Venkatesh Iyer

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot with a dominant 23-run victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. Virat Kohli's energetic performance, coupled with crucial knocks from Devdutt Padikkal and Venkatesh Iyer, propelled RCB to a commanding total. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's early wickets stifled Punjab's chase, highlighting RCB's championship mettle.

On the field, RCB secured a playoff spot with a 23-run win over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.

IPL 2026 has witnessed an unprecedented batting surge, with 53 scores exceeding 200, shattering previous records. This trend highlights a dramatic evolution in T20 cricket, where aggressive play from the outset and powerful hitting by all batsmen have redefined what constitutes a formidable total. Even scores above 220 are no longer a guaranteed victory, as chases are becoming increasingly common.

Punjab Kings endured another bowling collapse, conceding 222 to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, setting unwanted T20 records. The team now holds the record for most 200-plus totals conceded in men's T20 cricket history, and captain Shreyas Iyer also set a new captaincy record for such instances. This latest defeat further jeopardizes their playoff hopes.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. Jitesh Sharma will lead the side in Patidar's absence, who missed travel and practice due to an undisclosed reason. Patidar is expected to return for RCB's final league game.

Punjab Kings suffered their sixth consecutive loss in IPL 2026 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This defeat has severely impacted their playoff chances. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot with a strong performance. Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the match was lost early in the powerplay. The team's confidence appears shaken as their early season dominance has vanished.

Punjab Kings opted to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala, with Jitesh Sharma captaining RCB in Rajat Patidar's absence. Shreyas Iyer marked his 100th captaincy game for PBKS. Both teams made changes, aiming for crucial playoff implications. RCB seeks to secure a playoff spot, while PBKS desperately needs a win to revive their qualification hopes.

Starts June 3. Matches scheduled at Holkar Stadium, Daly College Cricket Ground

Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls to help Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in IPL 2026. The knock made Allen the first New Zealand batter to score three T20 centuries in a calendar year. KKR’s bowlers, led by Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy, earlier restricted DC to 142/8.

Finn Allen's maiden IPL century, a blistering 100 off 47 balls, powered Kolkata Knight Riders to victory against Delhi Capitals. His unbeaten knock, featuring 10 sixes, saw him join KKR's elite century-makers. Allen emphasized responsible batting after early wickets, acknowledging the challenging pitch and Axar Patel's bowling.

Kolkata Knight Riders made a surprise switch, bringing in left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey for the injured Varun Chakravarthy in a crucial IPL 2026 match against RCB. Dubey, a domestic player for Vidarbha, gets his long-awaited IPL debut after previously being part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad without playing. This unexpected inclusion highlights KKR's strategic move under pressure.

Kolkata Knight Riders face a significant blow as star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is ruled out of their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to an injury sustained in the previous match. Uncapped pacer Saurabh Dubey makes his IPL debut as KKR navigates this crucial encounter without their key bowler, who has been instrumental in their recent resurgence.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, with Jitesh Sharma leading the side. Patidar is recovering well and is expected to return for the next match in Hyderabad. RCB currently sits atop the IPL 2026 points table.

Punjab Kings face immense pressure after five consecutive IPL 2026 defeats, jeopardizing their playoff hopes. Despite a strong start, the team has lost momentum, with their batting prowess now overshadowed by fielding and bowling weaknesses. They now face a confident Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial must-win encounter.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru aims to solidify their top-two spot against a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB, despite recent wins, faces batting concerns with key players struggling. KKR, on a four-match winning streak, is finding form, though spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's injury is a worry. Finn Allen's century highlights KKR's batting resurgence.

In the first five matches, RCB batters from No. 4 to No. 8 averaged 39.30 and scored at a strike rate of 190.77, both the best among all teams. They scored two fifties while hitting 23 fours and 33 sixes. But in the next five matches, the numbers dropped sharply. The average fell to 21, the worst among all teams in that period, while the strike rate dropped to 148.58.

Kagiso Rabada dismissed Virat Kohli early in the IPL 2026 clash between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Despite a tough start, Rabada bounced back to take Kohli's prized wicket, triggering an intense celebration. RCB struggled and were bowled out for 155, with Gujarat Titans securing a four-wicket victory.

Venkatesh Iyer, now with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after a significant price drop, embraces a team-first approach despite limited game time. He understands the settled combination of the defending champions and credits the coaching staff for clarity on his role. Iyer remains mentally prepared, focusing on improving his red-ball bowling with the ambition of winning the Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh.

Gujarat Titans face Royal Challengers Bengaluru again, seeking solutions to their middle-order struggles and bowling inconsistencies. Despite a strong top order, GT's campaign shows imbalance, while RCB arrives with momentum and a flexible batting lineup. The Titans' bowling after the Powerplay remains a key concern.

Delhi is buzzing with excitement for the IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with fans eager to see Virat Kohli play at his home ground. To accommodate the massive turnout, the Delhi Metro has extended train services on April 27, ensuring a smooth return for spectators after the night match.

KL Rahul and Nitish Rana delivered a batting spectacle, forging a record 150+ run partnership for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings. Rahul's explosive century, coupled with Rana's rapid half-century and a massive 28-run over, powered DC to a commanding position. This dominant display rewrote DC's record books.

Krunal Pandya has stood out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 by adapting brilliantly in a batter-dominated game. With clever variations, bouncers, and sharp tactics, he has handled all match situations. Despite higher economy, his fearless approach and innovation have impressed, with Dinesh Karthik calling him a “trend-setter” redefining finger-spin. Krunal now aims for an India comeback.

Delhi Capitals, reeling from a high-scoring loss, face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru tonight. Despite a strong batting lineup, Delhi's bowling has been a major concern, while RCB boasts a more balanced side. The Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to host another run-fest, with clear and hot weather predicted.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are making a powerful statement off the field by wearing their signature green jerseys, crafted from recycled materials, against Delhi Capitals. RCB, the world's only carbon-neutral T20 franchise, continues its commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon positivity.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces Delhi Capitals with a key question surrounding Virat Kohli's role. After an ankle injury, Kohli played as an Impact Player against LSG, scoring 49. While expected to be fit, his workload management could see him reprise the Impact Player role. RCB, in strong form, aims for a top spot.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host Delhi Capitals today, April 18, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB, second on the table with four wins, faces a mixed-campaigning DC side aiming to bounce back. The pitch is a batting paradise, and the weather is expected to be hot transitioning to pleasant.

RCB batter Virat Kohli was left out of RCB’s starting XI against Lucknow Super Giants due to an ankle injury but remained available as an Impact Player. Captain Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first, while Rishabh Pant stayed confident. RCB brought in Josh Hazlewood as both teams looked to gain momentum.