While the Indian Premier League is famous for its massive sixes and 200-plus scores, it is also a tournament where world-class bowling can trigger spectacular
batting collapses.
As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to defend their title in IPL 2026, they also carry the memory of holding the most unwanted batting record in the league's history.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru - 49 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2017)
The lowest score in IPL history belongs to the current defending champions. Chasing a modest target of 132 runs at Eden Gardens, RCB's star-studded lineup-featuring Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle-completely collapsed. Nathan Coulter-Nile and the KKR pace attack bowled out RCB for just 49 runs in 9.4 overs. Not a single RCB batter reached double figures.
Rajasthan Royals - 58 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2009)
In the second edition of the IPL held in South Africa, the defending champions Rajasthan Royals suffered a massive batting failure. Chasing RCB's 133, Rajasthan was spun into a web by Anil Kumble, who took 5 wickets for just 5 runs. The Royals were bundled out for 58 in 15.1 overs in Cape Town.
Rajasthan Royals - 59 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2023)
History repeated itself 14 years later when Rajasthan Royals faced RCB in Jaipur. Chasing 172, RR's batting lineup crumbled against the RCB bowlers, with Wayne Parnell taking 3 quick wickets. Shimron Hetmyer scored 35 runs, but the rest of the team failed miserably, leading to a total of just 59 runs in 10.3 overs.
Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) - 66 vs Mumbai Indians (2017)
The 2017 IPL season saw several low scores. Playing at home in Delhi, the Daredevils (now Capitals) were tasked with chasing Mumbai Indians' massive 212-run total. The pressure of the scoreboard was too much, and the Mumbai spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Karn Sharma ran through the lineup, bowling Delhi out for 66 runs in 13.4 overs.
Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) - 67 vs Punjab Kings (2017)
Just days before their 66-run collapse against Mumbai, the Delhi franchise suffered another humiliation against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Mohali. Sandeep Sharma bowled a spectacular spell, taking 4 wickets for 20 runs. Delhi crashed to 67 all out in 17.1 overs, setting the tone for a very difficult 2017 campaign.
