Rajasthan Royals Aim For Top-4 Revival As Delhi Capitals Face Elimination Pressure

DC vs RR Stats Preview. [Source - AP, AFP]

Rajasthan Royals have struggled in recent matches, and many may have written them off. Yet they remain very much alive in IPL 2026 playoffs race, still capable of reaching 18 points and even challenging for a top-two finish if they win consistently.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, are teetering on the brink of elimination. Despite this, they will play with nothing to lose, aiming to spoil Rajasthan Royals’ ambitions and make a late-season statement, ensuring RR cannot take their playoff hopes lightly in this crucial clash.

DC vs RR Match 62- Preview

Delhi Capitals will host Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, May 17 in Match 62 of IPL 2026. The much anticipated clash will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi and is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST.

Delhi Capitals, eighth with five wins from 12 games, face elimination with just two matches left but will aim to finish strongly. Rajasthan Royals, placed fifth in the points table with six wins from 11 games, remain very much alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race.

DC’s Bowling Struggles Could Play into Rajasthan Royals’ Hands

Delhi Capitals need a significantly improved bowling effort to challenge Rajasthan Royals’ destructive batting on paper. Their bowling has been a major letdown this season, despite having some big names, posting the worst bowling average in IPL 2026 at 46.82. 

The spinners, in particular, have been hugely disappointing in the second half of the season. In the last five games, DC’s spinners have an average of 51.42, with their lead spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, taking just two wickets across the last five innings he bowled. 

While the batting unit has had its own issues, it is DC’s bowling, combined with tactical missteps from the think tank, that has largely contributed to their poor season, problems they must rectify if they are to pose a genuine challenge to Rajasthan Royals.

Rajasthan Royals To Find Relief Outside Jaipur?

Rajasthan Royals have struggled at their home ground in Jaipur, losing all three of their matches there, while winning six of the eight games they have played away from the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. 

Their bowling, in particular, has been inconsistent in Jaipur but has thrived outside it. The contrast is stark compared to the first seven games of the season, when their bowling performed strongly.

Table - RR's bowling performance in IPL 2026

Looking at the last four games, the difference becomes clearer. RR played three of these 4 matches in Jaipur, where their bowling has looked completely different. Now, with another away game in Delhi, Rajasthan Royals will be eager to get their bowling back on track 

Their middle-order that has started to find form and will need the support of the bowlers to achieve their goals. Donovan Ferreira and Riyan Parag have returned to contributing runs, giving RR the firepower to challenge any opposition if their bowlers step up.

Key Stats

Delhi Capitals' key stats

• DC has lost 5 of their 6 home games this season.
• DC's bowling has been the worst compared to any side at their home this season - 56.5 average, 32.3 strike-rate and 10.46 economy.
• DC has suffered 25 dismissals inside powerplay, the most for any side in IPL 2026.
• KL Rahul has been DC's best batter at home this season - 281 runs at 56.2 and 184.86 strike-rate
• KL Rahul has an average of 51.62 against RR in his IPL career.
• DC has the worst scoring rate against spinners in IPL 2026 - 7.91 runs per over.
• Lungi Ngidi has an economy rate of 8.17, one of the best in death overs this season.

Rajasthan Royals' key stats

• RR has won 2 of their last 3 games in Delhi.
• Jofra Archer is one of the best powerplay wicket-takers this season - 9 wickets, 14.67 strike-rate.
• RR has the best batting strike-rate inside powerpay this season - 188.38 strike-rate.
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the best powerplay batter in IPL 2026 - 359 runs, 6 dismissals, 242.57 strike-rate.
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has hit 32 sixes inside the powerpay, most for any batter in IPL 2026.
• Riyan Parag has 27.75 average and 109.9 strike-rate in IPL games at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
• Donovan Ferreira has one of the best strike-rate, 264.86, in death overs this season.

Possible Changes

Will Riyan Parag play against DC?

Riyan Parag, who missed RR's last game due to a hamstring injury, is expected to return to RR's playing XI against DC.

Kuldeep Yadav In for DC

Kuldeep Yadav, who was dropped in DC's last game, is expected to be part of DC's playing XI against RR in Delhi. 

What To Expect?

Fans can get ready for another high-scoring encounter, especially if Rajasthan Royals bat first. Delhi Capitals’ bowling has been below par at home and will likely be thoroughly tested by RR’s destructive batting lineup. 

Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, must find their best form with the ball to contain DC’s batting. While defending totals hasn’t worked for them in Jaipur, their bowlers have a better chance of making an impact in Delhi, where conditions could favor RR’s plans.

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