Kamal Ghorui
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are making a powerful statement off the field while facing Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium IPL 2026. As part of their long-standing ‘Green Initiative’, RCB will once again are taking the field in their signature green jerseys, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.Crafted entirely from recycled materials, the jerseys symbolise more than just a one-off gesture. They reflect a broader, deeply embedded approach towards environmental responsibility. According to an official release, RCB remain the only carbon-neutral T20 franchise in the world, underlining the scale of their efforts over the years.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started their “Go Green” initiative in 2011 to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and a cleaner planet . As part of this annual tradition, the team swaps their iconic red kit for a green jersey for one home match every season. Their first match in the green kit was against Kochi Tuskers Kerala on 8 May 2011, which they won by 9 wickets. The most famous game in this kit occurred against Gujarat Lions in 2016. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers both scored centuries in the same innings, leading RCB to a record 144-run victory. In IPL 2021, RCB briefly swapped the green kit for a blue jersey to pay tribute to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic RCB CEO Rajesh Menon highlighted the journey behind the achievement, stating, “Achieving carbon-neutral status as a T20 franchise is the result of years of dedicated work. The green jerseys reflect this commitment, and we hope this initiative inspires our fans and stakeholders to embrace more responsible and sustainable practices.”On the field, RCB have backed up their strong messaging with performances. They have enjoyed an excellent start to IPL 2026, winning four of their first five matches, with their only defeat coming against Rajasthan Royals. Currently placed second on the points table, they head into this clash full of confidence.In contrast, Delhi Capitals have had a mixed run so far. After beginning their campaign with two consecutive wins, they have slipped with back-to-back defeats and now find themselves fifth on the table, searching for consistency.
Toss Update: RCB vs DC, Bengaluru
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Playing XIs and Impacts Subs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh HazlewoodDelhi Capitals (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul(w), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel(c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi Dar, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh KumaRoyal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs: Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, , Mangesh Yadav, Vicky OstwalDelhi Capitals Impact Subs: Vipraj Nigam, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Nitish Rana
