Punjab Kings’ unbeaten momentum in IPL 2026 is being matched by a growing buzz off the field too, with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh taking time out to meet young supporters ahead of Delhi Capitals’ visit to the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, April 25. Through a franchise initiative called “The Real Kings”, Arshdeep spent the session answering questions from a group of children in a candid, no-frills interaction that highlighted his trademark warmth and humour.
The children were brought in with support from a local NGO, with backing from the NamMyoho Daan Foundation and the Phool Versha Foundation. In a setting described as both candid and heartwarming, they asked Arshdeep questions that fans typically never get the chance to put to players, and he responded with an easygoing, relaxed approach throughout.
Arshdeep’s reputation for being approachable away from cricket was on full display again, and the highlights from the interaction reflect a personality that feels grounded, playful and genuinely responsive. The pacer, who is also active online through engaging reels and regular interactions, used the opportunity to reinforce that his connection with young fans does not begin and end at the boundary rope.
Founded in 2020, the NamMyohoDaan Foundation has reached thousands of students across multiple cities through structured initiatives, including “Hasti Masti Khel”. The sports-led programme uses exposure to live match settings and community fan zones to help build confidence and teamwork among children, and the Arshdeep session formed part of this broader effort to keep sport within reach.
“The Real Kings” is set to continue in the coming weeks, with more Punjab Kings players expected to feature, as the franchise looks to build deeper and more authentic relationships with the communities it represents.
What the captains and coaches said ahead of DC vs PBKS
Delhi Capitals’ batting concerns have been a talking point even when runs have come in. Tristan Stubbs summed up the situation by noting that the team has often been chasing, and while their innings have not always looked “perfect”, they have still managed to post totals around the 190 mark. He added that even on difficult days, Punjab Kings’ opponents have managed wins in three of six matches and remain encouraged by everyone’s positive mindset and the fact that big scores are continuing to arrive.
On the availability front, PBKS spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said Cooper Connolly is ready to play. He explained that Connolly had gone back to Australia and returned after fitness testing, and that he is very much set for action. Bahutule also emphasised Connolly’s adaptation in his first IPL year in Indian conditions, describing him as a great kid who is keen to contribute in every match.
Playing XIs: DC vs PBKS probable line-ups
Delhi Capitals’ probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (c), Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan.
Punjab Kings’ probable XI: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak.
Punjab Kings’ unbeaten run and the philosophy behind it
Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule believes Punjab Kings’ unbeaten start is the result of culture and values carried over from last season. He said the foundation was laid in the way the team operated on the field last year, and that Ricky Ponting’s approach and the values instilled by him have continued to be taken forward. While Punjab Kings did not go on to win the final last year, Bahutule argued that the same standards have remained in place this season.
Bahutule added that each player understands their responsibility, and that the collaboration between Shreyas Iyer and Ponting has created clarity on how each match should be approached. He stressed that IPL is a “high-risk, high-pressure” tournament, and that even after strong starts, the group focuses on taking one game at a time instead of looking too far ahead.
He also pointed to the need to assess opponents, venues and conditions, then move steadily through the match plan with small adjustments. Bahutule said that with the next game being an afternoon fixture, adaptation becomes important and incremental steps are expected to bring the side to where it wants to be.
On bowling, Bahutule highlighted how Punjab Kings—particularly in the death overs—have been effective at applying pressure. He also praised fast bowling coach James Hopes for the work done with the pace group, naming Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett and Marco Jansen as a unit that has grown in its understanding of what is required in different phases.
Bahutule said the Indian pace options make a difference in terms of execution, and that the side tries to keep things simple rather than overcomplicating plans. He noted that Marco Jansen can be deployed in any phase and that the bowlers have responded well to the guidance. Bahutule concluded by stressing that the clarity created by Hopes helps players perform better, and that the approach has translated into consistent results.
He then spoke about Shreyas Iyer’s leadership—especially his calmness under pressure. Bahutule said he has followed Iyer’s development closely, pointing out that Iyer’s responsibility extends not only to himself but also to the group on the field and even to support staff and players not playing that day. He described Iyer as someone who builds rapport with each individual, understands how to get the best out of them, and remains composed so that his thought process stays clear during high-pressure moments.
In situations where players do not perform to their potential, Bahutule said Iyer still backs them, calms them and helps bring out the best. Bahutule added that, given how Iyer is handling the role, the captaincy future looks bright as well.
Asked whether maintaining winning momentum could add pressure, Bahutule acknowledged that at some stage teams are always under pressure. He referenced that Delhi Capitals’ recent match scenario—batting first rather than chasing—reflects how quickly situations can change, and he said Punjab Kings expect to face different circumstances where batters might not always get off to perfect starts.
