Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 32 of the ongoing IPL 2025 season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, April 16.
Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals: Preview
Rajasthan Royals (RR) have had an inconsistent run so far, starting the season with two losses, bouncing back with two wins, and then slipping again with two more defeats—leaving them with just four points from six games. And their task doesn’t get any easier as they now head to the Arun Jaitley Stadium to take on second-placed Delhi Capitals (DC), a side that appears to have all departments firing.
After their unbeaten run came to a halt with a bitter home defeat, Delhi Capitals will be eager to bounce back and pile further misery on Rajasthan Royals when the two sides face off at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday (April 16).
Their first loss of the season—by 12 runs against Mumbai Indians—was a frustrating one, especially after a resurgent Karun Nair marked his IPL return with a standout innings. However, a dramatic middle-order collapse and a lack of composure from the tail saw DC squander a chase that once looked well within reach. While credit must go to MI for executing their plans, especially under pressure with the second new ball and sharp ground fielding, Delhi will rue missing out on an opportunity to cement their top-table position—especially with dew in their favour during a 206-run chase.
DC have notched up four wins in five games, but a recent defeat to Mumbai Indians will still sting. Eager to bounce back quickly, facing an out-of-sorts RR side could be the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways.
On paper, DC still look like one of the most balanced sides in the tournament. While their opening woes persist—Jake Fraser-McGurk has scored only 46 runs at a strike rate of 100 and has fallen inside the PowerPlay in every outing—the rest of the batting order has largely fired when needed. However, one area of concern lies in their performance against spin. Although DC’s batters boast an impressive strike rate of 159.38 against slower bowlers—the second-best in IPL 2025—their average against spin is just 24.47, the second-lowest among all teams.
This becomes especially relevant at the Kotla, where the surface has offered help to spinners. In their last fixture at this venue, nine of the 12 wickets fell to spin—a telling stat that DC’s batters must address. As they aim to reclaim their winning momentum and climb back to the top of the table, tackling spin more effectively could be the key to success.
That’s exactly where DC will look to tighten the screws. With Kuldeep Yadav in their ranks, Delhi have a formidable weapon in the middle phase. The left-arm spinner has bowled 18 overs in this segment, maintaining an impressive economy of just 5.94 and claiming nine wickets—second only to Noor Ahmad in this period.
Kuldeep Yadav has been the standout performer for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, boasting a stellar economy rate of 5.60—the best among all bowlers who have bowled at least 10 overs this season. His control in the middle overs continues to be a key asset for DC.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals will take confidence from KL Rahul’s stellar record against Rajasthan. In 16 matches, Rahul averages a commanding 50.93 against the Royals, striking at 132.52, with a highest score of 95*—a sign that he could once again anchor the innings and be a thorn in RR’s side.
One of RR’s major concerns has been their faltering top order and lack of depth in the batting unit, particularly during the middle overs. While they boast the second-best powerplay scoring rate in IPL 2025 at 9.72 (only behind Punjab Kings), that momentum significantly drops in the middle overs to 7.86—second-worst in the league, just ahead of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
On a batting-friendly track, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in desperate need of a turnaround from their underperforming batting line-up. Skipper Sanju Samson has managed just one half-century so far, Riyan Parag has struggled with inconsistency, Nitish Rana has delivered only a single noteworthy knock, and Shimron Hetmyer’s late entry into the innings has raised a few eyebrows. Among the top order, only Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown some reliability, registering two fifties in his last three outings. For RR to pose a challenge, the rest of their explosive batting unit must step up.
Rajasthan Royals’ batters haven’t had much joy against spin either, managing a marginally better average of 24.85—only slightly ahead of Delhi Capitals. But the real challenge lies ahead, as they brace for a stern examination from Kuldeep Yadav. The DC spinner has been a standout performer this season, consistently delivering regardless of venue, pitch conditions, or dew. With an economy rate of 5.6 across five matches (minimum 10 overs), Kuldeep currently leads the league in terms of control and impact in a format dominated by aggressive hitting.
