With Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals heading into a virtual knockout clash in IPL 2026, the overseas stars could end up deciding which side stays alive in the playoff race.
For Rajasthan Royals, the pace duo of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger will be crucial, while Delhi Capitals will rely heavily on Mitchell Starc and Tristan Stubbs to deliver under pressure.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Overseas stars
Jofra Archer remains RR's biggest overseas weapon despite a slight dip in returns over the last few games. The England speedster has picked up 15 wickets this season and has consistently troubled batters with his pace and bounce inside the powerplay. His duel against Delhi's middle order, especially Tristan Stubbs, could shape the game.
Nandre Burger brings a different challenge altogether.
The left-arm pacer has been effective with the new ball and can extract movement early, especially under lights in Delhi. RR will hope he can break through Delhi's top order before dew becomes a factor later in the evening.
Donovan Ferreira has quietly become one of Rajasthan's most dangerous finishers this season. The South African has struck at over 260 in the death overs and gives RR explosive lower-order firepower heading into the final five overs.
Delhi Capitals (DC) international squad just as strong
Mitchell Starc remains Delhi's go-to strike bowler in pressure situations. While his economy rate has fluctuated this season, the Australian left-armer still possesses the ability to change games quickly with wickets upfront or yorkers at the death. His battle against RR's aggressive young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be one to watch closely.
Tristan Stubbs has been one of DC's most reliable batters in IPL 2026. The South African middle-order batter has scored 271 runs at an average close to 39 and often anchors Delhi's innings while accelerating late. With DC needing a must-win performance, Stubbs' role becomes even more important.
Kyle Jamieson could also feature depending on conditions and combination requirements. His extra bounce and awkward angles could be useful on a surface expected to assist seamers early on.
DC vs RR Key matchups to watch
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Mitchell Starc
The fearless RR youngster has attacked bowlers throughout the season, but Starc's left-arm pace and swing present a completely different test. If Starc strikes early, Delhi can immediately put RR under pressure.
Tristan Stubbs vs Jofra Archer
This could become the defining battle in the middle overs. Archer's raw pace against Stubbs' 360-degree hitting ability promises a high-quality contest under pressure conditions.
Donovan Ferreira vs Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel
Ferreira has been brutal against pace bowling late in innings, but Delhi's spin duo could look to slow him down with tighter lines and variations. If DC can contain Ferreira, they improve their chances significantly in the death overs.
With both teams fighting to stay alive in the playoff race, the performances of these overseas stars could ultimately decide who remains in contention after Match 62.