Bahutule argued that Punjab Kings are equipped with depth in the batting order and that the pace and execution across phases—especially the middle and death—has been strong. He said each department understands what it needs to do and that the side will continue to rely on that collective comprehension as they move forward.
Delhi Capitals updates: Rehan Ahmed and Mitchell Starc
Delhi Capitals have announced Rehan Ahmed as Ben Duckett’s replacement for the remainder of IPL 2026. An official IPL media advisory stated that Rehan has been signed for INR 75 lakh. The 21-year-old right-arm leg-spinner has represented England across formats, featuring in five Tests, nine ODIs and 13 T20Is, and has taken 49 international wickets so far.
Duckett withdrew just before the season began, which was a blow for what would have been his maiden IPL campaign. The decision was linked to focusing on England commitments after a demanding Ashes tour. Delhi Capitals did not name an immediate replacement at that time and instead reshaped their batting combination, with Pathum Nissanka opening alongside KL Rahul.
Rehan, initially known for wrist-spin, has also made progress with the bat. In the 2025 County Championship for Leicestershire, he scored 760 runs at an average of 50.66, including five centuries, and took 23 wickets at 19 apiece. He also impressed during the 2026 T20 World Cup through his ability to break important partnerships. In England’s T20I setup, Rehan has taken 15 wickets in 13 matches and brings added franchise experience from leagues such as the Big Bash League and The Hundred.
Delhi Capitals also received a boost with Mitchell Starc joining the team camp after recovering from injury. The franchise confirmed the update on its official Instagram handle, announcing the arrival of the left-arm fast bowler ahead of their high-profile clash against unbeaten Punjab Kings in Match 35 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday.
However, Starc is unlikely to play against Punjab Kings. Instead, Delhi are viewing his return as a possible option for the fixture against Rajasthan Royals on May 1. The 36-year-old has been sidelined since late January due to shoulder and elbow issues that followed a heavy workload during the Ashes, where he was named Player of the Series after taking 31 wickets at an average of 19.93.
Starc had bowled more than 150 overs across five Tests before turning out for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. His most recent appearance came against Perth Scorchers, where he landed awkwardly while trying to complete a catch and injured his left shoulder and elbow. Even though he briefly resumed bowling later, lingering soreness delayed his IPL arrival. Delhi’s return to full strength will be a major lift for a side currently placed sixth and searching for consistency.
Shreyas Iyer’s landmark in sight
As Punjab Kings prepare to face their former franchise at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, captain Shreyas Iyer is nearing a significant IPL milestone. He needs just 61 more runs to reach 4,000 runs in the league.
The achievement could arrive with an emotional edge, given that Punjab Kings will play Delhi Capitals on Saturday at the venue. In 139 IPL matches so far, Iyer has accumulated 3,939 runs at an average of 34.85 and a strike rate of 135.26. His run tally includes 30 half-centuries, with a top score of 97 not out.
Iyer has also been in strong form this season, scoring 208 runs across five innings at an average of 52.00 and a strike rate of 182.45, including a best of 69 not out. For Punjab Kings, his impact has been even clearer, with 812 runs in 23 matches (22 innings) at an average of 50.75 and a strike rate of 176.90, featuring nine fifties and a highest score of 97 not out.
During his Kolkata Knight Riders stint from 2022 to 2024, he scored 752 runs in 29 matches and 28 innings, averaging 34.18 with a strike rate just above 140. That period included five half-centuries, with a best of 85.
His most productive phase in the IPL has come with Delhi Capitals, the franchise where he remains their fourth-highest run-scorer of all time. For DC, he has amassed 2,375 runs in 87 matches and innings at an average of 31.66 and a strike rate close to 124, including 16 fifties. His best score for the team stands at 96 not out.
Match preview: DC’s uphill task vs the top-placed Kings
Delhi Capitals will need an exceptional, near-flawless performance to revive their campaign when they take on the table-topping Punjab Kings on Saturday. The challenge already looks difficult for Axar Patel’s side after a comprehensive 47-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, followed by a meeting with a Punjab unit that has looked relentless throughout the season.
Delhi have managed three wins and three losses from six games and sit in sixth place, while Punjab Kings remain the only unbeaten team in the competition. They are comfortably on top with 11 points from six matches, with their only dropped point coming from a washed-out contest against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Delhi’s biggest concern remains inconsistency in batting. KL Rahul, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi have all contributed at different stages, but the lineup has rarely clicked as a collective. Opener Pathum Nissanka has given starts, yet often has not been able to convert them into large totals, leaving the middle order to rebuild and accelerate under pressure.
Axar Patel is also expected to contribute more with the bat. His tactical decisions have come under scrutiny, particularly in the previous match where Delhi struggled to respond to Abhishek Sharma from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Delhi persisted with part-time options such as Nitish Rana and did not get enough out of frontline bowlers like Axar himself and Kuldeep Yadav, raising questions about the clarity of their game plans.