Adding to RR’s worries is DC skipper Axar Patel, who has historically held an edge over two key Royals batters. Against Sanju Samson, Axar has conceded just 70 runs off 63 balls while dismissing him twice. He’s also had Nitish Rana’s number, restricting him to 37 runs in 31 deliveries and removing him twice—a matchup that could prove pivotal in the middle overs.
Mukesh Kumar has proven to be a nemesis for Yashasvi Jaiswal, dismissing him twice in just two outings, with the left-hander scoring only seven runs off him.
Despite being a Delhi native, Nitish Rana hasn’t found much joy at his home ground, averaging just 18.9 across 10 T20 innings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium—a concerning stat as he returns to familiar yet unkind territory.
Overall, RR’s batting has lacked spark. Riyan Parag has failed to build on the promise of IPL 2024 that earned him a national call-up, while Samson and Rana have just one half-century apiece. Jaiswal and Hetmyer, though capable of match-winning knocks, have been inconsistent at best. However, the high-scoring conditions in Delhi could offer a lifeline—an ideal setting for RR’s misfiring top and middle order to rediscover their rhythm and put up a more competitive showing.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have struggled with the ball, claiming just 29 wickets across six matches—the third-lowest tally in the tournament so far. Their bowling unit will need to step up if they hope to contain a strong DC batting line-up.
Adding to Rajasthan Royals’ headaches is their discipline with the ball. As of Match 30 in IPL 2025, RR have conceded the highest number of extras—74—highlighting a recurring issue that has often gifted opponents crucial runs.
Historically, RR hold a slight edge in the rivalry, having won 15 out of the 29 encounters between the two teams, with DC securing 14 victories. However, recent individual matchups could tilt the balance.
Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals: Recent Form
Delhi Capitals LWWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
Rajasthan Royals LLWWL
Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals: Head-to-Head
Rajasthan Royals hold a narrow overall lead in the head-to-head battle, edging Delhi Capitals 15-14, including a one-match advantage in their meetings since 2022. However, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, it’s DC who have dominated, winning six out of the nine encounters played at home.
- Matches Played: 29
- Won by Delhi Capitals: 14
- Won by Rajasthan Royals: 15
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 0
- First-ever Fixture: April 19, 2008
- Most-recent Fixture: May 7, 2024
Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Delhi has become a hotspot for high run-scoring, with teams consistently posting over 200 runs in the past seven games, all of which were won by the team batting first. The pitch for the DC-MI game was another high-scoring one, with the home side nearly chasing down 206. However, there was also some turn available, which could provide opportunities for spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga, Nigam, Kuldeep, and Maheesh Theekshana to make an impact.
The weather is expected to be in the mid to late 30s Celsius during the day, with cooler temperatures in the evening. The Kotla ground’s central wicket will provide equal square boundaries, but the conditions still promise a run-fest. The fast outfield, small ground dimensions, and flat tracks have all contributed to high-scoring games at this venue. With the possibility of heavy dew, as seen in Delhi’s first home game, chasing could prove to be a more favorable and strategic choice.
Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals: Team News and Predicted XI
Delhi Capitals – Team News
There is still no clear update on Faf du Plessis’ fitness, with the official statement indicating that he is recovering well. However, there is uncertainty about his availability for the second consecutive home game. In his absence, Jake Fraser-McGurk is likely to continue in the lineup, as Delhi has been fielding only three overseas players.
Following his impressive comeback, Karun Nair might be in line for a promotion to the starting XI, possibly even taking up the opener’s spot. If du Plessis is fit, he is expected to replace Fraser-McGurk at the top of the order, with Nair moving to No. 3. Should du Plessis remain unavailable, Delhi could field the same squad as in the MI game, with Nair and Mukesh Kumar swapping roles as Impact Substitutes. Notably, du Plessis was absent from practice ahead of the match.
Jaiswal has alternated between three single-digit scores and impactful knocks of 29, 67, and 75 this season. Delhi Capitals will likely rely on Mukesh Kumar to contain the young opener. In their previous encounters in the IPL, Kumar has dismissed Jaiswal twice, giving away just seven runs from nine deliveries bowled to him.
