The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its thrilling rivalries, and one such captivating clash is Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals. Over the years, these two power-packed franchises have locked horns in numerous unforgettable encounters. From Virat Kohli’s batting brilliance to Rishabh Pant’s fearless approach, each match has brought a new chapter to this evolving timeline.
In this blog post, we dive deep into the RCB vs DC match timeline, covering head-to-head stats, iconic moments, notable performances, and match results across IPL seasons.
🏏 A Rivalry Forged in IPL History
The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) dates back to the inaugural IPL season in 2008. With both teams undergoing various transformations in squad composition, leadership, and form, their battles have remained fiercely competitive.
Head-to-Head Overview
As of 2024, here is the head-to-head record between RCB and DC:
- Total Matches Played: 30+
- RCB Wins: 18
- DC Wins: 11
- No Result: 1
🔥 Key Insight: RCB holds a slight upper hand in this rivalry, but DC has shown resilience in recent seasons, making every encounter a nail-biter.
📆 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Timeline (Season-Wise)
Let’s walk through the season-wise match timeline of RCB vs DC and highlight crucial match outcomes.
IPL 2008–2010: Early Days of Rivalry
- 2008: DC (then Delhi Daredevils) won their first encounter against RCB. Gautam Gambhir led the way with a solid batting performance.
- 2009: RCB bounced back with a thrilling win in the South African leg of the IPL.
- 2010: RCB won both league encounters, showcasing a dominant batting lineup with Jacques Kallis and Anil Kumble’s tactical captaincy.
IPL 2011–2015: Kohli vs Sehwag Era
- 2011–2013: Virat Kohli emerged as a force, consistently scoring against Delhi. RCB dominated these years with consistent performances.
- 2012: Chris Gayle’s iconic hundred crushed Delhi’s bowling attack.
- 2014–15: DC struggled with team changes and lost most of their matches to RCB during this phase.
IPL 2016–2018: Rise of Delhi’s Young Brigade
- 2016: RCB registered a memorable win at home, with AB de Villiers and Kohli combining for a record-breaking partnership.
- 2017: DC ended a losing streak with a spirited bowling performance.
- 2018: Rishabh Pant announced his arrival with a blazing 90+ score, but RCB chased the target successfully.
IPL 2019–2021: Delhi’s Dominance Emerges
- 2019: DC turned the tide, winning both home and away games against RCB.
- 2020: In the UAE edition, DC thrashed RCB in a one-sided game, courtesy of Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell.
- 2021: A last-ball thriller saw RCB clinch victory with Mohammed Siraj defending the final over.
IPL 2022–2024: Balanced Encounters
- 2022: RCB defended a modest total successfully; Josh Hazlewood shined.
- 2023: DC retaliated with a powerful chase led by Warner and Axar Patel.
- 2024: The latest matchup saw RCB clinch a tight win, with Dinesh Karthik’s late cameo proving decisive.
🏆 Memorable Moments:
- AB de Villiers scoring 75* in 2020
- Rishabh Pant’s quickfire 85 in 2018
- Harshal Patel’s hat-trick in 2021
🔥 Iconic Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Virat Kohli – Leading run-scorer in RCB vs DC matches
- AB de Villiers – Consistent match-winner
- Harshal Patel – Game-changing performances with the ball
- Faf du Plessis – New era captain bringing consistency
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Rishabh Pant – Aggressive middle-order bat
- David Warner – Anchoring the innings
- Axar Patel – Valuable all-rounder
- Kagiso Rabada (former) – Lethal with pace and bounce
🎯 Key Stats & Records
| Stat | RCB | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Team Total | 215/1 (2011) | 196/4 (2020) |
| Top Individual Score | AB de Villiers – 90* | Rishabh Pant – 97 |
| Best Bowling Figures | Harshal Patel – 5/27 | Rabada – 4/21 |
| Closest Win Margin | 1 run (2021) | 2 wickets (2019) |
✅ Did You Know?
RCB has never lost an IPL final to DC because DC has never reached the final in an RCB vs DC context. Their rivalry has been largely in league stages and eliminators.
📰 Latest Update from 2024 Match
The most recent face-off in 2024 saw RCB edge past DC by a narrow margin of 5 runs. Faf du Plessis scored a composed 68, while Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a quick 35. Despite a late surge by DC’s lower middle-order, RCB’s bowling at the death made the difference.
👉 For in-depth analysis of this match, visit NewsNominal IPL Section
📺 Where to Watch RCB vs DC Matches
You can catch RCB vs DC games live on:
- JioCinema (free streaming in India)
- Star Sports Network
- Willow TV (U.S.)
- Sky Sports Cricket (UK)
For match highlights and schedules, visit the official IPL website.
✅ Why This Rivalry Is a Must-Watch
- Unpredictable outcomes – No team truly dominates consistently.
- Star-studded lineups – Kohli, Pant, Warner, and now Green make it high-voltage.
- Playoff implications – Often a decider for qualification.
🎯 Takeaway: The RCB vs DC rivalry is a battle of flair vs strategy, making every encounter an unmissable cricketing event.
🙌 Final Thoughts
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals timeline is a treasure trove of memorable IPL moments. From breathtaking sixes to edge-of-the-seat finishes, this rivalry encapsulates the very spirit of T20 cricket.
Whether you’re an RCB die-hard or a DC enthusiast, this fixture always delivers. As we look ahead to future seasons, this timeline is bound to expand with more unforgettable drama.
📣 Call to Action
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❓FAQs About Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Timeline
1. How many times have RCB and DC played against each other in IPL?
As of 2024, RCB and DC have faced each other over 30 times in the IPL, with RCB having a slight lead in victories.
2. Who has scored the most runs in RCB vs DC matches?
Virat Kohli holds the record for most runs in matches between RCB and DC, with consistent performances over the years.
3. Which RCB vs DC match is considered the most thrilling?
The 2021 match, where RCB won by just 1 run in the final over, is often cited as one of the most thrilling encounters.
4. Who has taken the most wickets in RCB vs DC clashes?
Harshal Patel for RCB and Kagiso Rabada for DC have been the standout wicket-takers in this rivalry.
5. Have RCB and DC ever met in an IPL final?
No, RCB and DC have never played each other in an IPL final. Most of their clashes have been in the league stage or eliminators.
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