Some IPL matches are more or less like "must-do" fixtures, while others are like this one - Match 43 of IPL 2026 between the Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This clash, slated for 7:30 PM IST on May 1, is steeped in history, tension, and real implications concerning the playoffs for both teams. The Rajasthan Royals are on a roll, after a heroic 223-run chase of the Punjab Kings, with Delhi struggling through the Pink City in a three-match losing run marred by a collapse of the match in one of the most depressing displays of the season. We've rarely had a more enjoyable match on the platform of Diamond Exchange .
The Rajasthan Royals are a Team in Top Form
He has battled and vanquished against world class bowlers - Bumrah, Hazlewood, Cummins - with an audacity that presages a cricketer destined not only for the top, but many levels beyond it. Alongside Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been an astute complement with 306 runs and three half-centuries and Dhruv Jurel's 248 runs in nine games have provided crucial support in the middle order. If that isn't terrifying enough, there's the bowling to contend with. Rajasthan Royals are a nightmare defender of their home ground in their capital Jaipur where they are backed by their supportive fans.
Delhi Capitals - Three Games Down
This game to a large extent has become a win or go home affair, given that the team has accumulated six points from eight games - enough to place it seventh in the competition. Delhi's only piece of good news is that Mitchell Starc is back. The Australian left-handed fast-bowler has been cleared by Cricket Australia to play from May 1 - a welcome projection of new-ball pace which has been desperately lacking in the Delhi attack. Ngidi is out of action with an ICC concussion ban.
Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium is destined for IPL fireworks. Its flat and genuine pitch and short outfield has seen some of the highest-scoring matches of recent IPLs - this year the average first-innings run rate has been in the range of 180-190 with a game even witnessing a 229-run pursuit being comfortably met. Openers and finishers like this track, and those who are in can start scoring from the first ball. The wicket has got some movement from seam bowlers early in the innings, and can offer plenty of turn towards the end of each half. The one variable - as is common at these Indian night stadiums - is the dew that forms on the grass from the 12th or 13th over of the second innings, making it difficult for the ball to be gripped and generally benefiting the follow-on side. The Jaipur crowd has been a raving fan base for CSK, DC and all visiting teams over the years, and will be again tonight as 23,000 supporters turn out in a sea of yellow and blue, to support their cherished Royals.
Conclusion: Rajasthan Royals to Win
The 57% win probability in favour of the Rajasthan Royals for this match is a fairly accurate reflection of the form of the two teams. The Rajasthan Royals have home ground advantage, what is probably the most dynamic batting combination of this IPL (Sooryavanshi-Jaiswal) and the best fast bowlers of the tournament (Jofra Archer). Despite the return of Starc, Delhi remain a fledgling team that, at this stage of the season, is yet to perform according to their panache. Delhi and RR have an even 15-15 IPL record against each other over 30 games, but there's form coming strongly towards RR. Look for Rajasthan to score an intimidating 185-200, for the R Patel and Bishnoi combination to limit Delhi's run chase, and for the Pink City to go into a frenzy and you can see the live match at Diamond Exchange.
Winner : RR
