The Arun Jaitley Stadium is set to host a compelling encounter on Wednesday as Delhi Capitals (DC) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 32 of the Indian Premier League 2025. With both teams eager to solidify their standings, this match promises high-octane action.
Match Preview
After a strong start to their campaign with four consecutive wins, Delhi Capitals faced their first setback against Mumbai Indians, losing by 12 runs. Despite the loss, DC remains formidable, showcasing depth in both batting and bowling departments.
Rajasthan Royals, conversely, have had a roller-coaster season. They find themselves in the lower half of the table with two wins and four losses. Their recent nine-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru highlighted vulnerabilities, especially in their bowling attack.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
The weather in Delhi on match day is expected to be hot, with temperatures soaring up to 37°C (98.6°F). Players will need to stay hydrated and manage their energy levels effectively.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch is known for being batting-friendly, offering even bounce and minimal assistance to bowlers. High-scoring games are common here, and teams winning the toss might prefer to bat first to set a challenging total.
Probable Playing XI
Delhi Capitals:
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Abishek Porel
- Karun Nair
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Axar Patel (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Mitchell Starc
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohit Sharma
Impact Player: Mukesh Kumar
Rajasthan Royals:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sanju Samson (c & wk)
- Riyan Parag
- Nitish Rana
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Jofra Archer
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Sandeep Sharma
- Tushar Deshpande
Impact Player: Kumar Kartikeya
Key Players
Delhi Capitals:
Karun Nair: His recent 89-run innings against Mumbai showcased his ability to be a reliable batter at No.3. He also batted at a strike rate of over 200, and Delhi didn't feel the absence of Faf du Plessis, who was ruled out with injury.
Mitchell Starc: With a five-wicket haul earlier in the season, Starc remains a potent threat with the ball. He is bowling very well with the new ball and is equally lethal in the death overs.
Rajasthan Royals:
Yashasvi Jaiswal: A consistent performer, his top-order batting is crucial for RR's success. He has had a mixed season so far, so he will look to get back to his best in this match.
Jofra Archer: Despite a record-breaking expensive spell earlier, Archer has performed very well in the last three matches. His pace is up and extracting good purchase off the surface. He can trouble the Delhi batters in this match.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Delhi Capitals have the upper hand, considering the current form and team composition. Their balanced lineup and home advantage make them favourites. However, cricket's unpredictability means Rajasthan Royals cannot be discounted, especially if their key players rise to the occasion.