Delhi Capitals (DC) host Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 62 of IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Saturday, May 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM IST.
This is the evening match of a double-header day (PBKS vs RCB at 10 AM in Dharamsala is the first game). DC need a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while RR are looking to bounce back after a 137/7 collapse against GT.
KL Rahul is the 5th-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026 with 477 runs at SR 177.98 (middle-overs SR of 211 per CricScope). He anchored DC’s recent win over PBKS at Dharamsala (75 runs).
Additionally, Mitchell Starc returns to the XI, replacing Chameera. RR arrive with Jofra Archer back and Ravi Bishnoi returning to the starting XI. However, captain Riyan Parag is doubtful with a hamstring injury (day 16 recovery per CricScope).
DC vs RR IPL 2026 Match 62: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 62, IPL 2026 (Double-Header Day Evening Match) |
| Teams | Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals |
| Date | Saturday, May 17, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (Evening) |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| DC Captain | Axar Patel |
| RR Captain | Riyan Parag |
| Chasing Win % (2026) | 80% (4 of 5 matches at Arun Jaitley this season) |
| Weather | Hot, dry evening; NO dew expected (mid-May Delhi) |
The key venue stat: chasing teams have won 80% (4 of 5) of IPL 2026 matches at Arun Jaitley
However, this is a hot, dry mid-May Delhi evening with no dew, which changes the dynamics compared to earlier this season. The bimodal surface (scores have ranged from 75 to 264 at this ground this season) means projected totals are 150-180 tonight.
DC vs RR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Meetings | 31+ |
| DC Wins | 16 |
| RR Wins | 15 |
| Last 3 H2H | DC lead 2-1 |
| Iconic Moment at AJ | Starc’s Super Over in IPL 2025 (DC won) |
DC lead the overall H2H 16-15 per AllCric. In the last 3 meetings, DC lead 2-1, including Starc’s iconic Super Over at this very ground in IPL 2025. That home-ground advantage and Starc’s return tonight make this a psychologically significant contest for DC.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report for DC vs RR
| Pitch Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Chasing Win % (2026) | 80% (4 of 5 IPL 2026 matches at AJ) |
| Score Range (2026) | 75 to 264 (bimodal surface; wildly unpredictable) |
| Projected Total | 150-180 (dry mid-May conditions; lower than earlier) |
| Dew Factor | NO dew expected (hot, dry mid-May Delhi evening) |
| Spin Factor | Dry surface assists turn; Kuldeep + Bishnoi effective |
| Boundaries | Short; fast outfield |
The absence of dew is a game-changer. Earlier in the season, Arun Jaitley’s chasing advantage was partly due to dew making bowling difficult in the second innings. However, in hot, dry mid-May conditions, no dew is expected per CricScope. Consequently, batting first becomes a more viable option tonight. Furthermore, the dry surface will assist spinners (Kuldeep and Bishnoi) through the middle overs.
