Introduction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Timeline
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced some of the most exhilarating rivalries in cricket history, and one of the most intriguing is between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Over the years, these two teams have faced each other in a number of thrilling encounters, with matches often coming down to the last ball or the final over. This article presents a comprehensive timeline of RCB vs DC matches, highlights key performances, memorable moments, and offers an analysis of the rivalry that cricket fans love.
Table of Contents
RCB vs DC — Head-to-Head Overview
The rivalry between RCB and DC is one of the most exciting in the IPL. Both teams have star-studded line-ups, aggressive batting line-ups, and world-class bowlers. Here’s an overview of their head-to-head stats:
- Total Matches Played: 31 (till IPL 2025 regular season)
- RCB Wins: 19
- DC Wins: 11
- No Result: 1 (washed out due to rain in 2015)
Historically, RCB has had a slight edge in this rivalry, with some seasons dominated by memorable batting displays and clever bowling strategies.
Key Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Most Runs (Overall vs DC) | Virat Kohli (~1000+ runs) |
| Most Wickets (Overall vs DC) | Yuzvendra Chahal (~15 wickets) |
| Highest Individual Score | Chris Gayle 128* |
| Best Bowling Figures | Jaydev Unadkat 5/25 |
These stats show that RCB’s batting line-up has historically been strong against DC, but DC’s bowlers have also delivered some crucial performances.
Complete RCB vs DC IPL Timeline
Here is a detailed timeline of every IPL match between RCB and DC, including dates, winners, results, and venues. This gives fans and analysts a clear picture of the rivalry over the years.
| Season | Date | Winner | Margin / Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | 27‑Apr‑2025 | RCB | Won by 6 wickets | Delhi |
| IPL 2025 | 10‑Apr‑2025 | DC | Won by 6 wickets | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2024 | 12‑May‑2024 | RCB | Won by 47 runs | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2023 | 06‑May‑2023 | DC | Won by 7 wickets | Delhi |
| IPL 2023 | 15‑Apr‑2023 | RCB | Won by 23 runs | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2022 | 16‑Apr‑2022 | RCB | Won by 16 runs | Mumbai |
| IPL 2021 | 08‑Oct‑2021 | RCB | Won by 7 wickets | Dubai |
| IPL 2021 | 27‑Apr‑2021 | RCB | Won by 1 run | Ahmedabad |
| IPL 2020 | 02‑Nov‑2020 | DC | Won by 6 wickets | Abu Dhabi |
| IPL 2020 | 05‑Oct‑2020 | DC | Won by 59 runs | Dubai |
| IPL 2019 | 28‑Apr‑2019 | DC | Won by 16 runs | Delhi |
| IPL 2019 | 07‑Apr‑2019 | DC | Won by 4 wickets | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2018 | 12‑May‑2018 | RCB | Won by 5 wickets | Delhi |
| IPL 2018 | 21‑Apr‑2018 | RCB | Won by 6 wickets | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2017 | 14‑May‑2017 | RCB | Won by 10 runs | Delhi |
| IPL 2017 | 08‑Apr‑2017 | RCB | Won by 15 runs | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2016 | 21‑May‑2016 | RCB | Won by 8 wickets | Raipur |
| IPL 2016 | 16‑Apr‑2016 | DC | Won by 7 wickets | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2015 | 16‑May‑2015 | — | Match Abandoned | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2015 | 25‑Apr‑2015 | RCB | Won by 10 wickets | Delhi |
| IPL 2014 | 12‑May‑2014 | RCB | Won by 16 runs | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2014 | 16‑Apr‑2014 | RCB | Won by 8 wickets | Sharjah |
| IPL 2013 | 09‑May‑2013 | RCB | Won by 10 runs | Delhi |
| IPL 2013 | 15‑Apr‑2013 | RCB | Tied (Super Over) | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2012 | 16‑Mar‑2012 | RCB | Won by 21 runs | Delhi |
| IPL 2012 | 06‑Apr‑2012 | RCB | Won by 20 runs | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2011 | 25‑Apr‑2011 | RCB | Won by 3 wickets | Delhi |
| IPL 2010 | 03‑Apr‑2010 | DC | Won by 37 runs | Delhi |
| IPL 2010 | 24‑Mar‑2010 | DC | Won by 17 runs | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2009 | 17‑May‑2009 | RCB | Won by 7 wickets | Johannesburg |
| IPL 2009 | 25‑Apr‑2009 | DC | Won by 6 wickets | Port Elizabeth |
| IPL 2008 | 19‑May‑2008 | DC | Won by 5 wickets | Bengaluru |
| IPL 2008 | 30‑Apr‑2008 | DC | Won by 10 runs | Delhi |
This timeline demonstrates the evolution of the rivalry, highlighting periods of dominance by both teams.
Memorable Matches and Highlights
The RCB vs DC clashes have been full of thrilling moments. Let’s look at some of the most iconic matches:
IPL 2025 — April 27
- RCB chased 163 successfully at Delhi.
- Krunal Pandya played a match-winning 73 off 47 balls.
- RCB showed excellent team coordination with sharp fielding and tight bowling.
IPL 2025 — April 10
- DC comfortably chased RCB’s target of 158 in Bengaluru.
- KL Rahul scored 93 off 53 balls, anchoring the innings.
- DC’s bowlers restricted RCB to a manageable total, showcasing balanced performance.
IPL 2013 — April 15
- Match ended in a tie and decided by a super over.
- Chris Gayle scored a crucial 92 for RCB, and the match highlighted the unpredictability of IPL games.
IPL 2015 — May 16
- Match was abandoned due to rain, leaving fans disappointed.
- This rare no-result match remains a part of the RCB-DC history.
Early IPL Seasons (2008-2009)
- DC started strong in the inaugural seasons, winning key matches with aggressive bowling strategies.
- RCB gradually adapted, becoming dominant in middle IPL seasons.
Why This Rivalry Matters
The RCB vs DC rivalry stands out in IPL history due to several reasons:
Consistent Competition
- Every season, these teams battle for playoff positions.
- Matches are often high-stakes, influencing league standings.
Star Performances
- Virat Kohli remains RCB’s top scorer in these clashes.
- Other stars like KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Yuzvendra Chahal have left a mark.
Nail-biting Finishes
- Many matches were decided in the last over or via super overs.
- Fans enjoy the suspense and excitement of close games.
Tactical Battles
- Captains from both sides, like Faf du Plessis (RCB) and Rishabh Pant (DC), often make strategic bowling and fielding changes that determine outcomes.
Detailed Analysis of RCB vs DC Trends
1. Batting Dominance
- RCB has historically relied on power-hitting batsmen.
- Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers have produced match-winning innings.
- DC focuses on consistent top-order partnerships, with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer leading crucial chases.
2. Bowling Tactics
- RCB uses spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal to control the middle overs.
- DC counters with pace attacks, especially in home conditions at Delhi, where bounce favors bowlers.
3. Home vs Away Factor
- RCB performs better in Bengaluru due to familiarity with pitch conditions.
- DC has leveraged home advantage in Delhi with pace-friendly tracks.
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline is a testament to the thrills, drama, and talent that the IPL offers. From the early days of DC dominance to RCB’s strong comebacks, this rivalry has produced memorable cricketing moments.
With star players, close finishes, and strategic gameplay, every encounter continues to captivate fans. The rivalry is not just about wins and losses; it’s about unforgettable cricket experiences, making RCB vs DC one of the most celebrated matchups in IPL history.
