By Robert 
After their unbeaten streak came to a halt with a narrow loss in their home return, Delhi Capitals (DC) will look to return to winning ways when they host the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, April 16.
Delhi suffered their first defeat of the season against Mumbai Indians despite a brilliant comeback knock from Karun Nair. A middle-order slump and a tail-end collapse saw DC lose by 12 runs in a game they appeared to be controlling for large parts. Although the dew was expected to ease their 206-run chase, Mumbai’s smart use of the second new ball after Nair’s dismissal tilted the match in their favor.
Despite the loss, DC remain one of the better-balanced sides on paper. However, opening concerns continue with Jake Fraser-McGurk managing only 46 runs at a strike rate of 100 and consistently falling during the PowerPlay. While Delhi’s overall batting has fired at various moments, their struggles against spin are evident. Their batters strike at a strong 159.38 against spinners—the second-best in the league—but average just 24.47, the second-lowest, suggesting a need to convert starts more effectively on spinning tracks like Kotla, where spinners claimed 9 of 12 wickets in their last outing.
Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are facing their own issues with consistency—especially in their batting. While their average against spin (24.85) is marginally better than DC’s, the Royals’ top order has failed to click in unison. Riyan Parag hasn’t matched his form from 2024, and though Samson and Nitish Rana have one fifty each, neither has hit peak form. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer, too, have had sporadic success.
RR’s batters will have to contend with Kuldeep Yadav, who’s been the standout spinner in IPL 2025 so far, boasting a league-best economy rate of 5.6 across five matches. Axar Patel, DC’s captain, also has the psychological edge over both Samson and Rana, having dismissed them twice each in previous encounters.
The Kotla promises a high-scoring contest with its short boundaries, flat pitch, and fast outfield. With dew likely to play a role again, chasing could be the preferred strategy.
Match Info:
- When: Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 PM IST
- Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- What to Expect: A batting-friendly surface with equal square boundaries, potential for another run-fest. Dew could once again influence the outcome.
Head-to-Head:
Rajasthan Royals hold a slender 15-14 lead overall and a 5-4 edge since 2022. However, DC have dominated at home, winning six of the nine encounters at the Kotla.
Team News & Strategies:
Delhi Capitals
- Injury Update: Faf du Plessis remains doubtful, though the franchise says he’s “recovering well.” In his absence, Fraser-McGurk is expected to continue opening, with Karun Nair possibly promoted to the top of the order after his comeback heroics.
- Tactics: Mukesh Kumar will be key against Jaiswal, having dismissed the left-hander twice in as many games while conceding just 7 runs in 9 deliveries.
- Probable XI:
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Karun Nair, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar
Rajasthan Royals
- Injury Update: No player injuries, though head coach remains wheelchair-bound.
- Tactics: Sandeep Sharma has an excellent IPL record against DC with 20 wickets in 18 games and an economy of 7.29. He’ll be crucial in RR’s quest for early wickets.
- Probable XI:
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
Did You Know?
- Nitish Rana, despite being a Delhi native, averages only 18.9 in 10 T20 innings at the Kotla.
- Rajasthan Royals have conceded the most extras in IPL 2025 so far—74 by Match 30.
- KL Rahul has an exceptional record against RR, averaging 50.93 in 16 games with a high score of 95*.
Quotes:
Mohit Sharma (DC pacer):
“It’s good—please do check those bats. As it is we see such huge sixes. If a bat or two are caught to be oversized, then ban them too.” (laughs during a chat about bat inspections)
Nitish Rana (RR):
“If the situation calls for it, I’m ready to contribute in any way—batting, bowling, anything. I want to bowl regularly too. Let me talk to Sanju [Samson].”
With both teams looking to iron out inconsistencies and secure crucial points, the Kotla showdown promises to be an exciting, high-scoring affair.