IPL 2020: Match 7: Chennai Super Kings Vs Delhi Capitals: DC Predicted Playing XI

Delhi Capitals made a perfect start to their IPL 2020 campaign by sidelining Kings XI Punjab in Dubai on Sunday. Delhi Capitals remained on the brink of losing the match after making 157 from being on the back foot. They clinched the game in the super over after Kagiso Rabada produced an exceptional bowling performance.

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On Friday, Delhi Capitals will square off in their second game against Chennai Super Kings. The latter faced a narrow defeat against the Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah after conceding a monster total of 216 in a dewy track. Hence, with one win and a loss, MS Dhoni’s men will want to show some consistency.

We take a look at the predicted playing XI of Delhi Capitals ahead of their IPL game against CSK:

Prithvi Shaw:

Prithvi Shaw was in a reasonably good form in the last season; however, could not be the same in Delhi Capitals’ first game. Delhi Capitals needed Prithvi Shaw to get going to have a good start after Kings XI Punjab put them to bat.

Instead, the swashbuckling young batsman scored only a boundary amongst his five runs, facing nine deliveries. Shaw will most likely retain his spot against CSK; however, need to make his chance count.

Shikhar Dhawan:

Shikhar Dhawan is one of the best T20 batsmen and when at this best is a sight to behold. Shikhar Dhawan’s form was excellent last season; however, like his opening partner, could not get going against Mohammed Shami’s ruthless bowling.

Kings XI Punjab’s keeper and skipper KL Rahul dropped him behind the stumps; however, threw the ball on time to run out Dhawan. The southpaw needs to step up in the second game with Ajinkya Rahane waiting in the wings too.

Shimron Hetymer:

West Indian batsman Shimron Hetmyer was yet another batsman, who could not get going in the first game. Shimron Hetmyer, who played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore last time, featrued for the Delhi-based franchise this year.

Shimron Hetmyer was one of the three victims of Mohammed Shami, who bowled in a different league in that game. The left-handed batsman could also bat down the order, playing as a finisher to pile the pressure on the opposition.

Shreyas Iyer (c):

Skipper Shreyas Iyer was the second-highest run-scorer for the Delhi Capitals against Kings XI Punjab. Shreyas Iyer shared a stand of 73 for the fifth wicket along with Rishabh Pant after the opposition struck three early blows.

Iyer’s 39 put the Capitals’ innings on track; however, he lost his wicket when looking to cut loose. As a skipper, the right-handed batsman needs to make it big and play some match-defining knocks consistently.

Rishabh Pant (wk):

Rishabh Pant made 31 off 29 deliveries in the Capitals’ opening game against Kings XI Punjab, putting on 73 along with Shreyas Iyer for the fifth wicket. Rishabh Pant stepped into the middle at 13-3 and is the perfect batsman, who could counterattack.

The southpaw did counterattack for a brief period; however, he lost his wicket to rookie spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Pant has begun his campaign promisingly and must carry on to erase any doubts about him as India’s first-choice keeper-batsman in limited-overs cricket.

Marcus Stoinis:

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis played a massive part in Delhi Capitals’ come-from-behind victory in the first game. Firstly, Marcus Stoinis smashed 53 off 21 deliveries to lift the Delhi Capitals above a competitive total of 157.

With 13 required off the final over, the 31-year old forced a super over by taking a wicket off the final delivery. For Stoinis’ all-round efforts, he received the man of the match award. It was indeed a scintillating turnaround of form following a lean series against England.

Axar Patel:

Axar Patel scored only six runs with the bat, being a handy batsman lower down the order. However, with the ball, the left-arm spinner took one scalp and conceded only 14 runs off his four overs. With yet another slow wicket expected, Axar Patel will likely retain his spot.

Ravichandran Ashwin:

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bowled a brilliant first over in his debut for Delhi Capitals, that yielded two wickets for two runs. However, in the last delivery, Ravichandran Ashwin injured his shoulder while trying to stop the ball, diving.

He could not bowl after that; however, the 34-year old declared that his shoulder is beginning to heal. While it is unlikely that the Delhi Capitals’ camp will risk him, against a strong CSK side, they might also play Ashwin.

Kagiso Rabada:

Kagiso Rabada continued from where he left off the last season and began the season brilliantly. Kagiso Rabada took two crucial wickets of Glenn Maxwell and Krishnappa Gowtham to derail the run chase of Kings XI Punjab.

Rabada finished with figures of 4-0-28-2 and delivered another two wickets in the super over only for three runs. The South African speedster will also retain his place and would be amongst the three pacemen.

Anrich Nortje:

Anrich Nortje took the new ball and bowled with venom to discomfort the opening pair of the Kings XI Punjab. Anrich Nortje, who came in for Chris Woakes, is fair to say that the management made the correct choice. Nortje will also keep his place for the second game.

Mohit Sharma:

Mohit Sharma shared the new ball along with Anrich Nortje and bowled exceptionally well in the early part of the innings. Mohit Sharma plucked the wicket of captain KL Rahul with an inswinger; however, went expensive at the death. The veteran seamer finished with figures of 4-0-45-1; however, will retain his spot against Chennai Super Kings.

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