB?
The top DC players to pick in your Dream11 team for today’s DC vs RCB match are: (1) KL Rahul — consistent wicket-keeper batter and excellent value; (2) Sameer Rizvi — DC’s leading run-scorer (166 runs) and 2x MOTM in IPL 2026; (3) Pathum Nissanka — three consecutive 40+ scores in IPL 2026, outstanding opening form; (4) Axar Patel — captain who can score runs and take wickets; (5) Kuldeep Yadav — the premier wicket-taking spinner on a surface that assists wrist spin in the middle overs. Avoid including DC’s lower-order pace bowlers unless playing small contest where diversity matters less.
What time does the DC vs RCB IPL 2026 match start today?
The DC vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 26 starts at 3:30 PM IST on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The toss will take place 30 minutes before the match, at approximately 3:00 PM IST. Dream11 teams must be submitted before the toss — always finalise your DC vs RCB Dream11 team before 3:00 PM IST today and then use the edit feature (available up to the toss) to adjust for the final playing XIs announced at the coin flip. Watch live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
More IPL 2026 Dream11 & Fantasy Cricket on IPL Daily
- 📊 IPL 2026 Points Table — Updated Standings After Every Match
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- 🏆 IPL 2026 Orange Cap — Virat Kohli Leads the Run Charts
- 🎯 IPL 2026 Purple Cap — Top Wicket Takers & Bowling Rankings
- 📅 IPL 2026 Full Schedule — Upcoming Fixtures, Match Timings & Venues
Disclaimer: This DC vs RCB Dream11 Team article is for entertainment and informational purposes only. IPL Daily does not promote gambling or real-money gaming. All fantasy cricket tips are based on publicly available IPL 2026 data, current form, and historical statistics as of April 18, 2026. Always verify the final playing XIs at toss time before submitting your Dream11 team. Play responsibly. IPL Daily is not affiliated with Dream11 or BCCI.
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