DC players celebrating vs RR in IPL 2026. Credits- AFP
The Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals (DC) are having a topsy-turvy time in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Sitting in seventh position, they have won four games and lost five after nine matches. However, Delhi are coming off a massive victory as Rajasthan royally thrashed in Jaipur.
Bowling first, DC's newest new-ball pair of Mitchell Starc and Kyle Jamieson gave them a really nice start, removing the gung-ho Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but Riyan Parag punished them with a blitz of 90 runs and took the team total to 225/6.
In the chase, KL Rahul and Pathun Nissanka had the best of starts, before the middle-order took over. Although the Capitals lost three wickets, they crossed the line comfortably.
Ahead of their next game, let's look at the DC Playing XI vs CSK for Match 48 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday (May 5).
DC Playing XI vs CSK, IPL 2026, Match 48
Top Order: KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana
The way KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka complemented each other while opening the innings against RR. As they added 110 runs for the first wicket, the pair of Rahul and Nissanka made the game lopsided for DC. The two openers will be crucial parts of the DC Playing XI vs CSK.
Although Nitish Rana failed vs RR, his place in the DC Playing XI won’t be questioned. He has already played two fine knocks, making him a key part of the DC batting.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, David Miller, Axar Patel
The way Tristan Stubbs is batting, he has to be one of the most dangerous middle-order batters. The way he batted against Rajasthan, he could come in handy against CSK's bowling attack as well.
Ashutosh Sharma scored an unbeaten 25 in the previous outing, finishing off the chase for DC vs RR. He will most likely regain his place in the DC Playing XI vs CSK.
Also Read: Yesha Sagar Breaks Silence On Sameer Rizvi Controversy
In a tactical move, Delhi might look to bring in the experienced David Miller to the DC Playing XI, in place of Sameer Rizvi. The young UP-based batter started the season with a bang, but he has not done anything much apart from his 41 vs SRH. He might lose his place in the starting eleven, but may come in as the Impact Player.
DC captain Axar Patel has a liability as a captain. He has been been failing as a batter, but he has been bowling well in the mix with Kuldeep Yadav. He has picked up 8 wickets in 9 innings, but a lot more is expected from him.
Bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan
Mitchell Starc's introduction to the DC Playing XI worked as a charm for them. The burly Aussie seamer returned with three wickets while playing his first game of the season. The fast bowling pair of Starc and Kyle Jamieson will likely have the best of times in Delhi as well.
If CSK batters somehow survive the opening burst from Starc and Jamieson, they will have to face Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs. The genuine wicket-taker will be a great sight to watch bowling at his beloved venue, Arun Jaitley Stadium.
T Natarajan has to be one of the most lethal opponent bowlers to operate in the death overs, and will likely be a great addition to the DC Playing XI vs CSK.
DC Playing XI vs CSK- KL Rahul (wk), Pathun Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan
DC vs CSK Impact Player Options
DC Impact Players: Karun Nair, Abhisek Porel, Sameer Rizvi, Auqib Nabi, Vipraj Nigam
Also Read: Not Just CSK vs DC, MS Dhoni's Availability For Rest Of IPL 2026 Takes A New Hit
