The race for the IPL 2026 playoffs heats up as Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals prepare for a high-pressure clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday evening. With the tournament entering its final phase, both teams need a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Delhi Capitals currently sit seventh on the points table with 10 points from 12 matches, while Rajasthan Royals are placed fifth with 12 points from 11 games. A defeat for either side could seriously damage their chances of reaching the knockout stage, making this contest a virtual do-or-die encounter.

The match also promises excitement because of the balanced rivalry between the two franchises. Delhi and Rajasthan have faced each other 31 times in IPL history, with both teams winning 15 matches each. One game ended in a tie, which Rajasthan eventually won through the tiebreaker rules. Their last meeting earlier this season in Jaipur was won by Delhi Capitals.

One of the biggest attractions of this contest will be the battle between Australian pace star Mitchell Starc and Rajasthan’s explosive young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The teenage sensation has emerged as one of the most dangerous batters of the season.

Vaibhav has scored 440 runs in 11 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 236.55. His aggressive batting style and fearless approach have made him a nightmare for bowlers across the tournament. The youngster has already smashed 40 sixes this season and has consistently dominated opposition attacks in the powerplay overs.

However, facing Mitchell Starc presents a completely different challenge. The Australian left-arm fast bowler, who has over 400 Test wickets to his name, remains one of the most feared pacers in world cricket. Although Starc has been inconsistent in IPL 2026, he is still capable of producing match-winning spells, especially when conditions offer swing and seam movement.

If Starc manages to extract early movement under Delhi’s evening conditions, Vaibhav could face one of his toughest tests of the season. Their contest may well decide the direction of the game.

Delhi Capitals enter the match with serious concerns regarding their bowling department, particularly their spin attack. Captain Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav were expected to play major roles this season, but both have struggled badly with form and consistency.

The spin duo has failed to take wickets regularly and has also struggled to control the run rate during middle overs. This weakness has hurt Delhi in several close matches throughout the tournament.

Apart from Lungi Ngidi, Delhi’s pace attack has also looked ordinary. Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan have leaked runs consistently and failed to deliver in pressure situations. Axar Patel currently leads Delhi’s wicket-taking charts, highlighting the team’s overall bowling struggles.

Despite the bowling concerns, Delhi still possess a strong batting lineup led by KL Rahul. The experienced batter has been Delhi’s best performer this season with 477 runs in 12 matches. Rahul’s calmness and consistency at the top of the order have kept Delhi competitive in difficult situations.

Players like Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Ashutosh Sharma have also shown flashes of brilliance, but Delhi need a complete team performance in such a crucial fixture.

For Rajasthan Royals, captain Riyan Parag’s form remains a major concern. Leading the side this season, Parag has scored only 207 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 143. While the numbers are respectable, Rajasthan would expect far more impact from their captain during key moments.

Fortunately for Rajasthan, the batting lineup has been carried brilliantly by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel. The trio has consistently troubled opposition bowlers with aggressive strokeplay and fearless intent.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s attacking starts, combined with Jurel’s finishing ability, have added balance to Rajasthan’s batting. Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira further strengthen the middle order with power-hitting options.

Rajasthan’s bowling attack appears stronger compared to Delhi’s. England fast bowler Jofra Archer has once again shown why he remains one of the most dangerous pacers in T20 cricket. Archer has picked up 15 wickets this season and has delivered consistently with both the new ball and in death overs.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch is expected to favor batters heavily. The venue has traditionally produced high-scoring games because of its flat surface and relatively short boundaries ranging between 60 and 66 meters.

A total of 103 IPL matches have been played at the stadium. Teams batting first have won 47 matches, while chasing teams have emerged victorious 53 times. Two games have gone into Super Overs, showing how competitive contests at this venue often become.

Weather conditions are expected to remain hot and humid throughout the evening. Temperatures during the day could touch 38 to 40 degrees Celsius before dropping slightly closer to match time. Rain is not expected to interrupt the game.

With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, fans can expect an intense battle between two teams desperate for victory. Delhi Capitals will rely on home advantage and KL Rahul’s consistency, while Rajasthan Royals will hope their explosive batting lineup continues its strong form.

As the IPL 2026 playoff race becomes tighter, this clash between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals could prove to be one of the defining matches of the season.

-------------

In a high-voltage IPL clash at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Delhi Capitals defeated Punjab Kings by 3 wickets in a closely fought contest that went down to the final overs. The defeat marked Punjab Kings’ fourth consecutive loss, raising serious concerns about their form at a crucial stage of the tournament. Delhi chased down a massive target of 211 runs in 19 overs, finishing at 211/7, after Punjab had posted a strong total of 210/5 in 20 overs.

