DC vs RCB IPL 2026: Axar Patel Opts To Bowl After Winning Toss

Picture Credit: BCCI

Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Axar Patel chose to field first after winning the toss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 26 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Both sides went in with unchanged playing XIs for the afternoon encounter.

Delhi Capitals are aiming to halt a two-match losing run, while RCB have made a strong start to their title defence, winning four of their first five games.

Explaining the decision at the toss, Axar pointed to the nature of the pitch and conditions, noting that the surface looked firm but could slow down as the game progresses. He added that chasing has often been favourable at this venue, especially in day matches.

On the team’s recent break, Axar said the gap helped the side regroup after back-to-back losses and return with renewed focus.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar said he would have preferred to bat first on what appeared to be a good surface. He also highlighted the team’s intent to put up a competitive total and apply pressure early. The Bengaluru side is wearing its green kit for its annual sustainability initiative.

Conditions at the ground are hot, with dry weather and light cloud cover.

The pitch is likely to play slightly slower than usual, potentially bringing spinners into play as the match progresses.

Playing XIs

Delhi Capitals: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (captain), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi Dar, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, and Mukesh Kumar.

Impact Substitutes: Vipraj Nigam, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nitish Rana.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, and Josh Hazlewood.

Impact Substitutes: Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, and Vicky Ostwal.