THE FACTS
When is Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? Saturday 4th May, 11:30 (UK)
Where is Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
What is the expected weather for Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals? Scorching temperatures of up to 39c forecast
What channel is Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport ESPN
Where can I stream Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match on the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals? https://www.iplt20.com/schedule
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Delhi Capitals W8, Rajasthan Royals W11
Last meeting: Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals by 6 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
DELHI CAPITALS
Coach: Ricky Ponting
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
- Delhi Capitals crashed back down to earth in their top-of-the-table clash with Chennai Super Kings last time out as MS Dhoni’s men gave them a comprehensive beating by 80 runs and now the Capitals risk finishing outside the top two positions unless they win here and other results go in their favour.
- They have been dealt a major blow as star bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has been a revelation as the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2019 with 25 wickets, has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament so they will have to do without their key man.
- Slow left-arm bowler Jagadeesha Suchith took 2/28 on his IPL debut against the Super Kings and he could well keep his place after that impressive performance while Trent Boult is the likely deputy for Rabada as they could go unchanged for this match despite losing to CSK.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS
Coach: Paddy Upton
Captain: Ajinkya Rahane
- Rajasthan Royals were thwarted by the rain against Royal Challengers Bangalore last time out as they were set to win a five-over rain affected match until the rain intervened once again so they know they have to win this final match to put the pressure on the teams around them challenging for fourth.
- Steve Smith has now departed for national team duty so that leaves them without four key players as Buttler, Stokes and Archer have already left, and that may see Ashton Turner come back into the side or even Ish Sodhi potentially.
- Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team once again despite being stood down as captain in favour of Smith several matches ago, and they will rely on him and their local players heavily if they are to win this match.
THE PREDICTION
Both of these teams have lost some key players through injury and international call-ups, but while the loss of Kagiso Rabada will undoubtedly jolt the Capitals, the Royals are far more depleted than them here. The loss of Steve Smith just weakens them even further after Buttler, Archer and Stokes departed the previous week, and it seems highly unlikely they will be able to compete and beat the Capitals here. Even if the Capitals’ bowling attack is weakened, their batting remains strong and that should see them win here.
