Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host the unbeaten Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match No. 24 of the ongoing at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday, April 10. With both sides in high spirits, DC at second place and RCB right behind in third, this clash could dictate the beginning of the battle for the top two spots.

Rajat Patidar’s RCB are coming off three impressive away wins in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. However, their home form remains underwhelming, with their only loss this season coming at Chinnaswamy against the Gujarat Titans. But with a clinical bowling unit and strong middle-order, particularly from Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David, they will be looking to put things right at home.

On the other hand, DC is the only unbeaten side so far and looks the most balanced unit. Their bowling attack has been led by Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav, and has been top-notch, while the batting has clicked as a unit. The familiarity with the Chinnaswamy conditions for players like KL Rahul, Starc, and Faf du Plessis gives them a sense of confidence.

• Suyash Sharma – The only specialist spinner on their side, Sharma has played three games so far and picked just one wicket. However, he has been economical and controlled the middle overs. Patidar will once again bank on the youngster to create an impact.

• Rasikh Dar Salam – Acquired for INR 6 crore, Dar was expected to be a regular starter, but hasn't gotten regular opportunities. Playing two games so far, he has conceded 35 runs and picked a wicket against KKR. The pacer can be utilised if the management feels to play an additional pacer.

• Swastik Chikara – The 20-year-old, who impressed many with his heroics in the UP T20 League, is yet to make his IPL debut. With a strong Indian core at the top, Chikara might be substituted only if the team requires some firepower in the end.

• Romario Shepherd– The strong West Indian all-rounder, who can clear fences at ease, can come in handy if the team feels like playing him in place of the out-of-form Liam Livingstone.

• Mukesh Kumar – The right-hand bowler has been clinical whenever brought into attack and hasn't conceded many runs. In three games played, he has picked up two wickets and will share the new ball with Mitchell Starc.

• Donovan Ferreira – The South African all-rounder was a sight to watch in the SA20. However, at this time, he hasn't found a place. But he could make it to cut by replacing Jake Fraser-McGurk, who hasn't fired the way he was expected to.

• Karun Nair - Coming off a brilliant domestic season, Nair is yet to play the first game of this season. Looking at the team combination and balance, the veteran batter's chances look limited. Nevertheless, he could be utilised at the top-order, opening the innings, which he has done in the majority of his IPL career.  

• T Natarajan– Natarajan could find a place in place of Mohit Sharma and be effective in both Powerplay and the death overs. The left-arm pacer has been an injury-prone player, due to which he often doesn't find a spot in the XI.

• Home Advantage: Out of the 10 teams, RCB has the worst record at home, having won 43 out 91.

• Recent Form: Both RCB and DC are currently playing exceptional cricket, placed second and third in the points table.

• Balanced Side: The two sides are balanced, and it is expected to be an even contest.

• Considering these factors, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals have an equal chance of winning this game.