 Punjab Kings post a strong total after solid batting display

After losing the toss, Punjab Kings were asked to bat first, and they made full use of the batting-friendly conditions in Dharamshala. Their top and middle order delivered a powerful performance, helping them reach a competitive score of 210 runs. The innings was anchored by captain Shreyas Iyer, who played a composed yet aggressive knock of 59 runs off 36 balls, remaining unbeaten. He was well supported by young batter Priyansh Arya, who impressed with a fluent 56 off 33 deliveries, showing maturity and confidence against quality bowling.

Punjab continued their momentum with useful contributions from Cooper Connolly (38 runs) and Prabhsimran Singh (18 runs). In the death overs, Suryansh Shedge provided a late boost, smashing 21 runs off just 8 balls, ensuring Punjab crossed the 210-run mark. From Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit, Mitchell Starc and Madhav Tiwari stood out with 2 wickets each, while Mukesh Kumar picked up 1 wicket. Despite their efforts, Punjab’s strong batting lineup ensured a challenging target.

Delhi Capitals suffer early collapse in chase

Chasing a mammoth 211, Delhi Capitals got off to a disastrous start. Their top order collapsed in the powerplay under pressure from disciplined Punjab bowling.

• KL Rahul fell early for 9 runs
• Abhishek Porel managed only 5 runs
• Saurabh Parakh contributed 13 runs

Adding to Delhi’s woes, Tristan Stubbs was run out for just 12 runs, leaving the team in deep trouble at the top of the order. At one stage, Delhi looked completely out of the contest with scoreboard pressure mounting and wickets falling at regular intervals.

Axar Patel leads the fightback with captain’s knock

Just when the match seemed to slip away, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel stepped up with a brilliant counter-attacking innings. He played with confidence and controlled aggression, scoring a vital 56 runs off 30 balls. Axar’s innings shifted the momentum back towards Delhi as he took on the Punjab bowlers with clean hitting and smart strike rotation.

He found a perfect partner in David Miller, who also played a crucial knock of 51 runs off 28 balls. The duo stitched together a 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket, stabilizing the innings and bringing Delhi back into the match. Their partnership was the turning point of the game, as it broke Punjab’s control and reignited Delhi’s chase.

Late fireworks finish the job for Delhi

With the match hanging in the balance, Delhi Capitals’ lower middle order held their nerves in the final overs.

• Ashutosh Sharma provided explosive hitting with 24 runs off 10 balls
• Madhav Tiwari contributed 18 runs off 8 balls
• Aaqib Nabi remained unbeaten with 10 runs off just 2 balls

Their aggressive approach ensured that Delhi maintained a high run rate in the final phase of the chase. Despite losing wickets, Delhi kept scoring at a required pace and successfully chased down the target in 19 overs, sealing a thrilling 3-wicket victory.

Punjab bowlers fight hard but fall short

Punjab Kings bowlers tried their best to defend a big total but failed to contain Delhi’s late surge. Arshdeep Singh and Yash Thakur picked up 2 wickets each, while Ben Dwarshuis and Marcus Stoinis took 1 wicket apiece. However, they were unable to break the crucial partnership between Axar Patel and David Miller, which ultimately changed the direction of the match. Fielding lapses and inability to close out the final overs also cost Punjab dearly.

Match summary

• Punjab Kings: 210/5 (20 overs)
  • Shreyas Iyer 59*, Priyansh Arya 56
• Delhi Capitals: 211/7 (19 overs)
  • Axar Patel 56, David Miller 51
• Result: Delhi Capitals won by 3 wickets

 Impact on points table and momentum

With this victory, Delhi Capitals now move to 10 points from 12 matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive. On the other hand, Punjab Kings remain on 13 points from 11 matches, but their fourth consecutive defeat raises serious concerns about form and consistency. The loss puts pressure on Punjab to bounce back quickly, as their position in the playoff race becomes increasingly uncertain.

----------

IPL 2026: Capitals face Royals test in must-win Jaipur clash

As Delhi Capitals aim to recover from a crushing defeat, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mitchell Starc prepare for a high-stakes battle in Jaipur.

The playoffs race in IPL 2026 has reached that stage where every net run rate and every toss feels like a sub-plot. Match 43 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Friday evening isn't just another fixture. It is, quite simply, a test of nerve.

For the Delhi Capitals, the last few days have been a statistical whiplash. They posted a monumental 264/2 against Punjab Kings, only to fold for a meager 75 all out against RCB. That kind of swing is hard to explain, even for captain Axar Patel. Across the dugout, the Rajasthan Royals finally look like they’ve found their rhythm, having handed Punjab their first loss of the season.

