Delhi Capitals (DC) are slight favourites against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 62 of IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday, May 17 at 7:30 PM IST. DC are priced around 1.78-1.88 odds (implied win probability of ~53-56%).
Vs
Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
17 May 2026 07:30 PM
Both teams desperately need this win for playoff qualification. DC snapped a 2-match slide by chasing 211 against PBKS (Rahul 75, Tiwari POM). Meanwhile, RR arrive reeling from a 137/7 collapse against GT (Rashid 4/36), and captain Riyan Parag is doubtful with a hamstring injury.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium has been a bimodal surface this season (totals from 75 to 264), with chasers winning 80% of matches. This article covers odds, predicted XIs, pitch report, weather, and DC vs RR Match 62 prediction.
DC vs RR Match Details
Here are the key details for Match 62 of IPL 2026, the evening fixture of a double-header day at DC’s home fortress.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | DC vs RR, 62nd Match |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (evening game, double-header day) |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / JioHotstar |
| Weather Alert | Clear skies. Scorching 42°C. 0% rain. Hot dry evening with reduced dew. |
DC vs RR Betting Odds Comparison
DC are slight favourites because of home advantage (chasers 80% at Kotla), Rahul’s 477 runs, Starc’s pace, and recent H2H dominance (won last 2 of 3). However, RR’s explosive opening pair (Suryavanshi SR 238, Jaiswal) keeps this competitive.
| Platform | DC Win Odds | RR Win Odds | Implied DC Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.80 | 2.05 | ~56% |
| Bet365 | 1.85 | 2.00 | ~54% |
| 1xBet | 1.78 | 2.08 | ~56% |
| Betfair | 1.88 | 1.95 | ~53% |
DC at 53-56% implied win probability reflects home advantage rather than overall superiority. If Parag misses out, DC’s edge widens. If RR’s openers fire at Kotla’s short boundaries, the odds flip quickly. Consequently, this is one of IPL 2026’s most genuinely unpredictable matches.
Disclaimer: Odds are indicative and sourced from publicly available platforms at the time of writing. Consequently, they may change closer to match time.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report
The Arun Jaitley Stadium has been IPL 2026’s most unpredictable surface. First-innings totals have ranged from 75 (DC vs RCB) to 264 (DC vs PBKS) across 5 matches this season. However, one stat is remarkably consistent: chasers have won 80% of matches here.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Behaviour | Bimodal. Can be batting paradise (264) or bowling minefield (75). Surface condition on the day determines character. |
| Batting Conditions | Variable. 190-210 is par when batting-friendly. Short boundaries (60-65m square) reward aggressive batting. |
| Bowling Conditions | Pacers get early swing. Spinners find grip in middle overs. Death bowling is difficult due to short boundaries. |
| Key Stat (IPL 2026) | Totals: 75, 142, 226, 264/2, 211. Range of 189 runs between lowest and highest shows bimodal nature. |
| Bat First vs Chase | Chasing teams have won 80% (4 of 5) at this venue in IPL 2026. Huge advantage for the team bowling first. |
| Key Stat | DC chased 226 here vs RR in M43. RR know Kotla rewards aggressive chasing, especially with Rahul anchoring. |
How the Scorching Mid-May Heat Changes Conditions
Crucially, this match falls in mid-May, the peak of Delhi’s summer. At 42°C, conditions are dramatically hotter than when DC played earlier matches in April. CricScope notes that the hot, dry evening eliminates the dew factor that helped chasers in April. Consequently, defending may be slightly more viable than earlier in the season.
However, chasers still won 80% at Kotla this season, suggesting the surface itself favours second-innings batting. The heat will tire fast bowlers (Starc, Archer, Mukesh) significantly, making the 16-20 over phase easier for batters. Therefore, the toss remains crucial even without heavy dew.
Weather Forecast for DC vs RR
According to live weather data for New Delhi on May 17, the forecast shows clear skies with 0% rain probability. A full match is absolutely guaranteed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 38-42°C. Peak Delhi summer heat. |
| Weather | Clear and sunny. No rain threat. |
| Rain Probability | 0% (Full match guaranteed) |
| Humidity | Low (~20-30%, dry heat) |
| Wind | Hot, dry winds |
| Dew Factor | Reduced compared to April. Mid-May dry heat produces less dew. However, some moisture still possible after 9 PM. |
| Impact | Extreme heat tires fast bowlers quickly. Reduced dew makes defending slightly more viable than in April. |
The 0% rain and 42°C heat create the hottest match conditions of the entire season at this venue. Fast bowlers from both teams (Starc, Archer, Natarajan, Burger) will be tested physically. Consequently, teams with quality spinners (Kuldeep for DC, Bishnoi for RR) hold an advantage in the middle overs when pacers tire.
