Delhi Capitals. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is getting more intense as eight teams are still in contention for a playoff spot. Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are among the teams that are vying hard for a place in the last four. The two will meet for the first time this season on Sunday (May 12) and they will have no choice but to win.
Having won six out of 12 matches, DC are currently fifth on the points table. They have one more match left in the league stage, after the upcoming match against RCB. A win in both matches would take their points tally to 16 and almost seal a playoff spot. If they lose against RCB, it will be difficult for them to reach the next round as they will have to rely on the net run rate and the results of other teams.
The odds are tougher for RCB, who are currently seventh on the points table. A loss against DC would open the door to elimination for them. The points table scenario guarantees us a fierce battle at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, some changes are expected in the DC XI as captain Rishabh Pant will miss the match due to a one-match ban for maintaining a slow over rate.
Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of DC for the 62nd match of the IPL 2024 against RCB –
Openers: Jake Fraser-McGurk, David Warner (c)
Jake Fraser. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Jake Fraser-McGurk will be the main threat for RCB and they are definitely going to come up with some strategy to get him out early. The young Australian gets off to a good start with his ferocious hitting and inflicts maximum damage on the opposition in the first six overs. The right-hander has amassed 309 runs in seven innings at an average of 44.14 and a staggering strike rate of 235.88.
With Rishabh Pant set to miss the match, DC may be forced to bring in David Warner into the line-up and lead the side. Warner was a part of the team in the early stages but completely struggled to find runs. He will open the innings and look to regain his form at this crucial phase.
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Middle-order: Prithvi Shaw, Ricky Bhui, Abhishek Porel (wk), Tristan Stubbs
Abhishek Porel. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Rishabh Pant’s absence will force the management to make some changes to their winning combination. Prithvi Shaw is likely to bat at No. 3 as Warner bats in his usual opening position. Shaw is generally an opening batter and changing his batting position may give the team the desired results.
Ricky Bhui can be another forced inclusion and the Madhya Pradesh batter is likely to bat in Pant’s No. 4 position. He has played just four IPL matches to date and managed to score just 10 runs. This shows DC’s middle order has weakened without their regular skipper and RCB got an early advantage.
Abhishek Porel is an unsung hero of Capitals. A pure team man willing to take on any role as required. The left-hander has batted from positions one to six this season and has never failed to impress. He will also have to fill the void left by Rishabh Pant in the wicket-keeping role.
Tristan Stubbs is a vital part of the DC unit. The South African big-hitter, who often bats in the lower middle order, is right up there to deliver a fiery finish to the side. He can also chip in with some spin bowling and is a gun fielder on the boundary line.
All-rounders: Axar Patel
Axar Patel. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
When it comes to the economy, Axar Patel is always on the top list. The left-arm orthodox bowler has taken 10 wickets so far in 12 matches at an economy of just 7.33. He can take crucial wickets and dry runs in the middle overs of his opponents. Although his primary strength lies in bowling, Patel can also contribute significantly with his batting prowess.
Check Here: RCB vs DC Live Score, Match 62
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Lizaad Williams
Kuldeep Yadav. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Kuldeep Yadav has taken 14 wickets so far in the season. He is in fine form and is expected to play a crucial role in troubling the RCB batters with his left-arm wrist spin-bowling. He was impressive in the last game against RR, picking up two wickets at an economy of 6.20.
Mukesh Kumar is a key cog in DC’s pace-bowling department. The right-arm pacer, who operates mainly in the death overs, is currently the team’s leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps from eight innings. Khaleel Ahmed and Lizaad Williams are the other two pacers in the line-up. Both are expected to give DC an early breakthrough in the Powerplay.
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DC’s Predicted XI against RCB:
Jake Fraser-McGurk, David Warner (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ricky Bhui, Abhishek Porel (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Lizaad Williams
Impact Substitute: Rasikh Salam