Starc available, but for how long?

The big talking point in the Capitals’ camp has been the availability of Mitchell Starc. The premier pacer has joined the squad and has reportedly had a couple of net sessions under his belt. Whether he walks straight into the eleven remains a tactical call.

But Starc’s presence alone changes the dynamic. He will be up against a Royals' top order that is playing with a rather unusual brand of fearlessness, led by a 15-year-old who is making the adults look ordinary.

The Sooryavanshi phenomenon

You cannot talk about this Royals side without mentioning Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. It feels strange to keep repeating the age, but the numbers are staggering: 400 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 238.09. He doesn't just attack; he dismantles plans.

Alongside him, Jofra Archer has finally found his rhythm in the pink jersey. Fourteen wickets in nine games, mostly with the new ball. If Starc plays, the sight of these two fast bowlers running in from either end could be worth the price of admission.

Rahul’s redemption arc

For Delhi, KL Rahul has been the anchor they desperately needed. His 152 record is still fresh in memory, and he currently leads their batting charts with 358 runs. But the question remains: can he accelerate without losing his shape against Archer?

The numbers suggest a close contest. Rahul has scored 90 runs off the 61 balls he has faced from Archer, striking at nearly 150. But Archer has dismissed him once and kept his economy under 9. A lot depends on who blinks first in the first three overs.

Pitch and weather watch

Only one match has been played here this season, but the surface at the Sawai Mansingh is expected to be a belter. Batting tends to get easier as the dew factor kicks in. Given the trend this year, chasing will likely be the preferred option at the toss.

The weather is clear, thankfully. No rain is expected, though the humidity in Jaipur in the evening could be a factor. Temperatures are expected to hover around the mid-30s (Celsius), meaning the bowlers will be sweating it out quite literally.

The Kuldeep-Jaiswal subplot

Beyond the headline acts, keep an eye on the spin battle. Kuldeep Yadav has had a quiet season by his standards, but he has historically troubled Yashasvi Jaiswal. In the 12 balls he has bowled to the RR opener, he has conceded 19 runs but crucially, has his wicket once. In a format where margins are thin, that matchup could decide the middle overs.

The bottom line

With both teams tied in the broader context of the points table, this isn't just about pride. It is about momentum. The Royals are riding a wave. The Capitals are trying to stop a leak. Expect a packed house in Jaipur and a contest that goes deep.

SRH Captain Pat Cummins Likely to Return vs Rajasthan Royals

Pat Cummins return is on track after a positive scan report in Sydney confirmed full healing of his back injury, with the Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper set to leave for India on Friday and target a comeback against Rajasthan Royals on April 25 in Jaipur.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has received clearance to resume playing after his latest medical scan showed complete recovery from the back injury. The Australian all-rounder is expected to rejoin the SRH camp shortly and is targeting the April 25 IPL match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.

He shared the update himself while replying to a family holiday post on Instagram, confirming his departure for India on Friday.

Scan Report Positive

The scan, conducted in Sydney, Australia, has given the green signal. Cummins had travelled back home for this follow-up assessment after starting the IPL season with the team.

Cummins to Join SRH

Sources indicated he will link up with Sunrisers Hyderabad soon. His return is expected to coincide with the high-stakes clash in Jaipur later this month.

Back Injury Timeline

Cummins had been battling the issue for months. He suffered a stress injury in his lumbar spine in August and has managed to play just one match since last July.

His last major outing came in the Adelaide Test against England, where he claimed six wickets and played a key role in Australia retaining the Ashes. The injury, however, ruled him out of the T20 World Cup and the opening phase of the current IPL.

Ishan Kishan Captains

In his absence, Ishan Kishan has taken over the captaincy duties for SRH. The side currently occupies fourth place on the points table after securing two wins from five matches.

Coach Hails Cummins Role

Head coach Daniel Vettori noted that Cummins stayed in touch with the squad even from afar. “Pat has been with the group and he has had extensive discussions with Ishan about his captaincy style, which is benefiting the team,” Vettori said.

Ishan Kishan was formally handed the captain’s role for SRH during Cummins’ absence.

Australian Pace Workload

The development fits into the broader picture of workload management for Australian bowlers. The national side faces a packed schedule of at least 20 Test matches from August this year to next July, including major series against India and England.