DC vs RR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
This is one of the IPL’s most evenly matched rivalries. In 31 completed matches, DC narrowly lead 16-15. However, DC have dominated recent encounters, winning 2 of the last 3, including Starc’s iconic spell at this ground in IPL 2025.
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Matches | 31 (completed) |
| DC Wins | 16 |
| RR Wins | 15 |
| DC Win % | 51.6% |
| Last 3 Meetings | DC won 2, RR won 1 |
| Earlier This Season (M43) | DC won by 7 wickets chasing 226 at Jaipur (Rahul 75, Starc 3/40) |
| DC 2026 Form | Won 2 of last 5. Beat PBKS last (chased 211, Tiwari POM). |
| RR 2026 Form | Lost to GT (137/7, Rashid 4/36). Parag hamstring doubtful. |
DC’s Season Series Advantage Over RR
DC hold the season series advantage after winning the M43 encounter at Jaipur. In that match, Starc (3/40) restricted RR’s batting, and Rahul (75) anchored the 226 chase with room to spare. Consequently, DC have a proven blueprint against RR’s bowling.
However, that match was at Jaipur, RR’s home ground. This match is at Kotla, DC’s home. If DC can beat RR at Jaipur, winning at home should theoretically be easier. Nevertheless, RR’s openers (Suryavanshi SR 238, Jaiswal) can dismantle any bowling on Kotla’s short boundaries. Consequently, DC’s M43 blueprint works only if Starc dismisses the openers early again.
Key Players to Watch
Since two playoff-chasing teams clash in a must-win encounter at a bimodal venue, these 7 players could determine which side strengthens their qualification hopes and which faces elimination.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | DC | Orange Cap #5 with 477 runs and a middle-overs SR of 211. Scored 75 chasing 226 against RR in M43 and 75 chasing 211 against PBKS in M55. DC’s batting revolves entirely around Rahul. His ability to anchor chases at Kotla (where chasers win 80%) makes him the match’s most important player. |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | RR | 400+ runs at SR 238. Scored 103 off 37 against SRH earlier. On Kotla’s short boundaries, Suryavanshi’s powerplay aggression could score 60+ before the field spreads. If Starc cannot dismiss him in the first 3 overs, the match tilts heavily towards RR. |
| Mitchell Starc | DC | DC’s most important bowler since his mid-season debut (3/40 vs RR in M43). His left-arm pace at 145+ with swing in hot evening conditions gives DC genuine powerplay control. The Starc vs Suryavanshi battle in the first 3 overs is the match’s defining moment. |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR | World-class opener who complements Suryavanshi’s aggression with technique. His ability to play both pace and spin makes him RR’s most complete batter. If Jaiswal anchors while Suryavanshi attacks, RR’s powerplay could score 70+ at Kotla. |
| Kuldeep Yadav | DC | DC’s best spinner on Kotla’s gripping surface. His googly has troubled RR’s middle order this season. With Parag doubtful, RR’s middle order lacks experience against quality wrist-spin. Kuldeep in overs 7-15 is consequently DC’s most important phase. |
| Jofra Archer | RR | Express pace targeting KL Rahul in the powerplay. Archer’s first-ball wickets (3 this season) could dismiss Rahul before he settles. If Archer removes Rahul in the first 3 overs, DC’s chasing template collapses because nobody else matches his consistency. |
| Madhav Tiwari | DC | POM in the last match (18* off 8 + 2/40 vs PBKS). The breakout star of DC’s late-season surge. His all-round ability gives DC lower-order depth that compensates for their inconsistent middle order. If Tiwari delivers again, DC’s season stays alive. |
Toss Prediction
At the Arun Jaitley Stadium in IPL 2026, chasing teams have won 80% of matches (4 of 5). Consequently, bowling first is the overwhelming preference for both captains. The surface deteriorates in the second innings, but the chasing record suggests batting second is still easier.
However, CricScope notes that mid-May dry heat reduces the dew factor compared to April. Without heavy dew, the 80% chasing advantage may reduce slightly. Nevertheless, the structural bias of this surface still favours chasers. Therefore, both Axar and Parag/stand-in captain will bowl first if they win the toss.
