IPL 2021: Delhi Capital's Predicted Playing XI Without Axar Patel For The First Match Against Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Delhi Capitals’ spin all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for coronavirus and is set to miss the first match against the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2021. Delhi will have to deal with the double blow as they will be missing the services of skipper Shreyas Iyer due to the shoulder injury he suffered and now Axar has been quarantined separately.

Rishabh Pant was named as the captain of the Delhi franchise for the upcoming edition and the South African quicks, Rabada, and Nortje are expected to miss the first game against CSK due to international duty. Here is Delhi Capitals’ Predicted playing XI without Axar Patel for the first match against Chennai Super Kings.

Delhi Capital’s Predicted Playing XI Without Axar Patel For The First Match:

Shikhar Dhawan:

Shikhar Dhawan was the leading run-scorer for Delhi Capitals in the previous edition and finished second in the list of most runs for the season with 618 runs in 17 games and he hit two consecutive centuries. With a lot of experience in the IPL, Dhawan will have a big role to play in the absence of Iyer and he provides the left-handed option at the top.

Prithvi Shaw:

Prithvi Shaw did not have the best of IPL in the last season but he has been in excellent form in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy and broke a lot of records. Shaw captained Mumbai to a title win in the tournament and finished as the highest run-scorer of the tournament. Shaw can demolish any bowling lineup when he is in good knick and he is expected to open alongside Dhawan at the top.

Steve Smith:

Steve Smith is expected to start ahead of Ajinkya Rahane as an overseas slot is available due to the proteas quicks arriving late. It is hard to place Rahane and Steve Smith in the playing XI together as they have the same strike rates in T20s and both can play the anchor role. In the absence of Iyer, Steve Smith is take the number three position unless Delhi opts to field without Smith.

Rishabh Pant:

Rishabh Pant will captain the Delhi franchise in the upcoming edition as the replacement for Shreyas Iyer and he is coming from a good form in the international series against England. He has taken his game to next level and he will be the number one pick in the playing XI. He can be the X-Factor that Delhi needs in their batting lineup and can play the finisher role too.

Shimron Hetmyer:

The West Indian left-hander captured big bucks in the last auction but he did find his best touch and had to be benched for a few games due to his poor outings. He can smash the spinners to all parts and if he can stay around for a long time, then the run rate is expected to increase at all ends. A lot will be expected from him in the upcoming edition after his dismal show last year.

Marcus Stoinis:

Probably, the best performer of the IPL last year for Delhi Capitals was Marcus Stoinis as he played a crucial part in taking the Delhi franchise to the finals last year. He can bat anywhere in the batting order and played the role of a finisher to perfection in the last IPL. He can provide breakthroughs at the right times and can be the death bowler as well.

Chris Woakes:

Chris Woakes has to be the number seven for Delhi in the absence of Rabada and Nortje and having missed the last IPL, he will be raring to make a mark this year. He has been part of the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past, and his numbers in the IPL have been decent. He is expected to play ahead of Tom Curran in the playing XI.

R Ashwin:

R Ashwin will be leading the spin attack and he will play an important part in the Delhi bowling setup. He was sensational in the previous IPL and contained the run flow at one end even if he is not taking wickets. He took 32 wickets in the recent test series against England and will be full of confidence while entering the field against CSK.

Amit Mishra:

Amit Mishra missed out in the last IPL due to injury concerns and he is expected to get the nod for the first game in place of Axar Patel who is quarantined after testing positive. Mishra is one of the best bowlers in the IPL history and the veteran still has the goods to deliver for the franchise. He has been a wicket-taking option always and it is not going to be different this time.

Ishant Sharma:

Ishant Sharma will be the spearhead of the pace attack and the experienced campaigner was unlucky to miss out last year after injury concerns. He has improved his bowling in the limited-overs format and provides a good option to attack with the new ball. The tall quick had a better IPL in 2019 and will be expected to continue his good work.

Umesh Yadav:

Umesh Yadav was released by the RCB team ahead of this IPL and the Delhi franchise had no confusion in picking up the Indian pacer. Umesh has been a regular for India in the test format and his testing lines can be a good option in the powerplay. He tends to go for runs but can be a wicket-taking bowler and hence he must be used wisely.