Delhi Capitals are set to take on Rajasthan Royals in a crucial match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday that could determine their fate in the Playoffs race in IPL 2024. With only three matches remaining, time is running out for them to secure a spot. Delhi urgently need to string together some victories and reach a total of 16 points by the end of the group stage.
A victory against formidable Rajasthan Royals, who are currently second in the points table, would provide Delhi Capitals with the momentum they desperately need. However, the Royals, coming off a tense defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, will be eager to bounce back.
In their previous encounter against Delhi Capitals this season in Jaipur, Royals clinched a narrow 12-run victory. A repeat of this outcome on Tuesday evening in the gruelling heat could severely dent Delhi Capitals’ chances ahead of the Playoffs.
The Capitals have been inconsistent, oscillating between sublime and ridicule. Although it’s crucial for Rishabh Pant’s team to win their remaining three matches, even reaching 16 points might not secure them a spot in the tournament’s last four stage.
At present, Kolkata Knight Riders (with 16 points from 11 games) and Rajasthan Royals (with 16 points from 10 games) are front-runners for the Playoffs berth. Chennai Super Kings (with 12 points from 11 games), Sunrisers Hyderabad (with 12 points from 11 games), and Lucknow Super Giants (with 12 points from 11 games) also fancy their chances of getting to the 16-point threshold in the table. Given this scenario, DC’s strong efforts may not suffice for qualification. Nevertheless, all they can do is win their remaining matches by large margins and hope that the other results go in their favour.
In comparison, Rajasthan Royals are poised for the Playoffs and are keen to reclaim their top position in the standings. Their stellar performances, both with bat and ball, has been instrumental in their success. Amidst a high-scoring season, RR’s pacers boast an impressive economy of 8.22 and an average of 23.57, ranking them the best among all teams.
Particularly effective with the new ball, they average three wickets per game in the first six overs. Coupled with the proficiency of their spinners and the form of their top order, the addition of Sandeep Sharma has further strengthened their bowling attack. He brings invaluable experience and skills to the bowling unit, often flying under the radar but consistently exceeding expectations. He’s one of the rare bowlers who can swing the knuckleball. Pace-off has been his strength and it has been the weakness of the DC batters.
Alongside Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, and others, Sandeep will look to contain DC’s formidable batting lineup. Considering DC’s openers have been prolific in Delhi, averaging 57.33 with a striking rate of 292, RR’s priority will be to minimise their impact at the top. Sandeep and Boult will rely on their experience to tackle this formidable challenge. Moreover, DC’s recent success in Delhi, scoring over 220 runs in their last two matches, will boost their confidence.
One can expect a high-scoring match. Contrary to its usual slow nature favouring spinners, the pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has transformed into a batter’s paradise this season. In a player-for-player comparison, the Royals are certainly favourites. However, Delhi shouldn’t be underestimated. They have the potential to pull off a surprise.