With no clear “Plan B” emerging in pressure moments, Delhi’s difficulties have been further exposed. Fielding has also worsened their problems, with missed stumpings, dropped catches and unsuccessful run-out chances proving costly at key junctures, depriving them of control when it mattered most.
While the bowling has appeared steadier than the batting, it has not shown the bite and aggression needed to regularly dominate strong batting lineups. Against a powerful Punjab Kings batting group, Delhi’s bowlers will need far greater discipline, accuracy and proactive intent.
Punjab Kings, in contrast, have been operating like a well-functioning unit. Their batting depth and consistency were evident in their 254/7 against Lucknow Super Giants—the highest total of the season so far. At the top, Prabhsimran Singh is in blistering form with 211 runs, helping Punjab deliver explosive starts. Skipper Shreyas Iyer has matched that momentum with 208 runs at a strike rate of 182.45.
Priyansh Arya has also been a strong support with 211 runs, while Cooper Connolly’s 223 runs have given the order both stability and firepower. Their bowling has been equally collective, with Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett and Vyshak Vijaykumar all maintaining pressure across phases even without one single dominant wicket-getter leading from the front.
With momentum clearly on their side, Punjab Kings start as strong favourites. For Delhi Capitals, it will take a near-perfect outing across all three departments to stop the leaders’ charge and bring energy back into their own playoff push.
Match details
What: DC vs PBKS, IPL match
When: Saturday, April 25, 3:30 PM IST
Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
Captains: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS), Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals)
Standings: PBKS (top), DC (6th)
Squads
Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (captain), KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Karun Nair, David Miller, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Lungi Ngidi, Vipraj Nigam, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Kyle Jamieson, Rehan Ahmed.
Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Mitchell Owen, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad.
Hello and welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to the live coverage of IPL 2026 as Delhi Capitals host Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Punjab Kings, unbeaten so far, will look to extend their flawless run when they take on a Delhi side that has been inconsistent in the tournament.
The two teams arrive with contrasting records. Punjab Kings have won five of their six matches, with one no-result, and sit at the top of the table, while Delhi have three wins and three losses and are placed sixth. Punjab’s dominance has been driven by the steadiness of their combination, with Shreyas Iyer’s group using only 12 players this season—the fewest by any team—allowing roles to be clearly defined and execution to stay sharp.
Batting has been the standout area for Punjab Kings, with an overall run-rate of 11.3. They are joint-best in the powerplay at 11.3 and lead in the middle overs as well at 11 runs per over. With 69 sixes, the second-highest tally in the league, they have regularly kept opponents under pressure. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have set the tone at the top, with Arya striking at 248 and scoring 211 runs, including 152 runs in the powerplay at a strike rate of 258. Prabhsimran has also been impactful with 211 runs at an average of 52.8 and a strike rate of 187 against pace.
Together, the pair have carried momentum forward from IPL 2025, producing 197 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 221. Behind them, Cooper Connolly has emerged as a breakout, scoring 223 runs at 55.8 and showing maturity in rebuilding innings before accelerating. Shreyas Iyer, too, has been in fine form with three fifties so far, returning to the New Delhi venue where he previously led Delhi Capitals and even guided them to the 2020 final. This will be his first IPL appearance at the ground since 2019, and he will be keen to impress in front of familiar supporters.
Punjab’s bowling has clicked as a collective rather than depending on one standout spell. Arshdeep Singh has found rhythm again after a wicketless start, taking six wickets in his last three matches. Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett and Vyshak Vijaykumar have complemented him well, while leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal remains the key wicket-taking option in the middle overs. For Delhi Capitals to stop Punjab’s charge, they will have to narrow the gap between occasional individual moments and sustained team execution.
If Arya and Prabhsimran get another quick start, Delhi’s bowlers will face immediate pressure to strike early—an area Delhi have not consistently managed. Delhi’s powerplay batting strike rate of 8.7 is among the lowest in the competition, so much will depend on Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul setting a stronger tempo, particularly if the chase extends beyond 200.
Outside the top order, frequent reshuffles and rotating Impact Player selections have kept Delhi from settling on a stable combination. While David Miller has been effective in the death overs despite a rare miss in the last match, Tristan Stubbs still needs to overcome slow starts. With the ball, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to deliver together, something that has been rare this season. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, they each bowled only two overs, while Nitish Rana completed his full quota and was expensive. At the death, Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan have offered Delhi their most economical spells in overs 17–20, giving them their best chance of keeping Punjab’s power hitters under control.
As the match gets underway, another win for Punjab Kings would underline their best-ever IPL start, while a defeat for Delhi Capitals could drag them deeper into a tighter mid-table fight for the playoff places.
