Predicting Delhi Capitals’ Playing XI for their encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders

Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders will face off in the 16th match of IPL 2024 at the VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Both teams are coming off a victory in their last game. KKR toppled RCB at their home ground by 7 wickets with 19 balls to spare, whereas DC also grounded the table toppers CSK by 20 runs in a one-sided affair. 

While KKR is sitting comfortably at the 2nd spot in the points table after 2 games, DC on the other hand has been languishing at the 7th spot as they have lost 2 out of the three games they have played so far.  

DC’s batting clicked in the last game with the change in the opening pair after the inclusion of Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant also scoring his first fifty after the horrific accident. However, Delhi have still much to ponder with regards to their middle-order which is the most vulnerable of all the teams in the tournament. 

DC would like to further strengthen their middle-order and at the same time would expect their heavy top order to fire with one of the top four to stay at the crease till the end. In this article, let’s try to decipher what could be the probable playing XI for Delhi against KKR which could provide them with the much-needed balance. 

Here is the probable playing XI of Delhi against KKR including a substitute as an Impact player: 

Top Order 

1. Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw wasn’t included in Delhi’s playing XI for the initial two matches which raised many eyebrows questioning the reasoning behind the move. However, sanity prevailed as he was included in the 3rd game against CSK, and he proved his well-wishers right by scoring a quick-fire 43 off just 27 balls including 4 boundaries and 2 sixes.  

2. David Warner

David Warner is one of the IPL legends as he is among the top 5 highest run-getters in the history of IPL. However, David Warner was scoring runs in the previous season as well but his strike rate was an issue this season in the initial two matches, Warner has gotten his groove back and is scoring runs at the same pace with which he used to in the past.  

3. Mitchell Marsh 

Mitchell Marsh is another important cog of the Delhi Capitals line-up. Although the explosive Australian all-rounder hasn’t been fired yet in this year’s IPL he has got the starts and DC would like him to convert his starts into a big score. Also, his all-round abilities give an additional bowling option to Rishabh Pant. 

Middle-Order 

1. Rishabh Pant

Apart from the win, the other biggest takeaway for DC from the last match’s win was Rishabh Pant’s half-century. Pant looked a bit out of the color in the first two matches which was expected given the injury he was coming from but his breaking the shackles in the last match and hitting a brisk half-century would have given DC fans and management some respite. 

2. Tristan Stubbs 

Tristian Stubbs has had a hot and cold season so far. The South African batter played a decent knock in the 2nd game against RR but failed to impress in the other two matches. However, fans and the management are aware of his hard-hitting prowess but he is still to prove himself in the IPL and this might be the chance for him before the DC management decides to take a call on him. 

3.  Axar Patel

Axar Patel has been in sublime form for the past year or so both at the international level and in the IPL but this year he hasn’t impressed with the bat so far. He looked a bit out of touch with the bat whereas with the ball he has been decent so far. He has been economical with the ball in the middle order however, his wicket-taking ability has taken a hit. 

Bowlers 

1. Kuldeep Yadav 

Kuldeep Yadav missed the last match due to a back spasm and is expected to make a comeback into the playing XI against KKR. Kuldeep Yadav has been an integral part of DC’s bowling line-up and one of their major wickets taking weapons in the middle order. He’s one of the rare breeds of left-arm spinners in cricket which makes him an integral member of the playing XI. 

2. Anrich Nortje 

Anrich Nortje has not been quite expensive at the death in the last two matches which has been a cause of worry for DC but given his sheer pace and the novelty he brings to his Delhi bowling line-up; they would look to continue with him further would hope that comes back to his old self at the death.   

3. Ishant Sharma

Ishan Sharma has been an IPL veteran and played the limited role which he has been given quite well. He has the onus to do the hard yards and bowl well in the powerplay, which he has done quite well. DC would be hoping that he can keep his fitness together for the entire season. 

 4. Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar bowled exceptionally well in the last match against CSK. He chipped in with 3 crucial wickets in the last game during the middle overs which broke the backbone of CSK’s chase. DC hoped he would repeat his performance against KKR as well. 

5. Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed was the mainstay of DC’s bowling line-up in the last game. He jolted CSK’s run chase by picking both their openers and bowled with great control over his line and length. Khaleel has utilized any swing if available to his favor quite well and again strives to repeat his last match heroics. 

6. Rasikh Salam

Rasikh Salam played his first game for DC this season against CSK. Although he didn’t have a great outing and went for 25 runs in his 2 overs it’s still early days for the youngster and DC would back him to give another go against KKR in the next game. 

Impact Player 

1. Abishek Porel

Abhishek Porel could very well be used as an impact sub by the DC. He showed glimpses of his talent against PBKS where he took down Harshal Patel for 24 runs in the last over. DC would like to back him and would again expect them to give a blasting finish like the last game.

 

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