The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 action shifts to Delhi as Delhi Capitals take on the in-form Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 25 in Match 35.
Delhi Capitals head into the contest after a disappointing 47-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With three wins and three losses from six matches, they have shown flashes of promise but lack consistency, making this clash crucial as they aim to strengthen their playoff push.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have been the standout side of the tournament so far. Still unbeaten in IPL 2026, they sit comfortably at the top of the table and have excelled in all departments. Their last outing, a commanding 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in Mullanpur, highlighted their balance and depth, giving them momentum despite the break.
Here are the potential impact players for both teams in Match 35:
Delhi Capitals (DC):
Sameer Rizvi: Rizvi has been a big find for DC, producing two match-winning knocks as an Impact Sub. While he is likely to continue in that role, his bat has gone quiet over the last few games.
Ashutosh Sharma: A powerful finisher, Ashutosh turned heads with his aggressive batting in IPL 2025. However, he is yet to receive consistent opportunities in the playing XI this season.
Auqib Nabi: The Jammu & Kashmir pacer entered the tournament on the back of an impressive domestic season and was signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 8.40 crore.
Dushmantha Chameera: The experienced Sri Lankan quick comes into this phase following a solid campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Known for his ability to operate effectively across different phases, he could prove to be a valuable asset if given the chance.
Karun Nair: A seasoned domestic performer, Nair showed glimpses of form in 2025. He was deployed as an Impact Sub against Royal Challengers Bengaluru but was unable to make a significant contribution.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Priyansh Arya: Arya has emerged as one of the most crucial assets in the Punjab Kings batting lineup. The explosive opener has been in sublime form in IPL 2026, scoring 211 runs at a staggering strike rate of 248.24.
Harpreet Brar: The experienced left-arm spinner adds variety to Shreyas Iyer’s side. Brar can be particularly effective if the pitch offers even slight assistance to spin, making him a valuable tactical option.
Vishnu Vinod: A hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter, Vinod is coming off an impressive domestic season with Kerala. He serves as a solid backup to Prabhsimran Singh and can add depth to the batting unit.
Praveen Dubey: Another spin option in the squad, Dubey featured once for Punjab Kings in the 2025 season and is still awaiting his opportunity in the current campaign.
Suryansh Shedge: Known for his aggressive approach, Shedge is a dynamic lower-order batter who can also chip in with the ball. His ability to accelerate late in the innings makes him a promising all-round option.
Expert opinions and strategies:
Home Advantage: Delhi Capitals have won two matches at their home venue this season, the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and will look to capitalise on familiar conditions and crowd support.
Recent Form: While the two sides have faced each other five times in recent IPL meetings, Delhi Capitals hold a slight edge with three wins, giving them a psychological advantage.
Balanced Side: Punjab Kings have emerged as one of the most well-rounded sides in the tournament, delivering consistently with both bat and ball. In contrast, Delhi’s top order has shown promise, but middle-order inconsistency remains a concern.
Final Prediction: Given their overall balance and unbeaten run, Punjab Kings head into this clash as favourites, although Delhi’s home advantage could make it a closely contested encounter.
