The Impact Player selection could prove decisive in Match 26 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18, 2026.
RCB have utilized the rule brilliantly this season, most recently deploying Virat Kohli as an Impact Substitute against LSG where he scored 49 off 34 balls.
Delhi Capitals used Ashutosh Sharma as their Impact Player in the CSK match, bringing him in for Mukesh Kumar to strengthen their batting.
Both teams have named quality substitutes, and the tactical deployment will depend on match situations at the batting paradise venue.
RCB Impact Player Substitutes
RCB have named five Impact Player options based on their recent matches. The defending champions have shown tactical flexibility in deploying these substitutes.
| Player | Role | Previous Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batter | Used vs LSG (49 off 34 balls) |
| Rasikh Salam Dar | Bowler | Used vs MI (replaced Tim David) |
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-Rounder | Available |
| Jacob Bethell | All-Rounder | Available |
| Mangesh Yadav | Bowler | Available |
Virat Kohli made history by playing as an Impact Substitute for the first time in his career against LSG. The 37-year-old was nursing an ankle injury but entered the chase and dismantled the opposition with a fluent 49 off 34 balls. His aggressive powerplay batting helped RCB chase down 147 with 29 balls to spare.
Rasikh Salam Dar was used as an Impact Player against MI, replacing Tim David in the bowling attack. The young pacer delivered career-best figures of 4/24 against LSG when he started in the playing XI, proving his value with both new ball and death overs.
Venkatesh Iyer offers left-handed batting firepower and medium-pace bowling options. The former KKR star can accelerate in the middle overs while providing useful overs with the ball if needed.
Jacob Bethell provides left-handed batting variety and off-spin options. The young England all-rounder scored a brilliant 55 off 33 balls at Chinnaswamy in IPL 2025, demonstrating his ability to play spin effectively.
Mangesh Yadav adds pace bowling depth to RCB’s attack. The young quick can be deployed if RCB need additional death-over reinforcement on the batting-friendly surface.
DC Impact Player Substitutes
DC have named five Impact Player options for their matches. The Delhi franchise used Ashutosh Sharma against CSK, showing their preference for batting reinforcements.
| Player | Role | Previous Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ashutosh Sharma | All-Rounder | Used vs CSK (replaced Mukesh Kumar) |
| Vipraj Nigam | All-Rounder | Available |
| Nitish Rana | Batter | Available |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Bowler | Available |
| Karun Nair | Batter | Available |
Ashutosh Sharma was DC’s Impact Player choice against CSK at Chepauk, coming in for Mukesh Kumar during the chase. The young all-rounder provides aggressive middle-order batting and useful medium-pace bowling options.
Vipraj Nigam offers lower middle-order batting depth and handy off-spin bowling. He has been a regular feature in DC’s XI but can be swapped based on match situations.
Nitish Rana brings left-handed batting experience to DC’s lineup. The former KKR batter can anchor innings while also accelerating when needed, providing a different dimension to DC’s batting.
Dushmantha Chameera adds Sri Lankan pace bowling variety to DC’s attack. His ability to generate extra bounce and hit hard lengths makes him useful on surfaces that offer assistance to quick bowlers.
Karun Nair offers stability and experience in the middle-order. The former India batter has performed well in limited chances and can anchor innings while others attack around him.
Batting First Factor
If batting first at Chinnaswamy, both teams will likely prioritize bowling reinforcements to defend totals. RCB may bring in Rasikh Salam Dar or Mangesh Yadav for additional death-bowling options.
The batting-friendly conditions mean defending totals requires disciplined bowling in the final overs. DC could opt for Dushmantha Chameera to add pace variety to their attack.
Bowling First Factor
Chasing teams at Chinnaswamy have a historical advantage due to the true bounce and fast outfield. RCB would likely deploy Virat Kohli (if rested from starting XI) or Venkatesh Iyer for middle-order batting depth.
DC may choose Nitish Rana or Karun Nair to strengthen their batting lineup, particularly if they need quick runs in the chase.
Related Reads
- IPL 2026: RCB vs DC Match 26 Impact Player List
- RCB vs DC IPL 2026 Match 26 Playing XI: Prediction & Lineups
- IPL 2026: RCB vs DC Today Match 26 Prediction – Who Will Win?
Frequently Asked Questions
RCB’s Impact Player options include Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Bethell, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, and Swapnil Singh.
DC’s Impact Player options include Mitchell Starc, Abhishek Porel, Karun Nair, Kyle Jamieson, and Prithvi Shaw.
Yes, Virat Kohli came on as an Impact Substitute for the first time in his career against LSG and scored a crucial 49 off 34 balls to guide RCB home.
Teams batting first typically choose bowling reinforcements to defend totals, while chasing teams favor batting options due to the batting-friendly conditions.
If batting second, RCB should opt for Venkatesh Iyer for middle-overs batting depth. If batting first, Yash Dayal provides death-bowling reinforcement
