The Delhi Capitals (DC) take on the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 43 of the 2026 Indian Premier League at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on May 01.
The Capitals come on the back of a stunning nine-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at their home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. It was a humiliating loss for the Axar Patel-led side, as they were bundled out for a mere 75 runs by the defending champions. With three consecutive losses, the DC side would want to return to winning ways against RR.
Here is Delhi Capitals' strongest predicted XI vs Rajasthan Royals:
Top order: Abishek Porel (WK), KL Rahul, Nitish Rana
KL Rahul has been DC’s best opening batter in this IPL, scoring 358 runs in just 8 innings, including a historic century against PBKS in their home fixture. He could not continue the same form against RCB, as he was dismissed cheaply by the defending champions. But KL needs to take the responsibility of giving a strong start to his side against a strong opponent.
Abhishek Porel can be drafted in the playing XI for this fixture. He had a decent IPL 2025 and will be hoping to make a mark alongside KL. Nitish Rana will continue to bat at three and is expected to play a key role in the middle overs, especially against spinners.
Middle order: Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), David Miller
Sameer Rizvi has been DC’s standout batter in the middle overs. But, despite a strong start in the tournament, the right-hander has struggled to maintain consistency. He will be under pressure to deliver in this encounter. Tristan Stubbs and David Miller add immense firepower in this line-up with their attacking game.
Stubbs can come in at any stage of the game and take the charge. Whereas David Miller remains a solid finishing option for DC. Their captain Axar Patel gives a solid all-round option to his side.
Bowlers: Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
In what could be a vital boost for this struggling unit, Aussie great Mitchell Starc will make his much anticipated return to the IPL against RR. He will spearhead the bowling attack. He will be supported by Mukesh Kumar, and T Natarajan, who will come in as an impact sub.
In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav will take the charge. He is having a mixed season so far, and the Delhi-based franchise would want him to up his game. Vipraj Nigam also gives a solid bowling option.
DC predicted XI against RR for Match 43
Abishek Porel (WK), KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
Impact player: T Natarajan