DC Predicted Playing XI vs RR
Starc returns (Chameera out). Nissanka plays (Miller out). Ashutosh Sharma in.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KL Rahul (wk) | Opener / Wicketkeeper |
| 2 | Pathum Nissanka | Opener |
| 3 | Nitish Rana | No. 3 |
| 4 | Sameer Rizvi | Middle Order |
| 5 | Tristan Stubbs | Finisher |
| 6 | Axar Patel (c) | All-rounder / Captain |
| 7 | Ashutosh Sharma | All-rounder |
| 8 | Kyle Jamieson | Pace Bowler |
| 9 | Mitchell Starc | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Kuldeep Yadav | Leg-spinner |
| 11 | T Natarajan | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Madhav Tiwari (POTM vs PBKS), Vipraj Nigam, Karun Nair, Lungi Ngidi
RR Predicted Playing XI vs DC
Archer returns. Bishnoi back. Shubham Dubey in. Parag plays if fit; Hetmyer replaces if not.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener |
| 2 | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Opener |
| 3 | Dhruv Jurel (wk) | No. 3 / Wicketkeeper |
| 4 | Riyan Parag (c) / Shimron Hetmyer | Middle Order / Captain |
| 5 | Donovan Ferreira | All-rounder |
| 6 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 7 | Shubham Dubey | All-rounder |
| 8 | Jofra Archer | Pace Bowler |
| 9 | Ravi Bishnoi | Leg-spinner |
| 10 | Nandre Burger | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Brijesh Sharma | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Adam Milne, Tushar Deshpande, Ravi Singh, Yash Raj Punja
Key Player Battles to Watch
Here are Key Players to Watch out for from both Teams:
Jaiswal + Sooryavanshi vs Starc + Jamieson: The Powerplay Decider
Per businessupturn, this is the match-defining contest. Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi‘s explosive opening pair against Starc‘s express left-arm pace and Jamieson‘s NZ bounce creates the most high-stakes powerplay of the season. If RR’s openers survive and score 60+ in the PP, DC face an impossible task.
Kuldeep Yadav vs Parag/Ferreira: Dry Surface Spin
Kuldeep‘s wrist-spin on a dry, potentially turning Delhi surface against Parag (if fit, SR 117) and Ferreira in the middle overs is decisive per businessupturn. If Kuldeep restricts RR during overs 7-15, DC’s bowling controls the match.
Rahul vs Archer: Orange Cap vs Pace Ace
Rahul‘s 477 runs (SR 177.98, mid-overs SR 211) against Archer‘s returning pace creates the second-innings headline battle. Rahul’s ability to anchor a chase on this surface (chasing wins 80%) makes him the most valuable player tonight.
DC vs RR IPL 2026 Match 62: Match Prediction
A genuine 50-50 contest. However, DC have a slight edge at home for three reasons.
Why DC Are Slight Favourites
First, Rahul’s form. 477 runs at SR 177.98 with a mid-overs SR of 211 makes him the most in-form batter in this fixture. At his home ground, Rahul is almost unstoppable.
Second, Starc’s return. Starc‘s Super Over heroics at this ground in 2025 add psychological weight. His left-arm express pace against Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi in the powerplay could be the difference.
Third, dry surface suits Kuldeep. Without dew, Kuldeep‘s wrist-spin on a dry, turning surface becomes a match-winning weapon against RR’s right-hand-heavy middle order.
Can RR Win in Delhi?
RR’s best chance lies in Sooryavanshi‘s Orange Cap form (400+ runs, SR 236+) and Archer‘s returning pace. If RR bat first and post 180+, their bowling (Archer, Bishnoi, Jadeja) can defend on a dry surface. Additionally, Bishnoi‘s return on a spin-friendly pitch gives RR genuine middle-overs control.
However, Parag’s doubtful fitness and the 137/7 collapse vs GT (M52) are major concerns. RR need their captain fit and their middle order to stand up.
Prediction: Delhi Capitals to edge a tight contest. Rahul’s 477 runs, Starc’s return, and Kuldeep on a dry surface give DC the slight edge at home.
Toss Prediction: Chasing has won 80% at AJ this season. Both captains will prefer bowling first. However, with no dew expected, batting first is genuinely viable tonight.
Suggested Reads:
Final Verdict
Match 62 of IPL 2026 is the evening leg of a double-header day. DC host RR at a dry, dew-free Arun Jaitley Stadium where chasing has won 80% this season but conditions tonight favour batting first. Rahul‘s 477 runs (mid-overs SR 211), Starc‘s return, and Kuldeep‘s spin on a dry surface make DC slight favourites.
RR counter with Sooryavanshi‘s Orange Cap form, Archer‘s returning pace, and Bishnoi‘s spin on a gripping surface. However, Parag’s hamstring doubt (day 16) and the GT collapse shadow this match. Expect a low-scoring, spin-dominated contest decided by 10-15 runs.