Fellow pacers are also being handled carefully. Josh Hazlewood, who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, returned from injury and picked up one wicket for 20 runs against Lucknow but is still being rested at intervals. Mitchell Starc, with Delhi Capitals, is yet to join his IPL team as he recovers from shoulder and elbow issues picked up during the Big Bash League.

SRH Fourth on Table

SRH will hope the return of their experienced leader adds depth to the bowling attack as the league progresses. The team has shown promise under Ishan Kishan but will welcome the extra firepower once Cummins is available.

As Pat Cummins return nears, all eyes will be on his integration back into the SRH setup ahead of the Rajasthan Royals fixture in Jaipur.

Mitchell Starc Injury: Likely to Miss Three More IPL 2026 Matches

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc injury has kept him away from the Delhi Capitals squad as the side prepares for key early-season clashes in the ongoing IPL 2026.

Starc Faces Injury Setback  

The 36-year-old left-arm pacer is recovering from shoulder and elbow issues back home in Australia. He is yet to join the Delhi Capitals camp and is focusing entirely on rehabilitation.

Recovery Timeline Uncertain  

According to reports, Mitchell Starc is unlikely to link up with the team before April 20. This delay means he will sit out at least three more matches in the tournament.

Three Crucial Fixtures Missed  

The Australian speedster will miss Delhi Capitals’ upcoming games against Gujarat Titans on April 8, Chennai Super Kings on April 11, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18. The franchise is still hopeful he will be available later in the season.

Starc Addresses Media Criticism  

In a recent social media post, the pacer hit back at critics who questioned his absence. “Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow, the extent of which I didn’t know during the Australian summer,” Starc wrote. He added that some commentators had offered “heavily misinformed opinions” and claimed to know his body better than he did.

Apology to Franchise and Fans  

Starc also expressed regret over the timing of the setback. “With that said, I do acknowledge this injury setback and that the timing is disruptive to the Delhi team, and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season,” he stated. He confirmed he remains in regular touch with the team and is committed to joining as soon as possible.

DC Unbeaten Despite Absence  

Even without their marquee overseas bowler, Delhi Capitals have made a strong start to IPL 2026. Under skipper Axar Patel, the side has won both its matches so far — against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians — and sits fourth on the points table with four points and a net run rate of +1.170.

Bowling Unit Steps Up  

The pace attack has shown real depth in Mitchell Starc’s absence. Mukesh Kumar has been impressive with the new ball, while Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan have delivered in crunch situations. The spin department, led by Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam, has controlled the middle overs effectively, giving the team balance across formats of play.

Hope for Late-Season Return  

Delhi Capitals management continues to monitor Starc’s progress closely. While no firm date has been set, officials remain optimistic that the experienced pacer can still contribute significantly once he regains full fitness.

Future Outlook for DC  

As the tournament enters a busy phase, Delhi Capitals will look to build on their unbeaten record and keep the momentum going. Fans across the country are watching closely for the latest Mitchell Starc injury update and hoping to see the star pacer in action soon. The side’s ability to perform without him highlights the squad’s overall strength heading into the middle phase of IPL 2026.

Root-Brook steady England after rain-hit Day 1 in Sydney Test

The final chapter of the Ashes 2025–26 began amid dramatic clouds and showers at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), as Day 1 of the fifth Test saw persistent rain and poor light limit play to just 45 overs. England finished the day strongly at 211 for 3, thanks to a resolute unbeaten partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook.

This ‘Pink Test’—an annual event supporting cancer awareness—was played under challenging weather conditions, but cricket fans were still treated to a fine display of batting temperance and skill.

England opt to bat after winning toss

England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first, trusting his top order to make use of the conditions before the pitch deteriorated. The decision initially seemed questionable as Australia’s new-ball bowlers struck early.

Ben Duckett (27) and Zak Crawley (16) provided a modest start before falling to disciplined fast bowling. Jacob Bethell, the debutant left-hander, managed only 10 runs before edging behind, leaving England in trouble at 57 for 3.

Root and Brook rebuild with calm authority

Just when Australia looked ready to dominate, Joe Root and Harry Brook combined to steady England’s innings with an unbroken 154-run stand. Both batters showcased remarkable patience and shot selection.

• Root remained unbeaten on 72, guiding the ball with finesse and composure.
  
  

• Brook, showcasing his aggressive flair, struck 78 not out, mixing solid defense with fluent drives.
  
  

Their partnership not only rescued England from early pressure but also shifted momentum firmly in the visitors’ favor. Their composure was especially impressive as interruptions due to rain repeatedly disrupted play.

