Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are all set to
clash on Thursday in the seventh match of IPL 2021, as the former look to record
their first victory in the tournament while the latter aim at keeping the
momentum going. The Royals saw a closely fought battle ultimately resulting in a loss against Punjab Kings earlier on Monday.

The Delhi Capitals recorded a smooth victory against Chennai
Super Kings with eight balls still left in hand, thanks to big scores from
Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan.

Both teams, however, would be facing issues related to injuries
and illness. Rajasthan will be missing the on-field service from England
all-rounder Ben Stokes, who sustained a finger fracture in the previous match
while attempting a catch.

Also read: Also read: Anrich Nortje, Delhi Capitals pacer, tests positive for COVID-19

DC, on the other hand, would be going into the match without
their two South African pacers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada, as COVID-19
test reports for both speedsters still remain awaited, as per a PTI report.

The match would see a clash between Prithvi Shaw and Sanju Samson,
two wicketkeeper-batsmen at the helm of the two sides, as the match promises to
be a banger.

A solid opening pair between Shaw and Dhawan might prove to
be a problem for RR bowlers, who would need to ensure a breakthrough early in
the match as well as regular dismissals to keep themselves in the game, considering
the depth of the DC batting unit, extending all the way to Chris Woakes in the
lower-middle order.

Also read: IPL 2021: DC skipper Rishabh Pant wishes for ‘bubble-free life’

The opening slot for Royals, significantly, has been a cause
for concern throughout the last two seasons. The latest pair of openers for the
team have been Ben Stokes and Manan Vohra.

Stokes’ departure has hit the side hard in this front as
well, with the team management having to chose between 27-year-old English
batsman Liam Livingstone and South African power hitter David Miller.

Head-to-head, Delhi Capitals, formerly Delhi Daredevils, has
played a total of 22 matches against Rajasthan Royals till now, wherein both sides
have registered 11 wins each until now.

Also read: IPL 2021: Manish Pandey under spotlight after poor shot selection in RCB vs SRH match

Thursday’s match, therefore, is sure to tilt the stats in favour
of the winning side after the match.