The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue synonymous with high-octane fireworks and deafening roars, witnessed yet another masterclass in power-hitting on Saturday. In the 26th match of the IPL 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took on the Delhi Capitals (DC) in a high-stakes encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats from the first delivery. While the afternoon began with a steady foundation, it was the middle-overs mayhem that stole the headlines, specifically a moment of raw power that left even the legendary Virat Kohli searching for words.
The highlight of the RCB innings arrived in the 12th over, a moment that quickly went viral across social media. On the second delivery of the 11th over (11.2), Delhi’s pace spearhead Lungi Ngidi searched for a yorker but instead delivered an overpitched ball right into the arc of the towering Australian, Tim David.
David, known for his monstrous strength, didn’t just hit the ball; he pulverized it. Staying perfectly still, David launched a “flat” straight six that whistled to the right of the sight screen with a trajectory so low and a velocity so high it seemed to defy physics. Standing in the dug out, Virat Kohli was captured in a state of pure, unadulterated awe. The former captain’s jaw dropped as he watched the ball disappear into the Bengaluru daylight, his reaction mirroring the 40,000 fans in attendance. It was a testament to the ‘sheer power’ David brings to the RCB middle order, a brand of hitting that makes even the game’s greatest icons feel like spectators.
However, the high didn’t last forever. In a tactical masterstroke by DC skipper Axar Patel, David was eventually lured into a miscue. Attempting to accelerate further, David edged a ball from Axar into the hands of the short third-man fielder, departing for a brisk 26 off 17 balls. Placing the burden on the lower order to finish the job, his exit left RCB to reach just 175/8 after their 20 overs.
Us @imVkohli, us!
Sheer power on display from @timdavid8 & that went like a TRACER BULLET! #TATAIPL | #IPLRivalryWeek 2026 ➡️ #RCBvDC | LIVE NOW https://t.co/tCvyn0X7XZ pic.twitter.com/y6agVUVYqe
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 18, 2026
David’s performance against Delhi Capitals is no isolated incident; it is a continuation of what has been a career-defining season for the Australian finisher. After being re-acquired by RCB for ₹3 crore in the 2025 mega-auction, David has transformed from a hit-or-miss cameo player into the backbone of Bengaluru’s death-overs strategy.
In the 2026 season alone, David’s statistics have been nothing short of video-game-like. Through 6 matches, he has amassed 173 runs at a staggering average of 86.50, anchored by four not-out finishes. Perhaps most impressively, his strike rate of 203.52 makes him the most dangerous batter in the tournament during the final five overs.
Tim David: IPL 2026 statistical breakdown
| Category | IPL 2026 Stats (RCB) | Career IPL Stats |
| Matches/Innings | 6 / 6 | 56 / 50 |
| Runs Scored | 173 | 1019 |
| Strike Rate | 203.52 | 177.83 |
| Average | 86.50 | 36.39 |
| Sixes | 12 | 74 |
| Highest Score | 70* | 70* |
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