Delhi Capitals (DC) will field KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Lungi Ngidi, while Punjab Kings (PBKS) rely on Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, and Arshdeep Singh in Match 35 of IPL 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 3:30 PM IST.
Currently, DC sit 6th with three wins from six matches, whereas PBKS lead the table with 11 points and remain the only unbeaten side in IPL 2026. Although DC have won both home games this season, PBKS arrive fresh off a commanding 54-run demolition of LSG, where they posted 254, which is the highest team total of IPL 2026.
DC Playing 11 Today
Because DC suffered a 47-run defeat against SRH in their last outing, changes to the batting order are likely. Accordingly, KL Rahul (205 runs at SR 166.66 this season) and Pathum Nissanka continue opening, although Nissanka’s form has dipped in his last two innings.
Furthermore, Nitish Rana could slot in at No. 3 after scoring a vital 57 against SRH. Additionally, Sameer Rizvi (209 runs at SR 150.35) adds middle-order depth, while Tristan Stubbs and David Miller handle the death overs. However, the dependence on the Miller-Stubbs partnership remains DC’s biggest concern.
On the bowling front, DC boast two of the top four death-overs bowlers in IPL 2026. T Natarajan (economy 8.25) and Lungi Ngidi (economy 8.30) are only behind Jofra Archer and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Moreover, Kuldeep Yadav threatens in the middle overs, while captain Axar Patel provides left-arm spin balance.
DC Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (WK), Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Auqib Nabi Dar, T Natarajan.
PBKS Playing 11 Today
Since Punjab Kings posted 254 against LSG in their last outing, confidence is sky-high. Consequently, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya (211 runs at SR 248.24) continue opening, since Arya hits a boundary every two balls in the powerplay.
Besides that, Cooper Connolly is confirmed available after returning from Australia with a clean bill of health on his back issue. Additionally, captain Shreyas Iyer anchors at No. 4, having scored three successive half-centuries before the LSG game. Furthermore, Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh provide lethal finishing power.
In terms of bowling, Arshdeep Singh leads the attack with his lethal new-ball and death-overs spells. Moreover, Marco Jansen adds left-arm pace variety, while Xavier Bartlett provides Australian consistency. Besides that, Yuzvendra Chahal, the first bowler to cross 200 IPL wickets, controls the middle overs with his leg-spin.
PBKS Predicted XI: Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh.
Impact Player Picks for Both Sides
DC Impact Sub: Ashutosh Sharma
Since DC’s batting depth has been a recurring issue, Ashutosh Sharma becomes the natural impact sub to add lower-order firepower. Specifically, his aggressive batting style suits the flat Arun Jaitley surface, and therefore gives Axar Patel an extra power-hitting option in the death overs.
PBKS Impact Sub: Vijaykumar Vyshak
Similarly, Vijaykumar Vyshak could walk in as PBKS’s bowling impact sub, adding an extra seam option. Because this is an afternoon match where the pitch may offer more for spinners, Vyshak’s ability to hit hard lengths also gives Iyer another wicket-taking option alongside Arshdeep and Bartlett.
Key Players to Watch in Match 35
Firstly, the battle between Priyansh Arya and Lungi Ngidi in the powerplay could define the game’s momentum, since Arya’s SR of 258 in the powerplay is the best among all batters this season. Similarly, Kuldeep Yadav versus Shreyas Iyer in the middle overs promises a fascinating spin duel at the Kotla.
| Player | Team | Role | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | DC | WK-Opener | 205 runs in 6 innings; SR 166.66; two fifties; composed anchor |
| Sameer Rizvi | DC | Middle-order Batter | 209 runs at SR 150.35; consistent contributor; clutch performer |
| Kuldeep Yadav | DC | Left-arm Spinner | Exceptional middle-overs threat; Arun Jaitley pitch assists spin |
| T Natarajan | DC | Left-arm Pacer | Best death-overs economy (8.25); deadly left-arm yorkers |
| Priyansh Arya | PBKS | Opener | 211 runs at SR 248.24; boundary every 2 balls in powerplay; POTM vs LSG |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Captain / Batter | Three consecutive fifties; anchors middle order; leads from the front |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | Pacer | 100+ IPL wickets; lethal new-ball and death-overs specialist |
In addition, data from ESPNcricinfo confirms that PBKS’s powerplay run rate of 11.33 is joint-highest in IPL 2026, while DC’s 8.69 is the second-lowest after LSG.
Head-to-Head Record: DC vs PBKS
Across 35 IPL meetings, DC and PBKS are locked at 17 wins each, with one game ending without a result. Notably, this perfect 17-17 split makes the DC-PBKS rivalry arguably the most evenly balanced in IPL history.
| Category | DC | PBKS |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 35 | 35 |
| Wins | 17 | 17 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Score | 231 | 206 |
| Lowest Score | — | 104 |
| Most Runs | Mayank Agarwal (450) | Mayank Agarwal (450) |
| Most Wickets | Axar Patel (20) | Sandeep Sharma (14) |
| Record at Arun Jaitley | 6 wins | 6 wins |
Additionally, DC have won 5 of the last 7 completed meetings since 2021, showing recent momentum in their favour. However, PBKS’s 2024 win and their current unbeaten form in 2026 suggest the tide may be turning again.
Pitch Report & Weather Forecast
Firstly, the Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch has been a high-scoring surface in IPL 2026, with 419 runs scored in the last game here between DC and GT. Furthermore, the par first-innings score sits around 185 to 195, and spinners tend to find more purchase as the match progresses.
Secondly, the Delhi weather forecast shows extreme heat with a high of 41°C during the afternoon. Since this is a 3:30 PM match, the dew factor will be minimal compared to evening games. Consequently, batting first becomes a more viable option, unlike typical Kotla night matches.
Besides that, the curators have had a fortnight since the last game here, ensuring a fresh surface with good bounce and sheen. As a result, both teams can expect consistent bounce and true pace off the deck, although spinners will gain more turn as the surface deteriorates.
Match Prediction: Who Wins Today?
Punjab Kings enter as favourites despite playing away from home, especially since they carry a five-match winning streak and the highest team total of the season. Specifically, PBKS’s all-round balance across batting, bowling, and fielding makes them the most complete team in IPL 2026.
On the other hand, DC have won both home games this season, and the Arun Jaitley crowd could be the X-factor. However, DC have failed to chase down 200 in all three attempts this season, and PBKS are capable of posting 250 on any given day.
As for the toss, since this is an afternoon match, the dew factor is minimal and batting first becomes equally attractive. Ultimately, PBKS are predicted to win this contest and therefore extend their unbeaten streak to six matches while strengthening their hold on the top spot.
Suggested Reads:
Final Word
To sum up, the DC vs PBKS Match 35 promises a riveting Saturday afternoon at the Kotla, with the table-toppers meeting a desperate home side in a rivalry locked at 17-17. If Priyansh Arya fires in the powerplay, then DC’s bowlers face the toughest test of their season.
Otherwise, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin on the deteriorating Kotla surface could keep DC in the hunt. Either way, this 36th chapter of one of IPL’s most balanced rivalries promises high drama.
Disclaimer: Playing XIs, impact substitutes, and predictions draw on pre-match reports and may change based on the toss, fitness updates, and final team announcements. Cooper Connolly is confirmed available. Mitchell Starc is expected to return next week.
