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IPL 2026: DC vs RR Match 62 Prediction – Who Will Win?

Arjun Mehta · · 3 min read
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The Stakes are High at Arun Jaitley Stadium

As the IPL 2026 season enters its business end, the Delhi Capitals (DC) prepare to host the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 17 at 7:30 PM (IST). For Delhi, this is a do-or-die situation; their destiny is no longer entirely in their own hands, and a defeat here would effectively end their hopes of progression. Rajasthan, currently sitting in 5th place, finds themselves in a position where they must secure at least two victories from their final three games to guarantee a spot in the final four.

This match is a repeat of a thrilling earlier encounter where Delhi Capitals successfully chased down 226 runs in Jaipur. Rajasthan now enters the capital city looking for redemption and a vital away win to boost their playoff prospects.

Key Player Battles to Watch

The outcome of this contest will likely be decided by several high-profile individual matchups across different phases of the game.

  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs. Mitchell Starc: The 15-year-old sensation, Sooryavanshi, has had a swashbuckling season with over 400 runs, positioning himself in the race for the Orange Cap. His fearless approach against elite pacers like Mitchell Starc will be a focal point. While they did not cross paths in their previous meeting, their impending battle will be crucial to shifting momentum early in the innings.
  • KL Rahul vs. Jofra Archer: KL Rahul remains the backbone of the Delhi batting order, but he has shown vulnerability against high-pace bowling in the powerplay. Having already been dismissed by Jofra Archer before, Rahul must navigate the pacer’s threat carefully. With Archer claiming 9 wickets in the powerplay this season, this battle is statistically set to dictate the result of the first innings.
  • David Miller vs. Brijesh Sharma: David Miller, fresh off a match-winning half-century, will be the man to watch in the death overs. However, he will face a stiff challenge from Brijesh Sharma, who has been RR’s go-to specialist in the final 10 overs, having already secured 8 wickets using clever variations and cutters.
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Historical Records and Team Context

Historically, both teams possess players who thrive against each other. For the Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag has been a constant thorn in Delhi’s side, accumulating 284 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 135.23. On the bowling front, Jofra Archer leads the charge for Rajasthan against DC, having taken 10 wickets in 6 outings.

For the home side, Prithvi Shaw has consistently performed against the Royals, scoring 165 runs across 9 innings. Captain Axar Patel remains the most economical threat for Delhi, holding an economy rate of 7.85 against the Royals over the years.

Pitch Report and Toss Influence

The Arun Jaitley Stadium has presented varying surfaces throughout the IPL 2026 season. Despite the unpredictability, the trend is clear: chasing is the preferred strategy. In the six matches held at this venue so far, the team batting second has emerged victorious on five occasions. Therefore, the captain who wins the toss is highly likely to opt to field first, aiming to capitalize on the dew and the familiarity of the chase.

Predicted Match Outlook

Based on current form and venue dynamics, we anticipate an aggressive start from the batting units. The first innings is projected to reach approximately 189/7, while the chasing side will be expected to maintain a steady tempo to reach 190/4. Players like Donovan Ferreira are tipped to lead the six-hitting tally, while David Miller is expected to dominate in hitting boundaries.

Final Prediction

While the Rajasthan Royals hold a stronger position in the points table, the Delhi Capitals possess the

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Arjun Mehta

Arjun Mehta is a senior cricket analyst and features writer for Cricbuzz, where he deciphers the Indian Premier League auction strategies, player development arcs, and the ever-changing dynamics of the national team. A Pune-based journalist with a sharp eye for numbers and a fluent storytelling style, Mehta has covered every IPL season since 2014 and reported from two ICC Men's T20 World Cups. His work often explores the business of cricket, dressing-room politics, and how grassroots systems across South Asia feed into the global game. An alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Arjun is also a popular voice on Cricbuzz Live shows and a regular contributor to cricket podcasts.