The rivalry between the Delhi Capitals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been one of the most entertaining contests in the Indian Premier League. Known for high-scoring matches and star-studded lineups, their clashes have delivered thrilling moments over the years. This timeline highlights the evolution of their rivalry, showcasing dramatic encounters and shifting momentum across IPL seasons.
Recent Delhi Capitals Vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Delhi Capitals Score
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Score
Result
Series
Indian Premier League
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Apr 27, 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (field)
162/8 (20 overs)
165/4 (18.3 overs)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 6 wkts
IPL 2025
Indian Premier League
M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Apr 10, 2025
Delhi Capitals (field)
169/4 (17.5 overs)
163/7 (20 overs)
Delhi Capitals won by 6 wkts
IPL 2025
Indian Premier League
M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
May 12, 2024
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (bat)
140 (19.1 overs)
187/9 (20 overs)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 47 runs
IPL 2024
Indian Premier League
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
May 6, 2023
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (bat)
187/3 (16.4 overs)
181/4 (20 overs)
Delhi Capitals won by 7 wkts
IPL 2023
Indian Premier League
M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Apr 15, 2023
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (bat)
151/9 (20 overs)
174/6 (20 overs)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 23 runs
IPL 2023
Indian Premier League
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Apr 16, 2022
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (bat)
173/7 (20 overs)
189/5 (20 overs)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 16 runs
IPL 2022
Indian Premier League
Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Oct 8, 2021
Delhi Capitals (bat)
164/5 (20 overs)
166/3 (20 overs)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 7 wkts
IPL 2021
DC vs RCB Head-to-Head Evolution
Season
Matches Played
DC Wins
RCB Wins
No Result / Tied
Notable Trend
Overall
33
12
20
1
RCB holds clear historical edge
2021–2025
7
2
5
0
RCB dominant in recent high-scoring battles
2025
2
1
1
0
Split results – one win each
2024
1
0
1
0
RCB big win by 47 runs
2023
2
1
1
0
DC chased 182 comfortably
Pre-2021
23
9
13
1
Closer contests with occasional ties
Top Performances Timeline
Date
Player
Team
Performance
Match Result
Impact Highlight
Apr 10, 2025
KL Rahul
DC
93 (53 balls)
DC won by 6 wkts
Match-winning chase on tricky pitch
Apr 27, 2025
Krunal Pandya
RCB
All-round show (Player of the Match)
RCB won by 6 wkts
Key partnership & control
May 12, 2024
Rajat Patidar
RCB
Half-century + solid top order
RCB won by 47 runs
Helped post challenging total
May 6, 2023
–
DC
Clinical chase of 182
DC won by 7 wkts
Strong middle-order finish
Apr 15, 2023
–
RCB
174/6 total
RCB won by 23 runs
Aggressive batting display
Oct 5, 2020
DC Team (overall)
DC
196/4
DC won by 59 runs
Biggest run-margin win for DC
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches
Category
Match Details
Margin
Key Details
Year
Biggest Win (Runs)
DC vs RCB
59 runs
DC posted 196/4; restricted RCB to 137
2020
Biggest Win (Wkts)
DC vs RCB
7 wickets
Comfortable chase in Delhi
2023
Biggest Win (Runs)
RCB vs DC
47 runs
RCB 187/9; DC collapsed to 140
2024
Closest Match
RCB vs DC
1 run
Thrilling last-over finish
2021
Closest Chase
RCB vs DC
6 wickets (9 balls left)
RCB chased 163 with Krunal Pandya’s contribution
2025
Closest Chase
DC vs RCB
6 wickets (13 balls left)
KL Rahul’s 93 powered DC chase
2025
Early IPL Years and Balanced Rivalry (2008–2012)
The rivalry between Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru began in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. During these early years, both teams were building their squads and experimenting with combinations. Matches were competitive, with both sides sharing wins. Delhi often had a slight edge due to a balanced team, while RCB relied heavily on star players. These encounters were closely fought and entertaining, setting the tone for a long-standing rivalry. Neither team established clear dominance, making this phase evenly matched and unpredictable.
