RR Vs DC IPL 2026 Match Preview: Pitch Report, Predicted Playing XI, And Weather At Sawai Mansingh Stadium

Rajasthan Royals will be riding high on confidence after chasing down a 223-run target to end Punjab Kings' unbeaten streak in their last game. Tonight, they host a Delhi Capitals side that is in real trouble. DC were bowled out for just 75 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who chased the paltry target in just 6.3 overs. Two teams going in opposite directions, and this one has a clear favourite written all over it.

RR sit fourth on the points table with 12 points from nine games. DC are seventh with just six points from eight matches and a net run rate of -1.060, one of the worst in the league.

Rajasthan Royals are the clear favourites at home tonight. Unless DC's bowlers, led by a returning Mitchell Starc, can knock over RR's top order early, the Jaipur crowd should be celebrating by the end of 40 overs.

One of cricket's most iconic venues, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, holds around 30,000 fans and is famous for its passionate home crowd. The Pink City turns up in full force for Royals games, making it a genuinely tough venue for visiting sides.

The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium offers a balanced playing field. Although the boundaries are larger than at other parks, the fast outfield and flat surface favour batters who settle in. However, don't expect it to be entirely one-sided. The first IPL 2026 game at this venue saw Sunrisers Hyderabad chase down a 229-run target with five wickets and nine balls to spare, so bowlers will need to be on top of their game tonight. Spinners may get some help as the match progresses into the second innings.

It is going to be a hot one in Jaipur. The temperature is currently around 98°F (37°C) and the evening high is expected to touch 104°F (40°C). It will be clear and sunny with virtually no chance of rain, so no interruptions are expected. Dew could be a factor in the second innings, which may make batting slightly easier later in the night.

Rajasthan Royals are playing well overall. Their opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the envy of every team. The 15-year-old Sooryavanshi has scored 400 runs this season at a strike rate of 238.09. The only concern is captain Riyan Parag's form. He has been averaging just 14.62 after nine matches this season.

Delhi Capitals are struggling badly. Three losses in a row and a batting collapse of historic proportions against RCB. The one bright spot is KL Rahul. He has scored 358 runs this season at an average of 51.14 and a strike rate of 185.49. A big boost tonight is the return of Mitchell Starc. Starc is available after completing his Cricket Australia restriction period and is expected to strengthen DC's new-ball attack.

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Dasun Shanaka, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Brijesh Sharma, Nandre Burger, Yash Raj Punia

Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (WK), Sahil Parakh, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (C), Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Dushmantha Chameera