IPL 2026: RCB vs DC Match 26 – Who will be Impact Players for today’s match?

Match 26 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Delhi Capitals at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18.

RCB head into this contest brimming with confidence after a dominant start to their campaign. Sitting at the top of the points table, the Bengaluru-based franchise has looked one of the most balanced and consistent sides this season. With Virat Kohli in sensational form, leading the run charts, and captain Rajat Patidar providing solid support, RCB will be eager to continue their winning momentum in front of their home crowd.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to IPL 2026. Led by Axar Patel, DC have registered two wins and two losses in their first four matches, showing flashes of brilliance but lacking consistency. With players like David Miller and Sameer Rizvi contributing in the middle order, the Capitals will aim to put together a complete performance and challenge a high-flying RCB unit.

The high-scoring nature of the Chinnaswamy Stadium adds another layer of intrigue to the contest, with both teams boasting explosive batting line-ups. 

The role of the Impact Player rule continues to be a crucial tactical element in IPL 2026, with both teams likely to use it strategically to adapt to match situations. 

Predicted Impact Players for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Devdutt Padikkal: The dashing left-hander from Karnataka, Devdutt Padikkal has been used by the RCB as an impact sub, especially during chasing targets. The left-hander gives them a solid batting option at the top-order. 

Venkatesh Iyer: The former KKR opener Vankatesh Iyer is being used as an impact player by the defending champions in IPL 2026. The all-rounder has taken the field just once so far for RCB, scoring 29* in 15 balls against Mumbai Indians. He remains a tempting option as an impact sub.

Jacob Bethell: The England batting all-rounder is yet to feature in the 2026 season for RCB. With the Rajat Patidar side preferring to go with Phil Salt at the top, Bethell is yet to feature for them. But, he has all the skills to succeed if given a chance. 

Swapnil Singh: An experienced left-arm spin all-rounder with years of experience in the domestic circuit behind him, Swapnil is yet to feature in IPL 2026.

Kanishk Chouhan: The 19-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder is yet to feature for RCB. He can be a good back-up option for Krunal Pandya with his all-round abilities.

Predicted Impact Players for Delhi Capitals (DC)

Sameer Rizvi: Sameer Rizvi has been a revelation for the defending champions this year for DC, playing two match winning knocks for them as an impact sub. He will continue to play the same role against RCB, and will be a crucial player on a good Channaswamy wicket. 

Ashutosh Sharma: Ashutosh Sharma can be a good option as a finisher for the Delhi Capitals side. The right-hander had impressed everyone with his breathtaking batting in IPL 2025, but was not given a chance in the starting XI this season.

Auqib Nabi: The Jammu & Kashmir quick is coming off a stunning domestic season, and was picked up by DC in the IPL after being signed for INR 8.40 crore in the auction. Nabi was used by DC against CSK, where he had a decent outing.

Dushmantha Chameera: The Sri Lankan quick is coming off the back of a good T20 World Cup campaign and will be looking to make a mark if his chance comes with the Capitals. A reliable all-phase bowler, he can fill in any role required in the squad.

Karun Nair: One of India’s domestic batting stalwarts, Karun Nair showed glimpses of brilliance in 2025. With his vast experience at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, playing for Karnataka, Karun is a tempting impact player option for DC in this contest. 

Expert Opinion and Final Prediction

• Home advantage: The match will be played at RCB’s home ground Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Being the home team, RCB will certainly hold the advantage. They currently are unbeaten in IPL 2026 at this venue so far.
• Recent form: RCB’s recent form is pretty good, with them winning four of their first five matches. On the other hand, after winning their first two matches, DC have lost the next two. 
• Balanced side: RCB are slightly more balanced than DC, with the Delhi-based side still trying to find the right combination in their playing XI.
• Prediction: With these factors in their favour, expect the defending champions to continue their winning run at Chinnaswamy.