If DC bowl first, Starc and Kuldeep operate in better conditions (no moisture). Then, Rahul anchoring the chase on a known surface gives DC a significant advantage. Consequently, the toss could be worth 15-20 runs at this venue.
Match Prediction
Two playoff-chasing teams at a bimodal venue where anything from 75 to 264 is possible. DC carry home advantage and recent H2H momentum. RR carry the most explosive opening pair in the tournament. Consequently, this match is a coin-flip disguised as a cricket game.
Where DC Holds the Edge
First of all, home advantage with 80% chasing wins is DC’s defining asset. If DC bowl first and restrict RR to 180-190, Rahul’s anchoring ability (middle-overs SR 211) makes the chase routine. Furthermore, Starc’s 3/40 against RR in M43 provides a proven blueprint for dismissing their key batters.
Moreover, Rahul’s 477 runs (Orange Cap #5) give DC the most reliable batter in this fixture. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs while minimising risk is exactly what chasing at Kotla demands. If Rahul gets past Archer’s powerplay spell, DC’s chase becomes almost certain.
Additionally, Parag’s fitness doubt weakens RR significantly. Without their captain, RR’s middle order lacks an experienced anchor. Kuldeep‘s wrist-spin against an inexperienced No.4 replacement could consequently expose a critical gap in RR’s batting lineup.
Where RR Holds the Edge
Nevertheless, Suryavanshi-Jaiswal at Kotla’s short boundaries is RR’s ace card. Suryavanshi’s SR of 238 and 103 off 37 against SRH prove he can score centuries at will. On Kotla’s 60-65m square boundaries, this opening pair could score 80+ in the powerplay alone. If they fire, no DC bowling total is safe.
Furthermore, Archer’s pace targeting Rahul is RR’s best tactical weapon. Archer has 3 first-ball wickets this season. If he dismisses Rahul in the powerplay, DC’s chasing template collapses. Without Rahul (SR 177.98), no other DC batter matches his consistency or acceleration ability.
Besides, Bishnoi‘s leg-spin and Jadeja‘s left-arm orthodox give RR quality spin options. On Kotla’s surface, which grips for spinners in the middle overs, Bishnoi’s googly could trouble DC’s middle order (Stubbs, Miller). Consequently, RR’s bowling is more varied than their GT collapse suggests.
Key Concerns for Both Teams
DC’s concern is their bimodal batting. They scored 264/2 (vs PBKS) and 75 all-out (vs RCB) at the same venue. That range of 189 runs shows DC can be brilliant or catastrophic on any given day. Consequently, the surface condition at toss time is critical for predicting DC’s batting output.
Moreover, Axar’s captaincy remains inconsistent. His bowling changes and field placements have cost DC matches this season. Against RR’s explosive openers, one wrong bowling decision (like bowling Rana 4 overs early in the season) could be catastrophic.
Conversely, RR’s concern is the 137/7 GT collapse and Parag’s fitness. Without Parag, RR lack a middle-order anchor. When the openers fail (as they did against GT), nobody else has consistently stepped up. That vulnerability is especially dangerous at Kotla, where DC’s Kuldeep thrives in the middle overs.
Additionally, RR’s bowling consistency has been questionable. They allowed SRH to chase 228 at Jaipur earlier this season. At Kotla, where chasers win 80%, RR’s ability to defend any total is genuinely in question. Consequently, RR need a first-innings 210+ to feel safe, which requires their openers to dominate.
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Final Verdict
All in all, DC hold a narrow edge at around 53-56%. Home advantage (chasers 80%), Rahul’s 477 runs (middle-overs SR 211), Starc’s proven record against RR (3/40 in M43), and Parag’s fitness doubt all favour Delhi.
However, RR’s opening pair (Suryavanshi SR 238, Jaiswal) at Kotla’s short boundaries cannot be contained.
If both fire in the powerplay, RR can score 220+ regardless of conditions. Archer dismissing Rahul early would also flip the match instantly. Consequently, this is a genuine 55-45 match that could swing either way in 3 overs.
Therefore, expect a par score of 185-205 at Kotla’s bimodal surface. The Starc vs Suryavanshi opening battle and the Kuldeep vs RR’s middle order duel will most likely decide this playoff-defining contest.
Specifically, the team that bowls first holds an overwhelming advantage given the 80% chasing win rate.
Both teams need this win to keep their playoff dreams alive. Although DC are slight favourites at home, this rivalry has historically produced surprises. Consequently, expect a tense, high-stakes encounter where individual moments of brilliance decide the outcome.
