IPL 2021 preview: Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings set for intense clash to resume winning momentum
The 2021 Indian Premier League is the 14th edition of the profitable Twenty20 league. Both Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings have never won the title to date, with both finishing as runner-up on an occasion. While Rishabh Pant leads DC, KL Rahul heads PBKS.
FollowIt's been a week since the commencement of the Indian Premier League 2021 and there have been no shortages of thrillers. Meanwhile, Match 11 would witness Delhi Capitals going head-on with Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.
Both the teams are in the hunt for their maiden IPL title. As they look for a change in fortunes this season, an intense clash is expected here while we present the match preview.
Current form
Both sides have played a couple of games in IPL 2021 so far, winning and losing each. Once again, both are on equal terms here and would look to start afresh.
Team combination
DC has somewhat a balanced side, with a tide focus on its batting. With enough capped talents in the batting department, DC would be eyeing high scores to pile pressure on the opposition batting.
As for PBKS, it has a balanced side as well. However, with more capped players in the batting, it too would look to score big. Consequently, both teams would aim to exploit each other's bowling attack.
Injury concerns
The sides do not have any fresh injury concerns for now. However, DC would be without all-rounder Axar Patel, who is recovering from the COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, DC pacer Anrich Nortje returns, having recovered from the same disease.
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Head-to-head
In the 26 games between the two to date, PBKS has won 15, with DC winning 11. Of the 22 games in India, PBKS leads 13-9. It would be their first clash in Mumbai.
Weather and pitch report
The Mumbai weather would be hot, with a temperature around 34 degrees and 58% of humidity. As for the track, it would remain sporty throughout, with some assistance for the seamers. However, keeping the dew factor in mind, bowling first would be ideal.
Probable XI
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Chris Woakes, R Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Avesh Khan.
PBKS: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul (c & wk), Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan and Arshdeep Singh.
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Gayle, Dhawan (c), Shahrukh, Shaw- Gayle and Dhawan are sure to give a blazing start, owing to their fine form of late. Meanwhile, Shaw can also dominate in the top-order, while Shahrukh can consolidate in the middle. Meanwhile, Dhawan's consistency makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeepers: Rahul (vc), Pant- Both the men have been in a glowing form with the bat and are no-brainers here. Also, Rahul reliability makes him Dhawan's deputy.
All-rounders: Woakes, Hooda- Woakes is likely to make a good impact with his pace bowling, besides contributing with the bat when needed. Also, Hooda has been trying to make a case from himself with the bat while he can chip in with his spin bowling.
Bowlers: Shami, Avesh, Anureet- In an all-out pace attack, Shami is a must-have due to his deadly seam bowling, while Avesh and Anureet have been in a splendid form with the ball of late.
Match details
Date and day: April 18, 2021 (Sunday)
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
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
