IPL 2026, DC vs KKR: Key player matchups
What's the story
Delhi Capitals (DC) will host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 51 of IPL 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 8. DC, led by Axar Patel, are seventh in the standings with just four wins. And KKR are also in the bottom half, though they won their last three games. Here are the key player matchups to watch out for.
#1
Finn Allen vs Mitchell Starc
DC would like to defuse the Finn Allen threat early on. The KKR opener can single-handedly turn the tide in the Powerplay. And the Capitals have an ideal candidate to stop him - Mitchell Starc. The left-arm seamer has dismissed Allen twice in five T20 innings, according to ESPNcricinfo. Allen also has a strike rate of 150 against Starc.
#2
Ajinkya Rahane vs spinners
Ajinkya Rahane's shortcomings against spin-bowling require no introduction. The KKR skipper has been unable to get going beyond the Powerplay. As per ESPNcricinfo, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have dismissed Rahane twice each in T20s. Notably, the latter has kept Rahane at bay, bringing his strike rate down to 70.37. Rahane has managed a solitary maximum off 68 balls versus Kuldeep.
#3
KL Rahul vs Varun Chakravarthy
On the other hand, KKR would bank on the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Considering the Delhi surface, which appeared to be sticky in the Chennai Super Kings game, the duo could be introduced in the Powerplay. Notably, Chakravarthy has restricted KL Rahul's strike rate to 102.04 across 49 balls in T20s. The mystery spinner has also dismissed Rahul once.