Delhi Capitals Playing XI vs KKR: Kuldeep Yadav to Return? | IPL 2026
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IPL 2026: High-Stakes Clash at Eden Gardens as Playoffs Loom
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The league stage of IPL 2026 is reaching its climax, and Match 70 promises to be an absolute thriller. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to host Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic Eden Gardens on May 24. For both franchises, this encounter is nothing short of a virtual knockout. With playoff spots on the line, neither side can afford a slip-up. Every tactical decision, team selection, and strategic substitution will be under intense scrutiny as both teams fight to keep their tournament hopes alive.
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The Playoff Math: What is at Stake?
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The qualification scenario adds an extra layer of tension to this historic rivalry. Kolkata Knight Riders, led by the experienced Ajinkya Rahane, currently occupy a slightly more comfortable position with 13 points. However, their fate is not entirely in their own hands, as their ultimate qualification will depend heavily on the outcome of Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) match.
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On the other hand, the situation is even more critical for the Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals. Sitting on 12 points, the Capitals must win this match. Furthermore, they require external results to go their way, specifically needing Punjab Kings (PBKS) to falter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). With virtually no margin for error, DC will field their absolute strongest lineup to secure these crucial two points.
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Team News: Major Blows and Key Returns
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Both camps have received significant updates ahead of this blockbuster fixture. Host team Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered a major setback. Following their recent victory over Mumbai Indians, it was confirmed that young batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a finger fracture. This leaves a significant void in the KKR batting order.
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Conversely, Delhi Capitals enter this contest riding a wave of momentum, having secured victories in their last two matches. Adding to their confidence is a massive fitness boost: all-rounder Auqib Nabi has regained full fitness and is available for selection. This allows the team management to restore balance to their playing eleven at a crucial juncture of the tournament.
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DC Predicted XI: Breakdown of the Strongest Lineup
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The Top Order: Explosive Openers and a Promising No. 3
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Delhi Capitals will continue with the highly successful opening partnership of KL Rahul and Abishek Porel. The duo was instrumental in DC’s spectacular win against Rajasthan Royals in their previous outing, where they stitched together a sensational 105-run opening stand while chasing a daunting target of 194. Both Rahul and Porel registered match-defining half-centuries, proving they are in peak form.
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At number three, youngster Sahil Parakh is expected to retain his spot. Although Parakh struggled to find his rhythm in the match against RR, the team management continues to show immense faith in his talent and potential. He is tipped to start ahead of the experienced Nitish Rana, providing continuity to the top order.
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The Middle Order and All-Rounders: Power and Versatility
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The middle order remains unchanged, as the Capitals stick with the formula that delivered success in their last match. Captain Axar Patel has successfully rediscovered his batting form and will continue to anchor the innings at the crucial number four position. His ability to navigate the middle overs and counter spin will be vital at Eden Gardens.
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Following him is the South African powerhouse Tristan Stubbs. Stubbs has endured a quiet season by his standards, managing only 275 runs in 12 innings. However, his explosive potential makes him a match-winner on his day, and the Capitals will be hoping for a breakthrough performance from him. The lower-middle order is bolstered by the dependable David Miller, who remains in fine touch, and the dynamic finisher Ashutosh Sharma. Ashutosh has finally solved DC’s long-standing search for a reliable late-overs hitter, consistently delivering quick-fire cameos under pressure.
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The Bowling Unit: Seam Dominance and the Kuldeep Yadav Factor
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The bowling department sees a strategic reshuffle. The young and versatile Madhav Tiwari retains his place, offering useful variations with the ball and handy lower-order batting capability. Fully fit Auqib Nabi is slated to replace Tripurana Vijay, who endured a challenging debut against Rajasthan Royals. The pace attack will be headlined by the overseas duo of Lungi Ngidi and Mitchell Starc, both of whom possess the experience to exploit any early movement on offer.
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The masterstroke, however, lies in the handling of the spin department. Given that the Eden Gardens track heavily favored spinners in the last match—where Mumbai Indians struggled significantly against the likes of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy—Delhi Capitals are highly likely to bring in Kuldeep Yadav as an Impact Player. Kuldeep is expected to replace pacer Mukesh Kumar during the bowling innings to exploit the turning conditions and dismantle KKR’s batting lineup.
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Delhi Capitals Strongest Playing XI vs KKR
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- KL Rahul (Wk)
- Abishek Porel
- Sahil Parakh
- Axar Patel (C)
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Miller
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Auqib Nabi
- Madhav Tiwari
- Lungi Ngidi
- Mitchell Starc
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Impact Player Options:
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Impact Subs: Kuldeep Yadav, Tripurana Vijay, Prithvi Shaw, Karun Nair