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

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to face the Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Monday, May 11. In the previous meeting between these two sides earlier this season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Punjab scripted history, chasing down a record 265-run target.

After playing some exhilarating cricket in the first half of the season, Punjab have hit a roadblock. The Shreyas Iyer-led side has lost three consecutive matches. While they are still in a comfortable position as far as reaching the playoffs is concerned, the Kings wouldn’t want to keep things for the back end of the league phase. They have six wins from 10 matches thus far.

The Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have very little chance of progressing to the playoffs. They will have to win all their remaining matches and hope that other teams do them a few favours. Axar Patel and Co. have played 11 matches so far, winning only four.

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

Top order: Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly

Prabhsimran Singh has scored 364 runs in nine innings at an average of 45.50 and a strike rate of 172.52. Priyansh Arya has been a miss and a hit, but that is a byproduct of his batting. He won’t give you consistency, but when he clicks, he gives Punjab Kings enviable early momentum. Cooper Connolly is the leading run-getter for the Kings. He has amassed 377 runs at an average of 53.86 and a strike rate of 171.37.

Middle order: Shreyas Iyer (C), Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh

Shreyas Iyer will want to lead from the front and guide his team back to winning ways. The right-handed batter has scored 333 runs in nine innings at an average of 47.57 and a strike rate of 164.04. Marcus Stoinis has scored 178 runs in seven innings at an average of 44.50 and a strike rate of 191.40. However, he hasn’t been used too much with the ball.

The 23-year-old Suryansh Shedge has scored 85 runs at a strike rate of 177.09 in three innings. He has shown a lot of promise while batting in the lower order. Shashank Singh has dropped several catches this season, and the lapses have probably taken a toll on his batting. In six innings, he has scored 74 runs at an average of 24.67. However, his strike rate is a commendable 189.75.

Lower order/bowlers: Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal (IMP)

Marco Jansen hasn’t had too many opportunities with the bat. With the ball, he hasn’t had the kind of season he would have envisaged. In 10 matches, he has six wickets at an average of 58.33. Vijaykumar Vyshak has picked up nine wickets from as many matches, but his economy rate is just under 11. Lockie Ferguson has played just two matches after coming back from an injury layoff. He has taken one wicket, conceding 98 runs in eight overs.

PBKS would be desperately hoping for Arshdeep Singh to rediscover his form. The left-arm seamer has picked up 11 wickets in 10 matches, but his economy rate is 10.42. Shreyas Iyer would want his main weapon with the ball to strike with the new ball on Monday. Yuzvendra Chahal has also had a disappointing campaign so far. The leading wicket-taker in the IPL has only bagged eight scalps in 10 matches at an average of 35.75 and an economy rate of 9.53.

Predicted Punjab Kings XI vs Delhi Capitals:

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh.

Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal