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IPL 2026 Match 62 Preview: DC vs RR – Form, Key Battles & Winner Prediction

Ali Naseer · · 3 min read
1778952937765 DC vs RR

DC vs RR IPL 2026: A Playoff Eliminator in the Making

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is set to host a high-octane showdown as Delhi Capitals (DC) lock horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2026 Match 62. Scheduled for May 17 at 7:30 PM IST, this clash carries immense weight in the race for the final four.

Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

For the Rajasthan Royals, sitting in 5th place, survival depends on winning at least two of their final three matches. A victory here keeps their playoff dreams firmly alive. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals’ fate is no longer in their hands—but a win could disrupt RR’s momentum and extend their own campaign.

Just weeks ago, DC chased down a massive 226 in Jaipur, proving their firepower under pressure. Now, they return home with the chance to repeat the feat in front of their supporters.

Current Form: Who’s in Better Shape?

DC has shown flashes of brilliance but inconsistency has plagued their campaign. RR, despite a recent break, enters this fixture with momentum in mind, seeking sharpness after a pause in action.

Key Player Battles That Could Decide the Game

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Mitchell Starc

At just 15, Sooryavanshi has electrified the tournament with over 400 runs and is in contention for the Orange Cap. His aggressive style against senior pacers makes this duel with Starc particularly intriguing. Though they didn’t face off last time, all eyes will be on whether the young star can take on one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket.

KL Rahul vs Jofra Archer

KL Rahul has been DC’s most reliable batter, but Archer owns a strong record against him—9 wickets in the powerplay this season alone. Rahul has scored 100 runs off 66 balls against Archer in IPL history but has been dismissed twice. If Archer strikes early, it could derail DC’s innings.

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David Miller vs Brijesh Sharma

Miller returned with a match-winning fifty in his last outing, reinforcing his value in the death overs. Against RR’s Brijesh Sharma—who has taken 8 wickets in the final 10 overs using clever variations—this clash could define the outcome. Miller averages 49.67 in this phase, while Brijesh’s control makes him a constant threat.

Head-to-Head Records: Past Performances

  • Prithvi Shaw: 165 runs in 9 innings vs RR (SR: 126.92)
  • Axar Patel: 8 wickets in 12 games vs RR (economy: 7.85)
  • Riyan Parag: 284 runs in 11 innings vs DC (3 fifties, SR: 135.23)
  • Jofra Archer: 10 wickets in just 6 innings vs DC (best: 3/19)

Toss and Pitch Outlook

The Arun Jaitley Stadium has delivered unpredictable pitches this season. However, chasing has been the preferred strategy—5 out of 6 teams successfully chased here. The captain winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first.

Innings Score Predictions

  • 1st Innings: 58/1 in Powerplay, total: 189/7
  • 2nd Innings: 65/0 in Powerplay, total: 190/4

Top Player Predictions

Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul, David Miller, Axar Patel, Lungi Ngidi
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Donovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, Yash Raj Punja

Statistical Showdowns

  • Most Sixes: Donovan Ferreira (RR)
  • Most Fours: David Miller (DC)

Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Prevail?

Delhi Capitals are playing with house money—no pressure, all aggression. Rajasthan Royals, though in control of their destiny, come off a break that may have dulled their edge. With home support and recent momentum against RR, DC are slightly favored to win this contest and throw the playoff picture into disarray.

Final Verdict: Delhi Capitals to edge out Rajasthan Royals in a nail-biter.

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Ali Naseer

Ali Naseer is a senior sports correspondent for The News International, known for his authoritative coverage of Pakistan cricket and his razor‑sharp technical analysis. A graduate of the University of Karachi, he began his career documenting club cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Northern Areas, bringing to light the raw fast‑bowling talent that has become Pakistan’s hallmark. Ali’s work now spans global ICC tournaments and every edition of the Pakistan Super League, where he is a familiar face in the press box. He combines an intimate knowledge of the domestic structure with an ability to break down high‑pressure match situations for a national readership. His columns on the art of reverse swing and the history of Pakistani pace bowlers have become essential reading for fans. Twice honoured by the APNS and his own paper, Ali remains dedicated to telling the stories of the players and places that keep Pakistan cricket alive.