IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals’ strongest predicted XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Delhi Capitals (DC) will look to build on their win in the last game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru when they face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Tuesday, April 20.

Axar Patel and Co. are placed at No. 5 on the points table. They started their campaign with two consecutive victories before losing two games in a row. On Saturday (April 18), they returned to winning ways, defeating defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets with a ball to spare.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad are sitting just above the Capitals on the points table at No. 4. They have three wins and as many defeats after playing six games this season. Ishan Kishan’s men are coming into this contest on the back of consecutive wins against the Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings.

Here is the strongest predicted DC XI for Match 31 vs SRH:

Top order: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (WK), Sameer Rizvi

Pathum Nissanka had a flying start to his IPL career this season. He gave his team some blistering starts inside the power play. He has three 40-plus scores from five innings. KL Rahul, on the other hand, got out for a golden duck in the first game. However, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has done well in subsequent matches and his half-century in the last game on a challenging track proved to be critical for the Capitals. Sameer Rizvi had a magnificent start to the season, scoring two consecutive half-centuries. However, in the last three games, he has registered scores of 0, 6, and 2.

Middle order: Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma (Impact)

Axar Patel suffered cramps and had to walk off the field while he was batting. However, the DC captain is expected to feature in the upcoming clash. His all-round abilities give the Delhi side great balance. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs are two of the best finishers in world cricket at the moment. In the last game, they joined forces in the back end of the second innings and took their team home with an unbeaten 45-run stand off 24 balls. Miller hit the winning runs, which should have given him a lot of confidence after he failed to finish an earlier game against the Gujarat Titans. Ashutosh Sharma is another exciting talent, who has finished matches in the past for the Punjab Kings and the Delhi Capitals. While Karun Nair was brought in as the Impact Player in the last game, don’t be surprised if Ashutosh gets recalled on a ground known for being a batting paradise.

Lower order/bowlers: Auqib Nabi Dar, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar

Auqib Nabi Dar has played two games so far and is still searching for his first wicket in the IPL. He would want to give the Capitals an early breakthrough inside the power play. Lungi Ngidi has been the pick of the bowlers so far for Delhi in IPL 2026. He has picked up seven wickets in five games. Kuldeep Yadav has picked up five scalps in as many matches at an economy rate of 9.41. T Natarajan will have a crucial role to play in the death overs, with his ability to bowl yorkers consistently. He has been in good rhythm this season. Mukesh Kumar has also been very impressive. He has caused problems for the left-handed batters in IPL 2026. Sunrisers Hyderabad have three left-handers in the top order and their contest with Mukesh would be intriguing to watch.

Delhi Capitals Predicted XI for Match 31 vs SRH:

Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (WK), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi Dar, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.

Impact Player: Ashutosh Sharma