![DC elect to bowl first vs PBKS [Source: Screengrab/JioHotstar]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778506493777_DCelecttobowlvsPBKS.jpg?type=hq)
DC elect to bowl first vs PBKS [Source: Screengrab/JioHotstar]
The stage is set for a riveting IPL 2026 battle as one team is fighting for a top-two finish, while the other has one foot out of the tournament. It is the Punjab Kings up against the Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, and both sides will be eager to get a win under their belt.
Punjab Kings started the tournament on a strong note; however, they lost the plot in the last few games and have lost three back-to-back matches. The Shreyas Iyer-led side is still very much in contention to finish in the top two, but for that, they cannot afford any more slip-ups.
Their bowling attack looks weak, and the fielding has been disastrous in the last few games, and to beat the Capitals, PBKS need to rectify these two weak areas. On the other hand, it has been a disastrous IPL 2026 for the Delhi Capitals.
The team has lost 4 out of the seven matches played, and needs to win all its remaining fixtures to somehow stay alive in the playoff race. Ahead of the crucial IPL match, we take a look at the PBKS vs DC toss winner and the changes made by the two teams.
PBKS Vs DC IPL toss update
Delhi Capitals won their ninth toss of the season, and Axar Patel had no hesitation in electing to bowl first as the surface in Dharamsala wil get better as the game progresses. It is a high-scoring ground, and Axar is backing his batters to chase the target.
Delhi Capitals have made 5 key changes, with Abishek Porel given a chance, and David Miller also back in the playing XI.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings, after losing three in a row have made an important change, with Ben Dwarshius, the Aussie pacer getting his chance in the IPL in place of Lockie Ferguson.
Also Read: Punjab Kings Seek Top-2 Comeback Against Depleted Delhi Capitals
PBKS Vs DC Playing XIs
Punjab Kings Playing XI : Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Delhi Capitals Playing XI : KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Madhav Tiwari, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc
Also Read: BCB Chief Selector In Deep Waters Over Bangladesh's T20 World Cup Withdrawal
PBKS Vs DC: What the captains had to say
Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals Captain): "We want to bowl first.
Yes, we have been winning the tosses. But that is the only thing that is going right for us this season (chuckles). We have been losing crucial moments in the game. Apart from that, we have been playing good cricket with bat and ball and field. If you see, we haven't played badly.
We don't want to rely on other teams mathematically. We just want to play our brand of cricket. We don't want to be worrying about the result."
Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings Captain): "[Would they mind batting first?] Honestly speaking, I don't know how the pitch behaves in this IPL, until you play on it. So, put your best foot forward and go ahead.
[On their position in the points table] I personally think you don't have to look on the points table. Focus on the small details that you have been doing. Focus on your ability. And just backing your instincts. That's where we have been following short on in the last few games. Soaking the pressure as well.
Follow PBKS Vs DC live updates for the thrilling IPL contest
.jpg?type=mq "GT probable XI vs SRH")
