IPL 2021 preview: DC looks to get winning momentum going, RR aims to recover from PBKS heart-break
The Indian Premier League 2021 is the 14th edition of the fruitful Twenty20 league. Delhi Capitals is yet to win the IPL to date, having finished as the runner-up last season. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals is a former champion, having won the title way back in 2008.
FollowThe 2021 Indian Premier League is pulling off no shortage of surprises, with even a week to complete since the tournament started. Nonetheless, Match 7 of the competition would witness Delhi Capitals take on former champion Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
DC finished as the runner-up last season and would be desperate to lay the hands on the title this term. Meanwhile, RR has failed to prove itself as a proper title contender since the 2008 title win but can turn things around this season. In the same light, we present the preview for this compelling clash.
Current form
As for the current form, both are coming off contrasting luck. DC managed to attain an impressive seven-wicket win over former champion Chennai Super Kings in its opening clash and would be desperate to carry the same momentum ahead. In the meantime, RR nearly pulled off a thrilling chase against Punjab Kings, only to fall short by four runs, as it would look to gain a win in this clash.
Team composition and combination
For RR, the team is tide bowling heavy. Also, with the number of capped talents more in the bowling department, it has somewhat exposed RR's batting weakness. Nonetheless, RR's batting talent, especially with the uncapped young guns, is strong enough, as was evident against PBKS.
As for DC, it has one of the best teams in the entire tournament. The squad is balanced overall. However, with enough capped options in the batting department, it is strong enough to chase down any total.
Injury concerns
DC does not have any fresh injury concerns. However, RR has been dealt with a setback after all-rounder Ben Stokes was ruled out of the entire tournament on Tuesday night, having suffered a broken finger.
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Head-to-head
Both sides have clashed on 22 occasions, with both winning 11 each. Of the 18 matches in India, RR has won ten, with DC winning eight. There has been a game involving the two in Mumbai, with RR winning it.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Mumbai would be hot with 32 degrees of temperature and 52% of humidity. As for the track, it is expected to stay sporty. However, the seamers can come in handy in the second innings.
Probable XI
RR: Jos Buttler, Manan Vohra, Sanju Samson (c & wk), David Miller, Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Shreyas Gopal, Chetan Sakariya and Mustafizur Rahman.
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Chris Woakes, Ravichandran Ashwin, