Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag admitted his side “missed the trick” in the middle overs after suffering a defeat against Delhi Capitals in Match 43 of the Indian Premier League 2026.

The clash, held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 1, turned into a high-scoring encounter, with Delhi Capitals successfully chasing down a challenging target.

🏏 Match Summary

Batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable total of 225 runs, powered by strong performances from:

• Riyan Parag
• Donovan Ferreira

Despite the imposing score, Delhi Capitals chased down the target convincingly, securing a seven-wicket victory with a composed batting display.

🎙️ What Riyan Parag Said

Speaking after the match, Parag reflected on where things went wrong:

He pointed out that:

• The team allowed too many runs in the middle overs
• Opponents scored clusters of boundaries in single overs
• Bowling plans were not executed effectively

Parag concluded that these lapses ultimately cost them the game, saying the team “missed the trick” at crucial moments.

📊 Key Turning Point

The match shifted decisively during the middle phase of Delhi’s innings, where:

• Bowlers failed to contain scoring
• Momentum swung heavily toward the chasing side
• Repeated boundary-heavy overs reduced pressure

Even a 225-run total proved insufficient due to this lack of control.

🔜 What’s Next for Rajasthan Royals?

Rajasthan Royals will next face Gujarat Titans in Match 52 of the tournament:

• 📅 Date: May 9, 2026
• 📍 Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium

With four matches remaining in the league stage, the Royals are in a crucial phase:

• They likely need at least two wins to strengthen their playoff chances
• Consistency in bowling, especially in middle overs, will be key

📌 Analysis

• Batting strength: Strong and consistent
• Bowling concern: Lack of control in middle overs
• Playoff scenario: Still open, but pressure mounting

All eyes are on whether Mitchell Starc will finally make his debut in the Indian Premier League 2026 season as Delhi Capitals take on the in-form Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

📉 Delhi Capitals Under Pressure

Delhi Capitals started their campaign strongly with two consecutive wins, but their form has dipped significantly:

• Only 1 win in the last 6 matches
• Lost their previous three games in a row
• Despite scoring 264 runs vs Punjab Kings, they still lost
• Bowled out for just 75 runs vs RCB in their last match

👉 With just 3 wins in 8 matches, DC are now in a must-win situation.

🚨 Mitchell Starc Set to Play

In a major boost, Mitchell Starc is expected to play today:

• Recently recovered from a shoulder injury
• Joined the DC squad last week
• Has been actively bowling in the nets

👉 His return could significantly strengthen DC’s struggling bowling attack.

⏳ Match Fitness a Key Factor

Starc hasn’t played a competitive match since:

• January 25, 2026
• Representing Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League

This raises questions about:

• Match fitness
• Rhythm under pressure

However, his experience and pace could still make an immediate impact.

🗣️ Team Management’s Take

Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed Starc’s availability:

👉 This strongly संकेत (indicates) that Starc is likely to feature in the playing XI.

🔄 Possible Team Changes

If Starc plays, he is expected to replace one of the overseas pacers:

• Likely replacement: Kyle Jamieson
• Alternative option: Dushmantha Chameera

Meanwhile, batting overseas slots remain stable:

• David Miller
• Tristan Stubbs

🔥 What Starc’s Return Means

• Adds pace and wicket-taking ability
• Boosts team morale
• Provides early breakthroughs in powerplay
• Strengthens death bowling

👉 Exactly what DC has been missing this season.

🧠 Match Outlook

• Rajasthan Royals enter as favorites due to strong form
• Delhi Capitals rely heavily on Starc’s impact
• The match could hinge on how quickly Starc finds rhythm

🔎 Final Verdict

Yes, Mitchell Starc is very likely to play today, and his return could be a turning point for Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 campaign.

The Gujarat Titans pulled off an impressive four-wicket win over defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, continuing their unpredictable but dangerous run in the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

📉 RCB Collapse After Promising Start

Coming into the match with momentum after a dominant win over Delhi Capitals, RCB were expected to continue their strong form.

• Virat Kohli gave them a fiery start, scoring 28 off 13 balls
• However, once he fell, the innings quickly unraveled

Only Devdutt Padikkal showed resistance, but lacked support as the middle order collapsed:

• Jitesh Sharma – 1 run
• Tim David – 9 runs
• Krunal Pandya – 4 runs
• Impact player Venkatesh Iyer – 12 (15 balls)

RCB were eventually bowled out for 155 runs, a below-par total on a batting-friendly surface.

🎯 Gujarat Bowlers Deliver

Gujarat’s bowling unit executed their plans perfectly:

• Arshad Khan – 3 wickets
• Rashid Khan – 2 wickets
• Jason Holder – 2 wickets

They consistently picked wickets and never allowed RCB to build partnerships.

🚀 Explosive Start Seals the Chase

Chasing 156, Gujarat Titans came out aggressively:

• Captain Shubman Gill smashed 43 off 18 balls
• Jos Buttler added 39 off 19 balls

Their attacking approach dismantled RCB’s bowling early, effectively deciding the match in the powerplay.

⚡ Late Wobbles but Comfortable Finish

After the strong start, Gujarat’s middle order showed some vulnerability, losing wickets at intervals.

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar stood out for RCB with 3/28 in 4 overs

However, the target proved too small to defend. Gujarat comfortably chased it down with 25 balls to spare.

🧠 Match Analysis

• RCB’s key issue: Fragile middle order continues to hurt them
• Turning point: Early wickets after Kohli’s dismissal
• Game changer: Gill–Buttler powerplay assault
• What RCB missed: An additional 20–30 runs