The Indian Premier League 2026 heads to the batting paradise of Hyderabad as the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) host the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 31st match of the season on April 21.

Match 31 of the IPL 2026 season will be a test between an explosive SRH batting unit against a seasoned bowling attack of the Delhi Capitals in this high-scoring venue.

Sunrisers Hyderabad come into this game on the back of a thrilling win against CSK. On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals will look to build on their recent victory over RCB and climb higher in the standings.

In terms of the points table, SRH are placed 4th with three wins and three defeats from 6 matches. DC are 5th with three wins and two defeats from 5 matches. It is a battle for top-four supremacy as the race for the playoffs begins.

DC will bank on their spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel to target SRH’s middle order. Meanwhile, they also have a sound pace attack, which will look to stop SRH’s front three. DC also have a sound experience in the middle order, especially with the presence of Axar, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller.

SRH’s regular skipper Pat Cummins will continue being absent until a target return date of April 25. So SRH will once again count upon Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga and their uncapped Indian unit featuring Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge for fireworks with the ball.

What is the H2H Record Between SRH and DC?

This rivalry is one of the most balanced in the IPL. Across their 26 meetings, the record is neck-and-neck. Sunrisers Hyderabad have claimed 13 wins, with DC managing a total of 12 wins. One game didn’t have a result. In 7 clashes at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the result stands at 3-3. One match didn’t have a result.

Probable XI of Both Teams

SRH Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (captain), Aniket Verma, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora (wk), Liam Livingstone / Dilshan Madushanka, Shivang Kumar, Eshan Malinga, Pravin Hinge. Impact Player: Sakib Hussain.

DC Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar. Impact Player: T Natarajan.

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: Venue Insights

Established in 2003 and located in Uppal, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is renowned for its batter-friendly character and passionate crowds. With a capacity of around 55,000, it offers an electric atmosphere during IPL nights. The ground features relatively shorter boundaries — square boundaries around 66-69 meters and straight boundaries about 69-71 meters — combined with a quick outfield that rewards clean striking.

What is the Pitch Like at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?

If you’re looking for a run-fest, Pitch No. 2 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is the place to be. This specific strip has gained a reputation as a nightmare for bowlers and a paradise for power hitters, especially during evening matches. The pedigree of this surface is undeniable. As per ESPNcricinfo, it was on this very deck that the Sunrisers shattered records with a massive 277 against the Mumbai Indians in 2024. Its flat nature was further proven last season when SRH posted a towering 286 against the Rajasthan Royals during a day game.

While the track is primarily a batting paradise, it can offer some assistance to spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Shivang Kumar as the game progresses, especially in the middle overs. The surface tends to stay consistent but may slow slightly under the lights, offering a hint of grip for those who vary their pace.

It’s expected to be a hot evening in Hyderabad, with captains likely favouring batting first to set a daunting total, though chasing remains viable if dew is minimal.

Key Stats & Records at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

The highest team total is posted by 287/3 by SRH vs MI (2024), followed by 286/6 in 2025. 80 all out by Delhi Capitals vs SRH (2013) is the lowest score.

David Warner owns the most runs at this venue. He scored 1623 runs. Among active players, Klaasen owns 775 runs at a sensational 55.35. He owns one hundred and 4 fifties.

Among bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar owns 48 wickets.

SRH vs DC: Weather Forecast

Expect a warm to hot Hyderabad evening typical of late April. Daytime highs can touch 38-40°C, cooling to around 26-28°C by match time (7:30 PM start). Humidity will be moderate (around 40-50%). There is no rain threat, ensuring a full contest. The dew factor is generally low in Hyderabad during peak summer evenings, reducing any major advantage for the second innings.

SRH vs DC: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

Hyderabad’s surface will make this a boundary-hitting contest. SRH’s explosive opening pair of Head and Sharma gives them a clear edge in a high-scoring shootout at home. Not to forget the presence of an Ishan Kishan and the reliable Heinrich Klaasen.

DC’s strength lies in their middle-order finishers like David Miller and Stubbs, besides the tactical spin of Axar and Kuldeep. If the pitch offers even a modicum of grip, DC’s bowlers are better equipped to squeeze the run rate. However, on a flat deck, the advantage lies with the side that wins the toss and bats first to post 210+, putting immense psychological pressure on the case.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

What is the par score at Hyderabad?

For the 2026 season, a par score at this venue is 190–200. Anything above 215 is considered a match-winning total.

Who is the captain for SRH?

Ishan Kishan is leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2026 season.

Is the pitch good for spinners?

Moderately. It offers some turn and grip as the match wears on, particularly for wrist-spinners, but the short boundaries make it high-risk if the length is inconsistent.

Does dew affect the game?

Minimal. Hyderabad evenings usually see low dew, so the pitch behavior remains relatively consistent between innings.