IPL 2026: Madhav Tiwari's slower balls help DC restrict RR to 193/8
Synopsis
Rajasthan Royals were coasting at 160/2 after 14 overs before Delhi Capitals' bowling attack — led by Mitchell Starc's 4/40 and Madhav Tiwari's cunning slower balls — triggered a stunning six-wicket collapse for 33 runs. The 19-year-old Tiwari, in just his second IPL appearance, is already shaping DC's death-bowling plans with a four-variation arsenal he has been quietly developing all season.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan Royals posted 193/8 against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 on 17 May at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi .
Mitchell Starc took 4/40 , removing Riyan Parag , Donovan Ferreira , Ravi Singh , and Dasun Shanaka in a decisive spell.
Madhav Tiwari dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey using slower-ball variations suited to the gripping pitch.
RR collapsed for six wickets for 33 runs in the final six overs after looking set for 220-plus at 160/2 after 14 overs.
Lungi Ngidi also contributed with clever variations to seal the bowling fightback.
Madhav Tiwari, Delhi Capitals' young seam-bowling all-rounder, credited the gripping nature of the Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch for his effective use of slower deliveries, as Delhi Capitals staged a remarkable bowling fightback to restrict Rajasthan Royals to 193/8 in IPL 2026 on Sunday, 17 May in New Delhi. The Royals had looked destined for a total well beyond 220 before losing six wickets for just 33 runs in the final six overs.
How the Momentum Shifted
At 160/2 after 14 overs, Rajasthan Royals were cruising. The innings turned on a brief stoppage for medical attention to Riyan Parag, who had blazed a 23-ball fifty. DC captain Axar Patel recalled Mitchell Starc, who had conceded 28 runs in his first two overs, and the Australian left-armer responded emphatically. Starc's 15th over removed Parag, Donovan Ferreira, and Ravi Singh in quick succession, before he also dismissed impact player Dasun Shanaka to finish with figures of 4/40.
Tiwari's Key Contributions
Tiwari, who had already impressed on his IPL debut against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, once again made his mark — this time dismissing the dangerous Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey. His ability to vary pace proved decisive on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers who used their variations intelligently.
'Coming into this IPL season, I just thought that I'm gonna take in four or five variations with me and I'm gonna back them throughout the season. So, I have been working on them, and hopefully, the results are helping in my favor,' Tiwari said in a mid-innings chat with broadcasters.
'I guess there was a bit of help from the wicket. It was gripping, and so I thought that I could use more of them. I was just looking to put myself in a high-pressure situation in the nets themselves. So bowling to Miller and bowling to Ashutosh and KL helped me. I was just trying to figure out how I'm gonna bowl against these batsmen, which is gonna help me in this tournament,' he added.
Ngidi Seals the Comeback
Lungi Ngidi closed out the Royals' innings with clever variations of his own, helping DC complete a stunning late-innings squeeze. The collapse of six wickets for 33 runs across the final six overs transformed what had been a commanding Royals position into a chaseable target.
DC's Chase Target and Outlook
With 193 on the board, Delhi Capitals face a stiff but achievable chase as they look to end their home leg on a high. Tiwari expressed confidence in his side's ability to get the job done. 'I think we'll get it,' he said, before adding with a smile that he would 'have to ask' his family about their reaction to his performances. Notably, this match represents a critical juncture in DC's campaign, with the home crowd at Arun Jaitley Stadium backing them to seal the win.
Point of View
And a teenager who arrives with a pre-planned four-variation arsenal — and the composure to execute it under match pressure — is a rare find. Starc's 4/40 will grab the headlines, but it was Tiwari's ability to read the pitch and adapt in real time that gave DC control before Starc came back. If the pitch at Arun Jaitley continues to grip, expect Tiwari to be DC's go-to option in the middle overs for the remainder of the home leg.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What score did Rajasthan Royals post against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 on 17 May?
Rajasthan Royals were restricted to 193/8 by Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on 17 May 2026. The Royals had appeared on course for a much larger total before a late collapse of six wickets for 33 runs in the final six overs.
How did Madhav Tiwari perform in the IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals?
Madhav Tiwari dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey using slower-ball variations, exploiting the gripping nature of the Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch. He credited focused net sessions against high-quality batsmen for sharpening his four-to-five variation repertoire this season.
What were Mitchell Starc's figures against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026?
Mitchell Starc finished with figures of 4/40, removing Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Ravi Singh, and Dasun Shanaka in a match-turning spell. He was recalled by captain Axar Patel after conceding 28 runs in his first two overs and responded decisively.
Who is Madhav Tiwari and why is he significant for Delhi Capitals?
Madhav Tiwari is a young seam-bowling all-rounder who made his IPL debut against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala earlier in IPL 2026. He has quickly established himself as a key bowling option for Delhi Capitals, combining pace variations with lower-order batting contributions.
Can Delhi Capitals chase down 194 against Rajasthan Royals?
Delhi Capitals need 194 to win the IPL 2026 match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Tiwari expressed confidence in the chase, saying 'I think we'll get it' after the mid-innings break, as DC look to close their home leg on a winning note.
