DC have played some poor cricket this IPL 2026 season. And as a result, they sit on the cusp of elimination, with only two matches to go for them. Next, they face Rajasthan Royals at home, it must be admitted, that they would only be playing for pride. Even before we get on to the predicted DC playing XI vs RR, it must be made clear, that Delhi can reach a maximum of 14 points, and that shall not be enough for them to qualify for the playoffs.
But what they can achieve out of this match is, spoil Rajasthan’s party, who are still in a decent position to make the playoffs, having secured 12 points from 11 matches. Now, time for the predicted XI.
Get Prithvi Shaw for remaining matches
Although this change isn’t needed, but with just a couple of matches remaining for them, it is only wise, if they try out Shaw, and see if he can contribute to the team’s cause. KL Rahul, without any doubt remains the main batter for the team, having scored 477 runs in 12 encounters. His partner for majority of matches, Nissanka shone in patches, and could manage 278 in 10.
For the last two matches, the team was going with Abhishek Porel, and he wasn’t that great, managing to score only 35 in 2 matches. Other than that, there is no real need to get in Prithvi Shaw; DC are past that stage.
Give Madhav Tiwari another game
In the match against PBKS, Tiwari looked quite good with the bat and the ball. He ended up scoring 18 runs and also returned with figures of 2/40. Not much is known about this all-rounder, but if he can impress in the next couple of matches, DC could unearth a star for Team India.
Axe Kuldeep Yadav, make way for Rehan Ahmed
For some reason, Kuldeep just can’t seem to perform well in the IPL. This year, in 11 matches he has picked up only 7 wickets. Economy has been up at 10.66. It might just be the correct time to try out someone like Rehan Ahmed. The 21-year-old has picked up 85 wickets in 97 matches, and the economy rate is 8.13. He can be a handy batter at the end of the innings.
Predicted DC playing XI
Prithivi Shaw (WK), KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Rehan Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar. Impact Sub: T Natarajan.
