Rajasthan Royals (RR) host the Delhi Capitals (DC) in match No. 43 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday, May 1.
Riyan Parag’s Royals are stationed at No. 4 on the points table. Earlier this week, they became the first side to beat the Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. The Royals have six wins and three defeats after playing nine matches.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals are struggling at No. 7 in the standings. They have only won three games after playing eight. In their last six matches, the Capitals have only one win. In their most recent clash, which was against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Axar Patel’s men were bowled out for 75 and eventually lost the match by nine wickets.
Here are the potential impact players for both teams in Match 43:
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Ravi Bishnoi: It was quite surprising to see Ravi Bishnoi left out of the side in the last game. He was among the Impact subs, which suggests that fitness might not have been an issue. In eight games, the leg-spinner has picked up 11 wickets
Ravi Singh: A middle-order batter who impressed for the Railways team in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Singh has not made his IPL debut yet.
Shubham Dubey: Shubham Dubey has looked in stunning form in the last two matches. The southpaw came in as the Impact Player in the last game and smashed an unbeaten 31 off just 12 balls.
Tushar Deshpande: Tushar Deshpande has been in and out of the side. He defended nine runs in the last over against the Gujarat Titans earlier in the tournament. However, his performances have left a lot to be desired since then.
Shimron Hetmyer: Shimron Hetmyer has been having an underwhelming campaign with the bat. He has lost his place in the playing XI after scoring just 72 runs in six innings.
Delhi Capitals (DC):
Mukesh Kumar: Mukesh Kumar had an impressive start to the season. He achieved great success against left-handed batters. However, in recent matches, he went for quite a few runs. The Bengal seamer was rested in the last game. He would be fresh and raring to go ahead of Friday’s clash.
Auqib Nabi: Auqib Nabi was the highest wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. However, in his first three games in IPL 2026, the right-arm seamer has remained wicketless.
Ashutosh Sharma: Ashutosh Sharma has won his team several matches by making useful contributions down the order. However, with proven international finishers like Tristan Stubbs and David Miller already being in the lineup, Ashutosh hasn’t been given opportunities to showcase his talent.
Tripurana Vijay:Â The 24-year-old bowling all-rounder is waiting to make his IPL debut. He can contribute with the bat down the order but is primarily a right-arm off-spinner.
Prithvi Shaw:Â Prithvi Shaw deserves one chance, as he did relatively well in the domestic season after joining Maharashtra. Delhi Capitals have tried many domestic batters, and Shaw could also be given one opportunity.
Expert opinions and strategies:
Home Advantage: Rajasthan Royals will have the home advantage. However, if the pitch is as good as it was in the last game, chasing could be the better option.
Recent Form: In the last five head-to-head encounters, DC have the edge with three wins, while RR have secured two victories.
Balanced Side: RR appear to have a more balanced squad, ticking most boxes across departments. In contrast, DC are expected to have a much stronger bowling attack compared to previous matches as Mitchell Starc could play his first game of the season.
Final Prediction: With a well-rounded lineup and the added advantage of playing at home, RR head into this contest as the favourites. DC will also be a bit deflated after their shambolic loss in the last game against the Royal Challengers.
