RR vs DC IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) enter IPL 2025 with high expectations, each boasting a mix of youth and experience. RR, led by the explosive Sanju Samson, has built a team filled with power hitters and world-class spinners. Meanwhile, DC, with KL Rahul at the helm, has stacked their squad with proven T20 performers and some of the best bowlers in the tournament.
With both teams eyeing the IPL 2025 trophy, let’s dive into a detailed squad comparison to see which side holds the upper hand.
Overall Record in IPL History
| Matches Played | RR Wins | DC Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | 15 | 14 |
RR has a slight edge historically, but every season brings a fresh challenge.
1.) Batting Comparison
Openers
RR has a strong opening duo in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Jaiswal is one of India’s most exciting young batters, while Samson can accelerate from ball one.
DC, on the other hand, will likely open with KL Rahul and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Rahul is an anchor who can shift gears when needed, while Fraser-McGurk is a fearless young batter known for his attacking play.
Comparison Verdict:
- RR’s opening duo is more aggressive from the start.
- DC has more stability, with Rahul anchoring the innings.
Middle Order
RR’s middle order consists of Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Rana. Hetmyer is a reliable finisher, while Parag and Jurel have shown glimpses of brilliance.
DC boasts a powerful middle order with Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs, and Faf du Plessis. Brook is an explosive batter, Stubbs adds flair, and du Plessis brings experience and composure.
Comparison Verdict:
- DC’s middle order is stronger with proven T20 match-winners.
- RR has firepower but relies heavily on Hetmyer.
Big Hitters & Finishers
RR relies on Hetmyer, Samson, and Jurel to finish games. Hetmyer’s strike rate in the death overs is among the best in the IPL, while Jurel is a rising finisher.
DC counters with Tristan Stubbs, Faf du Plessis, and Axar Patel. Stubbs is a dangerous finisher, and Axar can add valuable runs in the lower order.
Comparison Verdict:
- RR has explosive finishers but lacks depth.
- DC has a more well-rounded finishing unit.
2.) All-Rounders Comparison
RR’s all-rounders include Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Riyan Parag. Hasaranga is an elite spin-bowling all-rounder, and Parag provides an extra batting option.
DC has Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, and Donovan Ferreira. Axar is a dependable all-rounder, Starc adds a left-arm pace option, and Ferreira is an exciting finisher.
Comparison Verdict:
- RR has more spin-focused all-rounders.
- DC has a better balance between batting and bowling all-rounders.
3.) Bowling Comparison
Pace Attack
RR’s pace unit features Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Akash Madhwal. Archer’s raw pace is a game-changer, while Madhwal and Deshpande are reliable Indian pacers.
DC has Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, and Dushmantha Chameera. Starc is one of the best white-ball bowlers, Natarajan is a death-overs specialist, and Mohit Sharma brings experience.
Comparison Verdict:
- DC has the best T20 pacer in Starc.
- RR relies on Archer’s fitness and form.
Spin Attack
RR’s spin department includes Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Kumar Kartikeya. Hasaranga is a wicket-taker, Theekshana provides control, and Kartikeya adds variety.
DC counters with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Kuldeep has been in sensational form, and Axar is among the best left-arm spinners in T20 cricket.
Comparison Verdict:
- RR has a stronger spin attack with wicket-taking options.
- DC has fewer options but world-class quality in Kuldeep and Axar.
Overall Squad Balance
| Category | RR Strengths | DC Strengths |
| Openers | Explosive (Jaiswal, Samson) | Steady & reliable (Rahul, Fraser-McGurk) |
| Middle Order | Power-hitters (Hetmyer, Parag) | Experience & stability (Brook, du Plessis) |
| Finishers | Hetmyer is elite, but lacks support | Stubbs & Axar provide depth |
| All-Rounders | Strong spin all-rounders (Hasaranga) | Balanced unit (Axar, Starc, Ferreira) |
| Pace Attack | Archer leads, but fitness is key | Starc & Natarajan dominate |
| Spin Attack | Quality depth (Hasaranga, Theekshana) | Kuldeep & Axar provide control |
Weaknesses
RR
- Over-reliance on Hetmyer in the middle order.
- Archer’s injury concerns leave their pace attack vulnerable.
- Lack of finishing power beyond Hetmyer.
DC
- Over-dependence on Rahul as the anchor.
- Lack of an aggressive lower-middle order batter beyond Stubbs.
- Spin attack lacks depth beyond Kuldeep and Axar.
RR vs DC IPL 2025 Probable Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Delhi Capitals (DC):
KL Rahul (C), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Harry Brook, Faf du Plessis, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar.
- Batting: DC’s middle order is stronger, while RR has a more explosive top order.
- Bowling: DC dominates in pace with Starc, while RR holds the edge in spin.
- All-Rounders: RR’s all-rounders are spin-heavy, while DC has better balance.
- Squad Balance: DC has a more complete lineup, but RR has the X-factor with Archer and Hasaranga.
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