The difficult season for Delhi Capitals in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) reached a significant low on Monday, 27 April 2026, as the franchise recorded the lowest-ever score in a Powerplay in the history of the tournament. During their encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the home side suffered a catastrophic collapse, managing only 13 runs for the loss of 6 wickets within the opening six overs.
This performance comes as a further blow to the Delhi-based franchise following a week of considerable setbacks. On Saturday, 25 April, the Capitals were on the losing side of a world-record chase when Punjab Kings successfully surpassed a target of 264 runs. That match established a new benchmark for the highest successful run chase in all recognised T20 cricket. Furthermore, during that fixture, the Capitals’ South African pace bowler Lungi Ngidi suffered serious injuries to his head and neck whilst attempting a catch, requiring an ambulance to transport him from the ground to a hospital.
Unprecedented Collapse at the Arun Jaitley Stadium
The match on Monday began in an atmosphere of disbelief as the Delhi top-order batting unit failed to withstand the opening bowling partnership of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. The two experienced seamers shared the bowling duties exclusively throughout the six-over Powerplay, maintaining a disciplined line and length that dismantled the Capitals’ batting line-up.
By the conclusion of the Powerplay, Delhi Capitals had accrued just 13 runs, surpassing the previous unwanted record for the lowest Powerplay score in IPL history. This record was previously held by Sunrisers Hyderabad (set in the 2022 season) and Rajasthan Royals (set in the inaugural 2009 season), both of whom had registered 14 runs in their respective matches.
The dismissal of the top order was both rapid and systematic:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 3 wickets.
Josh Hazlewood: 3 wickets.
The individual scores of the first six batsmen resembled a telephone number, recorded as: 0, 1, 1, 0, 5, and 0. Amongst those dismissed was the Capitals’ captain, Axar Patel, whose wicket prompted significant celebrations from the RCB players.
Tactical Substitution and Avoidance of the Lowest Total
At one juncture, with the score standing at 8 runs for the loss of 6 wickets, Delhi Capitals were in danger of breaking the record for the lowest team total in the history of the IPL. That particular record is currently held by their opponents, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who were bowled out for 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2017 season.
In a tactical attempt to stabilise the innings, the Delhi management deployed their Impact Player earlier than planned, bringing on batter Abishek Porel. Porel’s presence proved essential in guiding the team beyond the 50-run mark, thereby ensuring the franchise avoided the embarrassment of the lowest total record.
Current Match Standing
As the match moved into the middle overs, the Capitals attempted to rebuild a defensible total from their precarious start. At the time of reporting, Delhi Capitals had reached a total of 64 runs for the loss of 8 wickets after 13 overs.
Abishek Porel provided the main resistance, remaining unbeaten on 23, while being supported by Kuldeep Yadav on 1. Despite this lower-order recovery, the record-breaking Powerplay collapse has left the Capitals with a formidable challenge to remain competitive in the match. The franchise now faces serious scrutiny regarding its top-order consistency during a season already hampered by record-breaking defeats and major player injuries.