IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals’ strongest predicted XI against Punjab Kings

The Delhi Capitals take on the Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala in Match 55 of the 2026 Indian Premier League.

The Capitals have had an underwhelming season in IPL 2026, with just four wins in 11 matches. They will need a miracle to make it to the playoffs after being beaten by the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, being restricted to 142/8 and then being taken to the cleaners by Finn Allen, who scored a 47-ball century.

Here is the strongest predicted DC XI for Match 55 vs PBKS:

Top order: KL Rahul (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana

KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka have been two of the pillars of the Delhi team in 2026 despite their poor season. It was Punjab Kings against whom Rahul notched up a mammoth 152 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the reverse fixture. He has scored 468 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 180.

Nissanka has found form in the last few matches and was one of the only positives for the team against the Knight Riders, scoring a half-century. He has scored 278 runs at a strike rate of 158.86. Nitish Rana has been a reliable presence at number 3 since his return to the side. He scored a 44-ball 91 playing the supporting role in Rahul’s onslaught against the Kings earlier in the season. He has scored 225 runs in nine games, striking at 151.01.

Middle order: Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), Ashutosh Sharma, 

Samer Rizvi started the season in fine fashion with match-winning scores of 70 not out and 90. However, he has been unable to carry that form into the season, as the Capitals have struggled for runs in the middle order. Tristan Stubbs has been a reliable presence but is in desperate need of runs under his belt.

Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel has had a torrid season, scoring just 44 runs at a strike rate of 74.58 in 11 games. He has not been up to his lofty standards with the ball either, managing only 10 wickets in 11 matches, but has bowled at a decent economy of 8.08. Ashutosh Sharma has proved his value as a finisher, scoring vital runs for the Capitals in the back end of innings.

Lower order/bowlers: Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav (Impact)

Vipraj Nigam has been backed by the Capitals, but has yet to make a mark. He broke out in 2025 as a handy lower-order bat and wicket-taking leg-spinner. The return of Mitchell Starc has served as a blessing for the Capitals, as the Australian speedster returned with figures of 3 for 40 on his comeback from injury. However, he has gone wicketless in the next two games.

Lungi Ngidi has been a reliable middle and death overs bowler for the Delhi Capitals, picking up eight wickets in nine games. Mukesh Kumar started the season in fine form, but has been unable to carry it through in the season. The biggest concern for the Capitals has been Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist-spinner has had an underwhelming season, picking up just seven wickets at an economy of 10.67.

Predicted Delhi Capitals XI vs Punjab Kings:

KL Rahul (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar

Impact Player: Kuldeep Yadav