Australia’s bowlers make early breakthroughs

The Australian seamers—Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, and Scott Boland—each managed to pick a wicket during the morning session. However, frequent rain breaks deprived them of rhythm and sustained pressure.
Despite the slipping grip of the ball and fading light, the hosts maintained disciplined lines, ensuring England could never fully relax.

What to expect on Day 2

All eyes now turn to Day 2 of the Sydney Test, where England will look to push for a commanding first-innings total. With two set batters at the crease, the team aims to cross the 400-run mark to tighten its grip on the series finale.

Australia, meanwhile, will hope for clear skies and early breakthroughs to swing momentum back in their favor. Weather forecasts suggest improved conditions, promising a full day’s play.

In summary, Day 1 of the Sydney Test may have been rain-hit, but it set the stage for an intriguing bttle ahead. Root and Brook’s enduring partnership has given England hope of ending the Ashes tour on a high—if the weather allows.

Record crowd, 20 wickets and Australia on top

Day 1 of the Boxing Day Ashes 4th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground produced a dramatic 20-wicket collapse as Australia took a 46-run lead despite being bowled out for just 152 in their first innings.
In reply, England folded for 110, leaving the hosts 4/0 at stumps and firmly ahead in front of a record 94,199 spectators, the highest-ever cricket crowd at the MCG and the biggest single day of Test cricket at the venue.

Australia have already sealed the five-match Ashes series with a 3-0 lead, but the Boxing Day Ashes 4th Test has still turned into a high-voltage contest due to the extraordinary movement on a green MCG surface and the pressure on England to avoid a 5-0 whitewash.

Australia 152 all out as Tongue makes history

Sent in to bat after England won the toss, Australia were skittled for 152 in 45.2 overs, undone by relentless seam bowling led by Josh Tongue.
Tongue claimed stunning figures of 5/45, becoming the first England bowler this century to take a five-wicket haul in a men’s Test at the MCG and ending a 27-year drought since Darren Gough and Dean Headley achieved the feat in 1998.

For Australia, Michael Neser top-scored with 35, while Usman Khawaja made 29 and Alex Carey added 20 as the hosts recovered briefly from 6/91 before losing their last three wickets without adding a run.
England’s attack backed Tongue well, with Gus Atkinson striking twice and captain Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse sharing the remaining wickets to keep Australia to a modest total on a pitch offering sharp seam and swing.

England shot out for 110 as Neser, Boland and Starc strike

If Australia’s 152 looked under-par at lunch, England’s reply made it appear imposing as the visitors crashed to 16/4, exposing familiar batting frailties that have haunted their Ashes tour.
Harry Brook’s counter-attacking 41 was the only substantial resistance as wickets kept tumbling at the other end and England were bundled out for 110 in 29.5 overs.

Michael Neser completed a superb all-round day with 4/45, Scott Boland struck with 3/30 and Mitchell Starc chipped in with 2/23 to dismantle England’s line-up.
Top-order batters Ben Duckett (2), Zak Crawley (5), Jacob Bethell (1) and Joe Root (0) all fell cheaply, with England’s hopes fading rapidly despite the advantage created by Tongue’s historic spell earlier in the day.

Boland as nightwatchman, Smith’s rare failure and Ashes context

In a quirky end to a chaotic day, Scott Boland walked out as nightwatchman to open for Australia, surviving the lone over before stumps and stretching the Boxing Day Ashes 4th Test lead to 46 at 4/0.
Earlier, Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith, leading the side in the absence of injured regular skipper Pat Cummins and senior spinner Nathan Lyon, was bowled through the gate by a Tongue delivery that uprooted his middle stump, departing for a single-digit score.

With Australia already 3-0 up and the urn secure, the narrative around this Boxing Day Ashes 4th Test has shifted to whether England can salvage pride and avoid a 5-0 sweep, while Australia eye a psychological and World Test Championship boost.
The manic opening day, record MCG crowd and extreme bowler-friendly conditions have ensured this Test remains a marquee event on the cricket calendar, underlining why Boxing Day at Melbourne continues to be one of the sport’s most iconic fixtures.​

SEO Keywords:
Boxing Day Ashes 4th Test, Australia vs England 4th Test, MCG Boxing Day Test 2025, Australia lead by 46 runs, England all out for 110, Australia 152 all out, Josh Tongue five-wicket haul, Michael Neser four wickets, Scott Boland nightwatchman, Mitchell Starc wickets, record MCG crowd 94,199, Ashes 2025-26, Pat Cummins injury, Nathan Lyon injury, Steve Smith bowled, Harry Brook 41, Ben Stokes captaincy, Test cricket news, Boxing Day Test tradition, Melbourne Cricket Ground Test 2025.