IPL 2026: DC vs KKR Predicted Playing XI and Match Preview
The Delhi Capitals (DC) will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a crucial IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Friday.
Both teams are under pressure as they continue their fight to stay alive in the playoff race.
Delhi Capitals’ Struggles Continue
Delhi Capitals have endured a disappointing campaign after a promising start. The team has lost six of its last eight matches and currently sits in the lower half of the points table.
While KL Rahul has delivered consistent performances with the bat, the rest of the batting lineup has struggled for consistency. Captain Axar Patel has also failed to make a major impact this season.
DC may consider bringing in Abishek Porel to strengthen the top order.
KKR Seeking Another Win
Kolkata Knight Riders have shown signs of recovery after a poor start to the season. The team has won its last three matches consecutively, keeping its slim playoff hopes alive.
Despite concerns around the opening combination, KKR are likely to continue with Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen at the top.
Predicted Playing XI
Delhi Capitals:
KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel/Vipraj Nigam, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (c), Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakaravarthy
Match Outlook
With both sides desperate for points, the contest is expected to be closely fought. Delhi will rely heavily on their bowling attack and KL Rahul’s form, while KKR will look to continue their winning momentum and keep playoff hopes alive.
