RCB Makes History Despite IPL 2026 Setback Against Royals

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made history in the IPL 2026 season despite suffering their first defeat against the Royals. The team showcased remarkable resilience, scoring over 200 runs after a challenging start. This article delves into RCB's record-setting performance and their journey in the tournament, highlighting key players and statistics that define their season so far. Discover how RCB's achievements are reshaping the narrative of this year's IPL.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 11, 2026, 14:36 IST

RCB's Historic Performance Amidst Defeat

In a remarkable turn of events, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name in the record books despite facing their first loss in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on April 10. The defending champions were defeated as the Royals successfully chased down a target of 202 runs with 12 balls remaining, marking their fourth consecutive victory in this season and solidifying their position at the top of the league standings, putting them in a strong position for playoff qualification.

RCB experienced a challenging start, finding themselves at 94-6 at one point, but they rallied to score 101 runs through their last four wicket partnerships. After winning the toss, the Royals opted to bowl first, and rain caused a delay before the match commenced. Jofra Archer made an immediate impact by dismissing Phil Salt on the very first ball, contributing to RCB losing three wickets during the powerplay, including that of Virat Kohli (32 runs off 16 balls).

In response, a blistering 76 runs off just 28 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set the Royals on the path to victory, while Dhruv Jurel emerged as the top scorer for the Royals with 81 runs off 43 balls.

RCB Sets New Records Despite Loss to Royals

RCB became the first team in IPL history to score over 200 runs after losing their first six wickets for under 100 runs. The previous record for the highest total under such circumstances was held by Punjab Kings, who scored 183 runs against Mumbai Indians in 2024 under Sam Curran's captaincy.

Highest Team Totals After Losing First 6 Wickets For Less Than 100

Team	Total	Score At Loss Of Sixth Wicket	Opponent	Venue	Year
RCB	201/8	94/6	RR	Guwahati	2026
PBKS	183/10	77/6	MI	New Chandigarh	2024
KXIP	180/7	99/6	SRH	Hyderabad	2015
MI	172/7	93/6	Deccan	Navi Mumbai	2010
SRH	171/8	85/6	RCB	Hyderabad	2024

RCB's achievement of adding 107 runs after losing their sixth wicket is the second-highest in IPL history, following Sunrisers Hyderabad's 115 runs against Royals in 2013 at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Additionally, RCB is the first team in IPL history to record three partnerships exceeding 30 runs after the loss of their sixth wicket, a feat previously accomplished only once in T20 cricket globally (Northern Cape vs Border in 2024).