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IPL 2021 preview: Relentless Delhi Capitals aims to stop Mumbai Indians' glorious run

The 2021 Indian Premier League happens to be the 14th edition of the lucrative Twenty20 league. Delhi Capitals is the runner-up from IPL 2020, while Mumbai Indians is the record five-time defending champion, having won it all under Rohit Sharma's leadership.

IPL 2021, Match 13: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians (DC vs MI) preview-ayh
Author
Chennai, First Published Apr 19, 2021, 8:04 PM IST

In what would be a repeat of the final from last year, runner-up Delhi Capitals would take on defending champion Mumbai Indians in Match 13 of the Indian Premier League 2021 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. Both the teams have fared equally so far, as the tie promises to be a thriller, while we present the preview of the same.

Current form
Both the sides have played three games so far this season, having won a couple and losing one. While DC is placed second, MI is a spot below on third, proving that Tuesday's clash would be a close encounter.

Team combination
Considering the team, MI has almost a balanced side with a tide focus on bowling. With more capped talents in the side, bowling is undoubtedly MI's strength, as has been the case in the three games, helping the side defend even the lowest totals.

As for DC, it is overloaded with capped talents all around. Furthermore, with enough skills in the batting division, it would give a stern test to MI's bowling attack.

Injury concerns
While MI does not have any injury concerns, DC would be without all-rounder Axar Patel, who is currently recovering from COVID.

Follow all IPL 2021 updates here

Head-to-head
In 28 games between the two, MI has won 16, with DC winning 12. Of the 21 games played in India, MI leads 12-9. Meanwhile, this would be their maiden clash in Chennai.

IPL 2021, Match 13: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians (DC vs MI) preview-ayh

Weather and pitch report
The weather in Chennai would again be hot, with 34 degrees of temperature and 66% humidity. As for the track, it would be slow and would deteriorate as the game progresses. Thus, batting first would be ideal.

Probable XI
DC:
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steven Smith, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Lukman Meriwala, Chris Woakes, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada and Avesh Khan.
MI: Quinton De Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Adam Milne, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen:
Rohit, Dhawan (c), Suryakumar, Shaw- Rohit and Dhawan are sure to give a fiery start, while Shaw can accelerate the innings at number three. Meanwhile, Surykumar can consolidate in the middle, while Dhawan's reliable form makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeeper: Pant- He is a no-brainer here, owing to his fine form of late.
All-rounders: Woakes, Krunal- Woakes has been prolific with his pace, while Kunal can prove to be highly effective with his spins.
Bowlers: Boult, Bumrah, Avesh, Chahar (vc)- Boult and Bumrah are must-haves owing to their sheer pace bowling abilities. While Avesh has been handy of late with his pace, Chahar has been highly effective with his spins and would dominate the slow Chennai track, making him Dhawan's deputy.

Match details
Date and day:
April 20, 2021 (Tuesday)
Venue: MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium, Chennai
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

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