Season
Winner
Highlight
Performance
2008
Delhi
Strong Start
Balanced
2009–2012
Mixed
Close Matches
Competitive
RCB’s Star Power and Dominance Phase (2013–2016)
Between 2013 and 2016, RCB gained momentum in this rivalry, largely due to their explosive batting lineup. Players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers delivered match-winning performances, helping RCB secure key victories. Delhi struggled with consistency during this period, often finishing lower in the standings. Matches were high-scoring and entertaining, with RCB frequently dominating through aggressive batting. This phase marked RCB’s strongest period in the rivalry, as they established a clear advantage over Delhi.
Year Range
Dominant Team
Key Feature
Highlight
2013–2014
RCB
Batting Power
Big Scores
2015–2016
RCB
Star Performances
Dominance
Transition and Rebuilding Phase (2017–2019)
From 2017 to 2019, both teams went through rebuilding phases, leading to inconsistent performances. Delhi began restructuring its squad with young players, while RCB continued to depend on its star batters. Matches remained competitive, but neither team showed sustained dominance. This period was crucial for Delhi, as they laid the foundation for future success. The rivalry remained unpredictable, with both teams capable of winning on their day.
Year
Team Form
Winner
Highlight
2017
Rebuild
Mixed
Close Games
2018–2019
Transition
Mixed
Young Talent
Delhi Capitals’ Rise and Strong Performances (2020–2021)
The years 2020 and 2021 marked a turning point for Delhi Capitals, as they emerged as a strong and consistent team. With a balanced squad and improved bowling attack, Delhi began dominating matches against RCB. They reached the IPL final in 2020, showcasing their growth. RCB remained competitive but struggled to match Delhi’s consistency during this phase. This period shifted the momentum in favor of Delhi, making the rivalry more balanced.
Season
Winner
Highlight
Performance
2020
Delhi
Finalist
Strong Squad
2021
Delhi
Consistency
Dominance
Recent Seasons and Close Contests (2022–Present)
In recent seasons, the rivalry between Delhi Capitals and RCB has become more competitive and balanced. Both teams have improved their squads and strategies, leading to closely fought matches. The T20 format ensures fast-paced action, with games often decided in the final overs. RCB’s batting strength and Delhi’s balanced lineup have created exciting encounters. This phase reflects the evolving nature of the IPL, where both teams continue to challenge each other.
Year
Format
Winner
Event
2022
IPL
Mixed
Close Matches
2023–2024
IPL
Mixed
Balanced Rivalry
2025–Present
T20
Ongoing
Competitive
Key Players and Match-Winning Performances
The Delhi Capitals vs RCB rivalry has been shaped by some of the biggest names in cricket. Players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Rishabh Pant, and David Warner have delivered outstanding performances in crucial matches. These players have often turned games with their individual brilliance, making the rivalry even more exciting. Memorable innings, last-over finishes, and match-winning spells have defined their encounters. Their contributions continue to add excitement and intensity to this IPL rivalry.
Player
Team
Role
Contribution
Virat Kohli
RCB
Batter
Consistency
AB de Villiers
RCB
Batter
Match Winner
Rishabh Pant
Delhi
Batter
Aggressive Play
David Warner
Delhi
Batter
Experience
Conclusion
The timeline of the Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru rivalry highlights the dynamic nature of the IPL. From balanced beginnings to phases of dominance and resurgence, both teams have contributed to thrilling cricket. Their encounters are known for high scores, dramatic finishes, and star performances. While RCB enjoyed dominance in earlier years, Delhi’s recent rise has balanced the rivalry. As both teams continue to evolve with new talent and strategies, their matches promise even more excitement in the future. This rivalry remains a key fixture in the IPL, captivating fans with its unpredictability and entertainment.