IPL 2021 Playoffs, DC vs KKR (Qualifier 2) preview: Kolkata out to end Delhi's bid for maiden title
By Ayush Gupta | First Published Oct 12, 2021, 1:52 PM ISTDelhi Capitals is out to win its maiden IPL title but would have to go through Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 of the Playoffs in Sharjah on Wednesday, as we present the match preview here.
It would be another exciting clash on the cards, as Delhi Capitals (DC) takes on former champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Qualifier 2 of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) Playoffs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. While DC is fighting to win its maiden IPL title, KKR aims for its third, as we present the match preview of this compelling encounter.
Current form
DC had finished atop the table but lost its Qualifier clash to second-placed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Dubai on Sunday. As for KKR, it finished fourth and managed to tame third-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Dubai on Monday.
Latest Videos
LIVE SCORECARD: IPL 2021 Playoffs, DC vs KKR (Qualifier 2)
Team composition
Considering the teams, DC has an equitably adjusted side and has uniformly assigned star players across departments, making it one of the most proportional sides in the tournament. Admittedly, it would be the team to beat, and KKR won't have it easy.
In the meantime, KKR is famous for its bowling. Its top-order has been a pain for the bowlers, mainly openers Shubman Gill and uncapped Venkatesh Iyer, along with Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana. The trend would continue, with a careful locus on skipper Eoin Morgan, whose form is unstable. At the same time, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson and Prasidh Krishna are sure to draw attention.
Catch all IPL 2021 updates here
Injury concerns: Although DC has no injury concerns, it would be interesting to see if Andre Russell and Prasidh Krishna are match fit, struggling with minor injuries.
Head-to-head
The two sides have met each other on 29 instances, with KKR leading 15-13, while in 28 IPL encounters, KKR holds a lead of 15-12. Both have won a couple each in the four United Arab Emirates (UAE) contests, while both have won a piece in the two Sharjah games.
ALSO READ: IPL 2021 playoffs, RCB vs KKR (Eliminator): Here's what Virat Kohli said on his Bangalore future
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Sharjah would again be sultry, with an expected temperature of 37 degrees and 36% humidity. The track would remain slow as usual, but the shorter boundaries could tempt the batters.
Probable XI
DC: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Ravichandran Ashwin, Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje.
KKR: Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Eoin Morgan (c), Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Shakib Al Hasan, Lockie Ferguson/Andre Russell and Varun Chakravarthy.
Fantasy XI
Batters: Dhawan (c), Rana, Tripathi, Shaw, Gill- Dhawan, Shaw and Gill are the perfect top-order dominators, while Tripathi and Rana would consolidate in the middle. Dhawan's reliability makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeepers: Pant- He outlasts Karthik in the department, as he is the man in form.
All-rounders: Narine, Russell- Narine is in deadly form with his mysterious spins, while if Russell is fit, he would be willing to contribute in all departments.
Bowlers: Avesh (vc), Rabada, Chakravarthy- Avesh and Rabada have been compatible with their pace, while the former's consistency makes him the deputy captain. In the meantime, Chakravarthy would come in handy with his economical spin bowling.
Match details
Date and day: October 13, 2021 (Wednesday)
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
subscribe to Asianet Newsable WhatsApp channel by clicking here. For more reliable and latest news
subscribe to Asianet Newsable Telegram channel by clicking here.