Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Delhi Capitals in the 31st match of IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is set for an exciting encounter. With both teams battling it out in mid-table, this fixture could significantly affect the top-four race.
SRH, the 2016 champions, have had an up and down campaign so far. After an early setback against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they bounced back strongly but soon slipped again with losses to Lucknow Supergiants and Punjab Kings. However, the team seems to have rediscovered the rhythm, registering back-to-back wins against Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. Their young pace attack and improved domestic performances have added fresh energy, leading them into the competition.
Delhi Capitals led by Akshar Patel have shown this contrast. After a bright start with two wins thanks to David Miller, they beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a tense encounter before losing back-to-backs. Although their batting lacks consistency, timely contributions have kept them competitive.
Head coach Hemang Badani summed up SRH’s approach, saying, “They are obviously a side that looks to struggle, that looks to play a certain type of cricket that has more impact, more aggression,” but warned that “it also means more risk.” He believes Delhi’s bowling unit can take advantage of this aggressive approach.
Interestingly, the contest could also turn around, with SRH’s bowlers – especially the emerging fast bowlers – posing a challenge to Delhi’s unpredictable batting line-up. The head-to-head record remains tight, with SRH holding a slight edge, making this contest even more compelling.
SRH will once again miss Pat Cummins, though they will look to build on home advantage for their third consecutive win in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Delhi’s aim is to build momentum and finish in the top four. With both teams chasing consistency, a closely fought battle is on the cards.
SRH vs DC Squads
Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (capt), Henrik Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora (wicket), Shivang Kumar, Praful Hinge, Saqib Hussain, Ishan Malinga, Liam Livingstone, Simran Ravichandran, Harshan Madhu, Harsh Dubey, Ankith Patel, Ankuth, Dubey, Dubey Kamando. Mendes, Zeeshan Ansari, Shivam Mavi, Gerald Coetzee, Kranz Foletra, Onkar Tramle, Amit Kumar
Delhi Capitals Squad: Patham Nissanka, KL Rahul (w), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Aqib Nabi Dar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi, Dushamtha Chamera, Kyle, Kyle Prithvishaw, Ashutosh Sharma, Tripurana Vijay, Abhishek Poral, Sahil Parkh, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari
