IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s strongest predicted XI against Delhi Capitals

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to continue their strong run of form as they take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

RCB head into this clash brimming with confidence after a series of impressive performances this season. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team has found the right balance across departments, with their batting unit consistently delivering big totals. With big players like Virat Kohli anchoring the innings and aggressive options in the middle order, RCB’s lineup looks well-settled. 

In terms of team combination, RCB are likely to stick with a strong top order, followed by a dynamic middle order capable of accelerating in the latter stages. 

Here’s RCB’s predicted playing XI vs DC in Match 39, IPL 2026:

Top-order: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (c)

IPL’s greatest run-scorer, Virat Kohli, will continue to open the batting for the defending champions against DC at his home ground, Delhi. He will be accompanied by Jacob Bethell after Phil Salt’s untimely injury. It will be a big opportunity for the English batter. Their captain, Rajat Patidar, has been phenomenal this year, especially in the middle overs for his side.

Middle-order: Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya

Jitesh Sharma will continue to keep wickets but has been a complete disappointment for RCB with the bat so far. He has only scored 62 runs in six innings and will need to step up. Tim David and Romario Shepherd form a formidable finishing pair and tear apart any bowling line-up. Krunal Pandya will lead the spin bowling attack whilst also providing a solid batting option.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Mangesh Yadav

This bowling line-up has been one of the main reasons for their success in IPL 2026 so far. Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads this attack with the new ball along with Aussie superstar Josh Hazlewood. Both of them form a deadly new ball pairing. Suyash Sharma, with his leg-spin, can trouble any batter if there is any assistance. Mangesh Yadav will add another variety to this attack.

RCB’s predicted playing XI for match 39, IPL 2026

Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Mangesh Yadav 

Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal