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DC vs RR Match 62 IPL 2026: Axar Patel Wins Toss and Elects to Bowl

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Strategic Toss Victory for Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium

In a pivotal encounter for the 2026 Indian Premier League season, the Delhi Capitals have seized the early advantage in Match No. 62 against the Rajasthan Royals. Captain Axar Patel successfully called the coin toss at 07:00 pm IST and, without hesitation, elected to field first on the iconic surface of the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Axar Patel’s Decision and Mindset

Explaining his decision to bowl first, Axar Patel emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the tournament. Patel noted that while the team faced challenges earlier in the season, the recent run of form has instilled a fresh sense of confidence within the camp. “We will bowl first. When you win, you feel good. We were fine when we were not winning, but winning gives confidence. I don’t think too much about the nature of the wicket; it is more about how we execute our plans on the field,” the Delhi skipper stated. For Patel, the focus remains on leaving past decisions behind and staying disciplined with the ball during the powerplay.

Rajasthan Royals’ Perspective

On the other side of the pitch, Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag appeared surprisingly content with losing the toss. Parag acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the pitch conditions, describing it as a dry surface that could pose challenges for both sides. “I am fine with this outcome. I wasn’t entirely sure about the wicket, so I am happy to lose the toss. Now, our focus shifts to putting a competitive total on the board,” Parag commented. The Royals, who have been hampered by recent injury concerns, will look to stabilize their innings and set a challenging target for the Capitals to chase.

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Team Lineups for Match 62

Both teams have confirmed their playing XIs for this high-stakes encounter, with several key players looking to make an impact.

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
  • Dhruv Jurel (wk)
  • Riyan Parag (capt)
  • Ravi Singh
  • Donovan Ferreira
  • Shubham Dubey
  • Jofra Archer
  • Adam Milne
  • Brijesh Sharma
  • Yash Raj Punja

Delhi Capitals Playing XI:

  • Abishek Porel
  • KL Rahul (wk)
  • Sahil Parakh
  • Tristan Stubbs
  • David Miller
  • Axar Patel (capt)
  • Mukesh Kumar
  • Madhav Tiwari
  • T Vijay
  • Mitchell Starc
  • Lungi Ngidi

Match Expectations

The match, scheduled to commence at 07:30 pm IST, promises to be a tactical battle. With the Capitals preferring to chase, the onus will be on the Rajasthan Royals to navigate the early movement of the ball and build partnerships. The dry conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium often favor spinners as the game progresses, making the middle overs a critical phase for both teams. As the IPL 2026 season approaches its climax, every match carries significant weight for playoff qualification. Delhi will look to leverage their bowling depth, while Rajasthan will rely on their core batting unit to overcome the pressure of setting a total in an away game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the toss today? Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss.

What time did the toss take place? The toss was held at 07:00 pm IST.

Why did the Delhi Capitals choose to bowl first? The decision was primarily driven by the captain’s assessment of the wicket and a tactical preference to chase in the evening conditions.

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Where is this match being played? The match is being hosted at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Imran Malik

Imran Malik is a senior sports correspondent for Dawn, and one of Pakistan’s most authoritative voices on cricket. A proud alumnus of the University of the Punjab, he has spent more than a decade covering the men in green—from the raw energy of Lahore’s club grounds to World Cup semi-finals. Imran is particularly known for his deep technical knowledge of fast bowling and his unflinching analysis of Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure. His writing blends sharp observation with a historian’s eye, capturing both the glory and the grit of the game. A regular contributor to Dawn’s sports desk and a familiar face on news panel shows, Imran has been recognized with the Agahi Award and his paper’s own Excellence Award. He remains passionately committed to unearthing the next generation of Pakistani sporting talent.