Back at their fortress in Delhi, the Capitals will be eager to bounce back after a narrow defeat to the Mumbai Indians (MI) that ended their unbeaten run. With four wins in six games, Axar Patel’s men are still looking like title contenders, boasting a red-hot spin trio and a middle order that’s firing. Rajasthan Royals (RR), meanwhile, are struggling in eighth place with just two wins and come into this game on the back of a demoralising nine-wicket loss. With their batting out of sync and facing a spin-heavy DC attack, Sanju Samson’s side have their task cut out at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Match Details: DC vs RR
- Match: Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 32
- Date & Time: Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- IPL 2025 Live Streaming: JioHotstar & Star Sports Network
Delhi Pitch Report: Arun Jaitley Stadium
The Kotla track remains a batter’s paradise — short square boundaries (62m & 63m), lightning outfield, and a flat surface have already seen multiple 200+ first innings scores this season. Dew is likely in the second half, aiding chasing teams. Expect another high-scoring contest under the lights.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Stats
| Type | Balls | Runs | Wkts | Econ | SR | 4w/5w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 763 | 1458 | 41 | 11.46 | 18.6 | 1/0 |
| Spinners | 432 | 755 | 25 | 10.48 | 17.2 | 1/0 |
Probable XIs DC vs RR
Delhi Capitals:
Jake Fraser-McGurk/Donovan Ferreira, Karun Nair, Abishek Porel (wk), KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar
Rajasthan Royals:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Nitish Rana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Kumar Kartikeya
Key Matchups to Watch in DC vs RR game
- Mukesh Kumar vs Jaiswal: 7 runs in 9 balls, 2 dismissals
- Axar vs Samson & Rana: Both dismissed twice, SRs below 120
- Sandeep Sharma vs DC: 20 wickets in 18 matches, Econ 7.29
DC vs RR Dream11 Team Prediction & Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers
- KL Rahul (C/VC) – Superb form, strong record vs RR (Avg 50.93, SR 132.5)
- Sanju Samson (C/VC) – Loves Delhi’s batting-friendly conditions
- Tristan Stubbs – Finisher role, adds value with fielding
Batters
- Shimron Hetmyer – Power-hitter, ideal for death overs on a flat deck
All-Rounders
- Axar Patel (C/VC) – Controls middle overs, bowls in Powerplay, bats in top 6
- Riyan Parag – Patchy form but capable of a big knock; handy spin option
Bowlers
- Kuldeep Yadav – Top-tier form, best economy among spinners this season
- Vipraj Nigam – Emerging match-winner, offers spin + power-hitting
- Mitchell Starc – Threat with new ball and death overs
- Sandeep Sharma – RR’s go-to with new ball, historically strong vs DC
- Jofra Archer – Genuine wicket-taker, express pace
Captaincy Picks
- KL Rahul – Proven vs RR, opening in high-scoring venue
- Sanju Samson – In form, captain’s knock expected
- Axar Patel – All-phase bowler, impact player
Stats to Note
- Delhi have won 6 of 9 games vs RR at home
- RR have conceded the most extras in IPL 2025 so far (74)
- Rana averages 18.9 in T20s at Kotla despite being a local