Delhi Capitals – Predicted XI
- Faf du Plessis/Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Abishek Porel
- Karun Nair
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Axar Patel (capt)
- Vipraj Nigam
- Mitchell Starc
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohit Sharma
- Mukesh Kumar
Rajasthan Royals – Team News
Apart from head coach Rahul Dravid, who is confined to a wheelchair, there are no injury concerns for Rajasthan Royals. However, they do have other aspects to address. They may consider replacing Tushar Deshpande with Akash Madhwal, while Kumar Kartikeya is expected to come in as the impact player, replacing Rana.
Sandeep Sharma has enjoyed a stellar record against Delhi in the IPL, taking 20 wickets in 18 matches at a commendable economy rate of 7.29. His dot-ball percentage is nearly 43, making him a crucial part of RR’s pace attack as they aim for early breakthroughs.
Rajasthan Royals – Predicted XI
- Sanju Samson (capt & wk)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Nitish Rana
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Jofra Archer
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Tushar Deshpande/Akash Madhwal
- Sandeep Sharma
- Kumar Kartikeya
Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals: Players To Watch Out For
Karun Nair (Delhi Capitals)
After an astonishing domestic season, Karun Nair made a memorable impact in IPL 2025. In his first appearance of the season, Nair struck a blistering 89 off 40 balls, almost guiding DC to victory against MI. His assault on Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 26 runs off nine balls, will be one of the season’s standout moments.
Nair came in as an Impact Sub against MI, but this could change going forward, especially if Fraser-McGurk’s underwhelming season persists. Interestingly, Nair has had previous stints with RR, the latest being in 2022, marking his last IPL appearance. He also enjoyed one of his best IPL seasons with them back in 2014.
Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)
Riyan Parag entered the 2025 season with high expectations following his stellar performance in 2024, but it has so far been a campaign filled with missed opportunities. Although he has scored 25 or more in five of his six innings, his highest score remains just 43. Parag has looked solid at times but has been guilty of throwing away promising starts.
With the flat pitch in Delhi, RR will depend on Parag to provide the top-order strength he’s capable of. A key battle will be between Parag and the DC spinners. He has struggled against spinners in the IPL, with a strike rate of 118.61, making his matchups against Kuldeep and Vipraj Nigam, two of the tournament’s top spinners this year, particularly crucial.
Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Delhi Capitals win the toss and bat
- Powerplay Score: 60-70
- Delhi Capitals: 200-220
- Match Result: Delhi Capitals win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Rajasthan Royals win the toss and bat
- Powerplay Score: 55-65
- Rajasthan Royals Total: 180-200
- Match Result: Rajasthan Royals win the match
When and Where To Watch Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday, April 16, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: IPL 2025: Chahal Leads Punjab Kings to Defend 111 and Stun KKR in Thrilling IPL Victory
FAQs
What is the head-to-head record between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals in IPL?
Rajasthan Royals lead Delhi Capitals 15-14 in head-to-head IPL encounters, with RR having a one-game advantage since 2022.
Which team has the upper hand in Delhi’s Kotla ground matches?
Delhi Capitals have the edge at the Kotla ground with six wins in nine encounters against Rajasthan Royals.
What factors influence run-scoring in Delhi’s IPL matches?
Delhi’s Kotla ground features a fast outfield, small ground dimensions, and flat tracks, making it a high-scoring venue. Dew is also a significant factor, favoring chasing teams.
How is Faf du Plessis’ injury affecting Delhi Capitals’ lineup?
Faf du Plessis is recovering from injury, with his fitness status uncertain for the next match. If unavailable, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Karun Nair are expected to feature prominently.
How has Riyan Parag performed in IPL 2025, and what are his challenges?
Riyan Parag has shown promise but has struggled with consistency, with his highest score being 43. He faces a tough challenge against DC’s spinners Kuldeep and Vipraj Nigam.
