The everlasting Mumbai vs Delhi battle it set to take place on the cricket field today. Two cities with diverse cultures, different historical importance and the same passion for cricket will go on head to head in a high octane battle at the Wankhede.
In the commentary box last night, Gautam Gambhir very swiftly pointed out the age old rivalry between two cities. When a kid gets selected for the Ranji team of either city, the most important part of their initiation is inculcating that innate sense of ‘hatred’ towards the other city(Delhi or Mumbai).
There is pride and bragging rights at stake along with those precious 2 points.
Delhi Capitals have a new name and a new zest going into the IPL 2019. A strong Indian batting core for Delhi, buoyed by a very shrewd think tank in Ponting and Ganguly; DC would be hoping to finally change their fortunes this season.
Mumbai Indians are in that ‘odd year’ cycle, where they do perform well and go all the way. They had a forgetful season last time round, but Rohit Sharma and co. are charged up to fight for that elusive 4th IPL title.
Let’s get to business now.
Dream 11 Fantasy Prediction MI vs DC
Wicketkeeper
Rishabh Pant will be my wicketkeeper for the game. On a flat track at the Wankheded, the young, flamboyant Delhi boy could cause havoc tonight. Mumbai Indians could go in with either QDK or Ishan Kishan as their keeper. While QDK does sound like a good enough by, I would get him in only if MI bat first.
If DC bat second, Pant might be left with a little too much to do or maybe too little to do and hence you could leave him out in favour of QDK if DC bat second.
Bowlers
Jasprit Bumrah and McCleneghan would be my first two picks for this game. While Bumrah’s IPL and International record speaks for itself, McCleneghan has often emerged as Rohit Sharma’s trump card, especially at the death. Banging the ball in short has worked wonders for the Kiwi, running away with cheap wickets at the end.
He has 68 wickets in 51 matches, a wonderful return for someone worth 8.5 credits. Get him in.
Sandeep Lamichanne is going to by DC’s trump card this season, i.e. if they play him in all the games. Having Boult and Rabada in the squad, Lamichanne could struggle for game time, but his mystery could lead DC to the playoffs and Delhi need to find a way to squeeze him in. If they do, considering MI’s frailty against spin, get him in at all costs.
For the 4th bowling spot, I have decided to go in with Mayank Markande, who recently earned his first India cap. He was exceptional with the ball in the last season and will be leading the MI spin attack this time round as well.
All-Rounders
The Pandya brothers have been pivotal behind Mumbai Indians’ success over the past few years. Both have played for India and have largely cemented their places in the side(okay, maybe not Krunal). They should be able to bowl atleast 6 overs between themselves and get some handy lower order runs. Get the duo in.
Batsmen
Wankhede has generally been a flat track and hence you need to stack your team up with some top order batsmen from both sides.
Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw will be my first two picks as they are certain to bat in the top 4 and come at a budget price as well. For the next batting spot, it is going to be a straight shootout between Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma.
Now, getting in Shikhar would mean that you don’t have any top order batsman from MI, and while that logic isn’t quite sound, it helps you hedge your bets a little.
Getting in Dhawan would essentially mean, you have the entire DC top order to yourself, meaning a large chunk of the runs that DC score, come under your kitty.
It is a tricky choice, with no real solution. One logic that could maybe work is that you could leave Rohit out if DC play Boult, considering his frailties against quality left arm pace.
If you want to play it safe, get in Dhawan, else go in with Rohit.
Suraykumar Yadav would be my final pick for the day, but it is not certain if he is sure to feature yet, so we’ll have to wait for the toss to transfer him in. If he doesn’t play, you could get in Colin Munro. If he too doesn’t play, get in one from Boult or Rabada.
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Vice-Captain: Sandeep Lamichanne(if DC bowl first and there is no dew)/Chris Morris
Play Cricket Fantasy
Now, I already have Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant in my side for this game. With DC playing twice in two days; I would get in at least one DC player into my XI.
Shikhar Dhawan would be my first pick for this game. He has been in decent touch for the Indian team and is back home with his home IPL side. Sandeep Lamichanne could run through the MI middle order with his mystery spin. However, we are not quite sure if the DC think tank will unleash him from the word go. If they do, get him in for sure.
With no players from MI, I would have to make at least two transfer, as I don’t want to miss out on a high scoring game at the Wankhede.
Hardik Pandya would be my first pick for the game, if MI bat first, as he could set the ball rolling lower down the order and could chip in with a couple of wickets in the 2nd innings. I wouldn’t bring in Pandya, if MI bat second though.
QDK would be my second pick, considering he is coming off a good series against Sri Lanka and has always loved Indian conditions. He scored 3 fifties and a 100 in the SL series.
Captain: QDK(Captain)
