Prithvi Shaw To Make IPL 2026 Debut? DC's Strongest XI Vs KKR- IPL 2026, Match 51

DC could try Prithvi Shaw as opener vs KKR [Source: AFP]

The Delhi Capitals have a mountain to climb in the ongoing IPL 2026, and having lost 6 out of 10 matches played, the franchise cannot put another foot wrong as they take on the resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2026 match on Friday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The Capitals started well in the ongoing IPL, but the side lost momentum, and they now find themselves in a tricky situation: one more loss against KKR and they could be virtually eliminated.

The players have not shown consistency: barring KL Rahul, who has been DC's best player, the others have struggled for runs and wickets. The Arun Jaitley Stadium will host a crucial game, and ahead of the matchup, we take a look at Delhi Capitals’ strongest XI, with changes on the cards.

DC likely playing XI Vs KKR- Match 51

Openers and top order: KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Nitish Rana

The Capitals have changed their playing XI too often in the last few games, and that has hindered their performance as the franchise has not assembled a settled unit.

KL Rahul, their star performer, will continue to open the innings for the team against KKR, and alongside him, the franchise could finally go in with the forgotten Prithvi Shaw. The former Under-19 winner has a brilliant track record for DC inside the power play, and he can replace Pathum Nissanka at the top.

The number 3 spot could be given to Nitish Rana, who has moved up and down in the batting department, and it has resulted in a not-so-favourable performance from him. However, he has shown glimpses of his brilliance batting at 3, and the Capitals must show trust in him.

Middle order and all-rounders: Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma

For South Africa, Tristan Stubbs generally plays at number 4, and the Delhi Capitals must utilise him at that position. He can play the dual role of an anchor and an aggressor, and as witnessed in the past, Stubbs can be a dangerous finisher towards the end.

For some reason, David Miller was snubbed by the Capitals in the last two matches, but the team needs a reliable finisher, and they should bring him back into the lineup to replace the struggling Karun Nair.

Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma will be the two finishers, and Sameer Rizvi, who came in as an impact player vs CSK, will be used in the same role by the management.

Also Read: Delhi Capitals Ownership Status Change Proposal Launched After Disastrous IPL 2026

Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan

Playing just two overseas players in the batting department (Stubbs and Miller) allows DC to field two foreign bowlers, Lungi Ngidi and Mitch Starc. With a weak Indian bowling core, the Capitals would heavily rely on Starc, and Ngidi to take wickets against the KKR batters.

Starc has been decent since his IPL 2026 comeback, and Ngidi has been their best bowler in the ongoing tournament.

DC has shown immense trust in Kuldeep Yadav, and despite him picking up just 7 wickets in 10 IPL 2026 games, the team will once again back him to deliver the goods against KKR.

DC strongest XI Vs KKR- IPL 2026, Match 51

KL Rahul(wk)
Prithvi Shaw
Nitish Rana
Tristan Stubbs
David Miller
Axar Patel(c)
Ashutosh Sharma
Mitch Starc
Kuldeep Yadav
Lungi Ngidi
T Natarajan

DC Impact Player Options

Sameer Rizvi, Karun Nair, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Vipraj Nigam

Also Read: BCCI’s Pitch Plan For IPL 2026 Final Leaked