IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals face playoff crisis as Rajasthan Royals return after extended break

Delhi Capitals host Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday for Match 62 of the IPL 2026, a fixture that carries significant weight for both franchises. The match is part of a double-header and marks the last time Delhi plays at their home ground this season. For the Capitals, the stakes are high, as they require two wins from their remaining fixtures alongside favourable results elsewhere to maintain their playoff hopes. Their current home record of one victory from six matches is described as falling short for a side chasing a top-four finish.

Rajasthan Royals enter the contest with a more comfortable position, sitting on 12 points from 11 games. They return to competitive play after an eight-day break, having last played on May 9 when they suffered a 77-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans in Jaipur. With three games remaining, the Royals have sufficient room to manoeuvre, though they face scrutiny regarding their recent bowling performance. The team has conceded more than 200 runs in each of their last four games and leads the league in extras conceded, with a total of 134.

The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to be a defining factor in the encounter. Historically a batting-friendly surface, recent reports suggest the wicket may play slower than usual following the Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings match. This shift in conditions could alter the traditional dynamics of the game, potentially favouring teams with strong bowling units or adaptable batting line-ups.

Predicted playing XIs have been released for both sides. Delhi Capitals are set to field KL Rahul (wk), Prithvi Shaw, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Abhishek Porel, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, and T Natarajan. Rajasthan Royals are expected to line up with Yashasvi Jaiswal (C), V Suryavanshi, DC Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, RA Jadeja, D Ferreira, Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, TU Deshpande, B Sharma, and D Shanaka.

Delhi Capitals won the earlier meeting between the two sides on May 1 in Jaipur by seven wickets. However, the current form and home struggles suggest a different outcome may be possible. A source predicts that Rajasthan Royals will secure the victory in this upcoming clash, capitalising on Delhi’s need for a win and the Royals’ recent momentum despite their bowling concerns.