Delhi Capital News: DC Predicted Playing XI vs MI

DC Predicted Playing XI vs MI: Sportsrush presents before you DC’s Predicted Playing XI for their first match of IPL 2019 vs MI.

The last time Delhi Capitals entered the knockout stage of the Indian Premier League was in 2012. Having reached the Top Four in 2008, 2009 and 2012, the then Daredevils had a productive three out of the first five IPL seasons.

That being said, what happened after 2012 is not hidden from anyone. In the next six IPL seasons, Delhi finished at the bottom two of the point table four times. Much like Royal Challengers Bangalore andtheir North Indian neighbors in Kings XI Punjab, DC is one of the three teams to have not won the IPL despite playing it since 2008.

The paper value of their batting unit is equivalent to a formidable squad. With a refurbished name this year, Delhi Capitals would be hoping to turn the table in IPL 2019. Below is Capitals’ Predicted Playing XI for their first match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai:

Top-order

The biggest development at the top of the order for DC is the inclusion of India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan. In what is a homecoming after nearly a decade, the southpaw looks enthralled by it. Given his experience, he has it in him to do wonders for the franchise.

Delhi Capitals are most likely to send Dhawan and Shaw to face the new ball. Shaw, who made his IPL debut last year, registered a couple of half-centuries and scored runs at a strike rate of 153.12. Having also made his national debut now, the 19-year old right-hand batsman will take the field as a more confident cricketer.

ALSO READ: Shikhar Dhawan appreciates Delhi Capitals for backing Shreyas Iyer as captain

Shreyas Iyer, who was announced the captain midway last year, will continue to lead the side. At No. 3, he will have a crucial role to play for Capitals.

Middle-order

ICC’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year Rishabh Pant is currently one of the most sought-after T20 batsman in the nation. Having ended the last season as its second-highest run-scorer, one expects him to continue belting the bowlers in IPL 2019.

Because Pant’s performance in IPL 2019 will be directly proportional to him flying to England for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, the 21-year old cricketer would be itching to go out there and prove a point.

Having played three games for Delhi in 2011, this will be Colin Ingram’s second stint in the IPL, albeit with the same franchise. Expected to bat at No. 5, Ingram will have to bat at a position lower than what he was recently batting at for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. Capitals would be wanting to count on his rich wealth of experience of playing in T20 leagues around the world.

Given the lack of bowling options in their top-order, Delhi Capitals would be looking to play all-rounders at No. 6 and No. 7. In Sherfane Rutherford and Axar Patel, Delhi have that base covered. It’s just that they would want both these players to play with more responsibility in both the divisions.

ALSO READ: Shikhar Dhawan believes Rishabh Pant as an asset

Bowlers

With Axar Patel as the left-arm spinner, Delhi Capitals’ spin-bowling department will be bolstered by the presence of T20 prodigy Sandeep Lamichhane. The presence of Lamichhane is likely to be confuse the team management regarding the second spinner.

While Amit Mishra will bring alongside him a lot of experience, his presence will constitute for three spinners who bring the ball into the left-handed batsman. If that does concern the Capitals, they might look at giving Jalaj Saxena an IPL debut in Mishra’s place.

Among the Indian fast bowlers, one out of Ishant Sharma and Harshal Patel will be favoured into the playing XI. The latter’s better bowling numbers and skills with the bat should press his case.

The spot for their overseas fast bowler will be contested between New Zealand’s Trent Boult and South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. Going by the numbers, Rabada betters Boult in the T20 format and might just be looked ahead of the Kiwi spearhead. Having said that, Delhi Capitals could opt for Boult in a bid to include variance in their bowling department.

DC’s Predicted Playing XI against MI – 1) Shikhar Dhawan 2) Prithvi Shaw 3) Shreyas Iyer (c) 4) Rishabh Pant (wk) 5) Colin Ingram 6) Sherfane Rutherford 7) Axar Patel 8) Harshal Patel 9) Kagiso Rabasa 10) Amit Mishra 11) Sandeep Lamichhane

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