Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 62: Playoff Hopes Hang By A Thread As RR Seek Revenge In Delhi
The last time these two met, Delhi Capitals chased down Rajasthan Royals’ 225 with 7 wickets and 5 balls to spare in Jaipur — a clinical performance that left RR staring at their third loss in four matches. Now, back at Arun Jaitley Stadium, RR want to settle the score while DC’s playoff chances hang by a slender thread.
Match Info At A Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Indian Premier League 2026 |
| Match | 62nd Match |
| Teams | Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals |
| Date | 17 May 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi |
| Toss Advantage | Chase (dew factor) |
| Weather | Clear |
Head to Head Record
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 31 |
| Delhi Capitals Wins | 15 |
| Rajasthan Royals Wins | 15 |
| Tie | 1 |
| Last 5 Meetings | W/L/W/L/W (DC dominant recently) |
| Last Match | DC won by 7 wickets (RR 225/6, DC 226/3 in 19.1 overs) |
Delhi Capitals hold a slight edge overall, but this rivalry is razor-close. The first meeting this season in Jaipur saw DC chase down 225 comfortably — a statement win that showed their chasing mettle. However, RR will be hungry for revenge on neutral territory turned Delhi home-ground.
Pitch Report & Conditions
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | 174 |
| Dew Factor | Yes (significant) |
| Best Strategy | Chase |
| DC record here | 1-4 (winning just 1 of 5 home games) |
| RR record here | 3-2 (decent away record) |
Arun Jaitley Stadium has been a high-scoring venue this IPL. The average first-innings score sits around 174, but scores above 190 are common in night matches. The surface offers true bounce and fast outfields — perfect for strokeplay.
Dew will be the game-changer. Evening matches in Delhi see heavy dew build-up, making the ball wet and difficult for bowlers to grip. Spinners especially struggle in the second innings. This is why chasing teams have the advantage — batters can hit through the line without worrying about turn or grip.
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Team 1 Preview — Delhi Capitals
Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abishek Porel | Opener |
| 2 | KL Rahul (wk) | Opener |
| 3 | Sahil Parakh | Top order |
| 4 | Tristan Stubbs | Middle order |
| 5 | David Miller | Middle order |
| 6 | Axar Patel (c) | All-rounder |
| 7 | Ashutosh Sharma | All-rounder |
| 8 | Madhav Tiwari | All-rounder |
| 9 | Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| 10 | Mitchell Starc | Pacer |
| 11 | Lungi Ngidi | Pacer |
Strengths
KL Rahul is in Orange Cap form — 433 runs at 54.13 average and 185.84 strike rate with one century and three fifties. Their middle order has power through Miller and Stubbs, and they’ve never collapsed this season. Starc and Ngidi give them wicket-taking options at both ends.
Weakness/Concern
DC have won just 1 of 5 home games at Arun Jaitley Stadium this season — a worrying trend. Their bowling has leaked runs consistently, and Kuldeep Yadav has struggled to find his rhythm. With playoff chances hanging by a thread, pressure is mounting.
Key Player To Watch
KL Rahul — 433 runs at 185.84 SR. He’s the Orange Cap holder and anchors the top order. If Rahul gets going, DC’s chase becomes manageable. If he falls early, the middle order gets exposed.
Team 2 Preview — Rajasthan Royals
Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener |
| 2 | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Opener |
| 3 | Dhruv Jurel (wk) | Wicket-keeper |
| 4 | Riyan Parag (c) | Middle order |
| 5 | Shimron Hetmyer | Finisher |
| 6 | Donovan Ferreira | All-rounder |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 8 | Shubham Dubey | All-rounder |
| 9 | Dasun Shanaka | All-rounder |
| 10 | Jofra Archer | Pacer |
| 11 | Tushar Deshpande | Pacer |
Strengths
RR have looked settled this season — their batting finds strong starts regularly, and the bowling holds shape through middle and death overs. They sit 5th on the points table with 6 wins from 11 matches. Jofra Archer’s new-ball pace and Hetmyer’s finishing ability are dangerous weapons.
Weakness/Concern
RR have lost their last two matches — including a 77-run thrashing by Gujarat Titans. Their bowling frailties were exposed against high-scoring teams, and they’ve struggled when targets exceed 220.
Key Player To Watch
Jofra Archer — His new-ball pace can disrupt DC’s top order. If Archer picks early wickets, DC’s chase crumbles. He’s the difference-maker in tight games.
Key Battles To Watch
KL Rahul vs Jofra Archer — This battle decides the match. Rahul has 433 runs at 185.84 SR this season, but Archer’s new-ball pace can test him early. If Rahul survives the first 2 overs, he dominates. If Archer strikes early, DC’s chase falters.
Axar Patel vs Yashasvi Jaiswal — Axar is DC’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps. Jaiswal is the key RR opener. If Axar contains Jaiswal during powerplay, DC gains control.
Shimron Hetmyer vs Kuldeep Yadav — Hetmyer’s power-hitting vs Kuldeep’s variations. Kuldeep has struggled for form this season, and Hetmyer thrives against spin in the death overs.
Our Match Prediction
Rajasthan Royals win this — by 15-20 runs.
Here’s why: RR’s bowling depth gives them one extra wicket-taking option DC simply don’t have. Archer + Tushar Deshpande at the new ball, followed by Jadeja in the middle, is a stronger combination than DC’s Starc + Ngidi + Kuldeep.
Second, RR have a better away record at Arun Jaitley Stadium (3-2) compared to DC’s disastrous home form (1-4).
Third, dew will help chasing teams, but RR’s batting depth (Jaiswal, Hetmyer, Ferreira) can post 190+, which is enough to defend even with dew. DC’s bowling has leaked too many runs this season.
Where to Watch
The match will be televised on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 1 Hindi from 7:30 PM IST. Live streaming is on JioHotstar. UK viewers can catch it on Sky Sports Cricket; Australian fans can watch on Fox Cricket or Kayo Sports; US and Canada viewers can watch on Willow TV.
The Bottom Line
RR’s bowling depth and DC’s terrible home form make Rajasthan the smarter bet — expect them to post 190+ and defend it despite the dew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who will win Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Match 62?
A: Rajasthan Royals — their bowling depth and DC’s poor home form (1-4) give RR the edge.
Q: What is the head to head record between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals?
A: 31 matches total — DC won 16, RR won 15. Razor-close rivalry.
Q: What time does Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals start today?
A: 7:30 PM IST on May 17, 2026.
Q: What is the pitch report for Arun Jaitley Stadium today?
A: Batting-friendly surface with average first-innings score of 174. Heavy dew expected — chasing is advantageous.
Q: Who are the key players to watch in Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals?
A: KL Rahul (DC) — 433 runs at 185.84 SR; Jofra Archer (RR) — new-ball wicket-taker; Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) — explosive opener.
References
Cricbuzz — DC vs RR Match 62 Live Score — https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/152185/dc-vs-rr-62nd-match-indian-premier-league-2026
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