IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals strongest predicted playing XI against Rajasthan Royals

Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be taking on each other in the 56th match of the IPL 2024. The match is of different consequences for DC and RR. The 2020 finalists must treat it as a must-win game as the teams lower than them in the points table are catching up quickly and are aiming to rise in the table. Additionally, they need to win by a huge margin to improve their net run rate, which could help them to have a better chance to make it to the playoffs.

RR has been arguably the best team in the season with little to no major flaw in their lineup. They are nearly qualified for the playoffs. But the motive of the 2008 champions would be to try and win the match so that they can finish in the top two positions. It would allow them to play Qualifier 1 which is a slight advantage, as even after losing, they would get a second chance to enter the final. With the form they are in, RR seem to end the league stage in the top two positions. 

The match is set to take place on the 7th of May 2024 at 7:30 PM (IST) at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. DC might be familiar with the conditions, but they would be wary of the threat of RR. The table toppers have a great set of players who have come together to play as a unit. In the matches RR has lost, they competed well and ended up accepting the defeats by smaller margins. Against GT, they lost in the last over while defending over 190. Against SRH, they lost by a solitary run. 

Click Here: DC vs RR, Match 56 - Live Cricket Score

Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of DC for the 56th match of the IPL 2024 against RR -

Openers - Jake Fraser-McGurk and Prithvi Shaw

At the top of the order, DC is likely to continue with the combination of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Prithvi Shaw. Both of them failed to perform in their previous game against KKR. However, the duo has the caliber to step up when the team is under pressure. Shaw was dropped for the game against MI, which was not the wisest of moves. DC quickly realized it and got him back in the side. He will be hungry to score runs at the top. The star batter is aggressive by nature. 

At the other end, DC has the firepower of Jake Fraser-McGurk. The star batter has been on a different level altogether as a batter. In a couple of matches, he has fifties in just 15 balls. The youngster knows only one way to bat. His top gear can take the game away from the opponents in a matter of a few overs. His presence in the team has changed a lot of things for DC. His aggression at the top can help other players too. When on song, the right-handed batter is difficult to be stopped. 

Also Check: Orange Cap in IPL 2024- Most Runs

Middle Order -  Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant (C & WK), Abhishek Porel, and Tristan Stubbs

In the middle order, DC has some quality batters. At number 3, Shai Hope is likely to get a longer run. The West Indian batter scored a brisk 40(17) in the game against MI, though he did not bat well in the last game against KKR. He is an improved batter and would be hoping to make the most of the opportunities. Rishabh Pant is likely to continue at number 4. The Southpaw has been in brilliant form in the ongoing season. He will lead the side and keep the wickets as well.

To follow him, DC has a great option in Tristan Stubbs. The South African has been simply phenomenal in the season. He has finished a lot of games for DC and has arguably been their best batter. If necessary, Stubbs can keep wickets and bowl an over or two. Abhishek Porel is likely to be a designated finisher against RR. The youngster is best suited to be the lower middle-order batter as he can make use of the pace. Towards the end, he can be handy with his impactful cameos.

All-rounders - Axar Patel and Rasikh Dar Salam (Impact substitute)

DC has some good all-rounders in their lineup. Axar Patel is the biggest of them. He would be concerned about his spot in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, which must bring the best from his blade in the upcoming games. The star player has been good with the ball but needs to step up as a batter. His form with the bat in 2023 was brilliant. DC would be hoping to see him in a similar form. Additionally, DC has some handy all-rounders who aren't genuine in nature. 

For instance, Rasikh Dar Salaam can bowl a brilliant spell with the ball and be handy with the bat. The right-arm pacer is a genuine wicket-taker and can change the complexion of the game by breaking big partnerships. He has the knack of taking wickets. Salam is yet to shine as a batter. In addition to it, DC has some young options like Lalit Yadav and Sumit Kumar. If necessary, they can come good with their performances. DC is unfortunate to not have a fit Mitchell Marsh.

Bowlers - Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, and Lizaad Williams

In the bowling department, DC has some good Indian players. In the powerplay overs, Khaleel has picked wickets for them. The left-arm pacer needs to claim wickets at the top to beat RR. He can swing the new ball at a good pace. If required, he can bowl outside the PP. To partner him with the new ball is likely to be Lizaad Williams. In the two matches so far, the South African has bowled well for the home side. For DC, he is likely to share the new ball and looks to be a bright prospect for the future.

In the middle overs, DC has the class of Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman spinner has been one of the best in the middle overs phase in the IPL 2024. He can claim wickets and be economical as well. Axar Patel can also be economical from his end and allow others to take wickets at the other end. Mukesh Kumar is the designated death bowler. To support him at the other end, DC has not found a good bowler. The focus would be to get the best out of Williams and Mukesh.

Also Read: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 - Most Wickets

DC's predicted XI against RR -

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Prithvi Shaw, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant (C & WK), Abhishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Lizaad Williams

Impact substitute - Rasikh Dar Salam