Axar Patel To Drop Tristan Stubbs? DC Strongest XI Vs RR- IPL 2026, Match 62

Delhi Capitals strongest XI Vs RR [Source: AP]

The Delhi Capitals are virtually out of the IPL 2026 playoff race, as they need a miracle to reach the next round. The Axar Patel-led side has 10 points from 12 games, and the maximum they can reach is 14 points, which might not be enough for a playoff berth.

The IPL 2026 has turned out to be a topsy-turvy tournament for the Capitals, and as a result, they already have one foot out of the competition. Their next IPL battle is against the Rajasthan Royals, who are eyeing a playoff berth, and DC could be the party spoiler for them.

Several of the DC players have underperformed this season, and despite a resounding win against Punjab Kings last time around, the chinks remain in their armour. Hence, the Capitals could make a couple of changes against the Rajasthan Royals, and here is their strongest XI for the IPL match on Sunday.

DC playing XI Vs RR- IPL 2026, match 62

Openers and top order: KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh

Why change the winning combination? The Delhi Capitals defeated the Punjab Kings in their last game, and hence, they might not tinker with the top three. In KL Rahul, and Abishek Porel, the hosts have a solid opening core.

KL Rahul has a strike rate in excess of 180 this season, and he’ll be aiming to punish the Rajasthan Royals bowlers. In the last couple of IPL 2026 matches, KL Rahul has struggled for runs, and he is due for a big one on Sunday.

Alongside him, there is the dynamic Abishek Porel, who can snatch the game away from the opponent in the blink of an eye.

The young Sahil Parakh showcased glimpses of his talent in the match against PBKS, and he’ll once again be trusted to play an aggressive knock against the Royals.

Middle order and all-rounders: Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel, Madhav Tiwari

The DC middle-order finally looks strong with David Miller back amongst the run-getters, and Axar Patel firing all guns blazing against the Punjab Kings. Tristan Stubbs is likely to play at number 4, and just like KL Rahul, the South African is also one good knock away from getting back in form.

His strike rate is questionable this season (129), but DC doesn't have a suitable replacement, and hence, the management will trust him against RR.

Miller blew the Punjab Kings bowlers in a tricky chase, last time around, and he’ll be supported by captain Axar Patel, who finally scored quickfire runs to take his side past the winning line.

Madhav Tiwari is the all-rounder, and even he can strike some lusty blows towards the fag end of the innings.

Also Read: CSK, RR, DC, And KKR's Qualification Scenario For IPL 2026 Playoffs After MI's Win vs PBKS

Bowlers: Auqib Nabi, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar

Auqib Nabi looked out of sorts in his first two overs in the last IPL game, but he roared back strong in his last two overs, and that would give him truckloads of confidence vs the RR batters. Mukesh Kumar will be the other Indian seamer in the lineup.

As the tradition has been, DC have mostly fielded two overseas pacers, and the trend is set to continue with Mitchell Starc, and Lungi Ngidi to play together once again. The duo will be crucial against the dangerous Vaibhav Sooryavanshi inside the power play.

DC strongest XI Vs RR, IPL 2026, Match 62

KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel(c), Madhav Tiwari, Auqib Nabi, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar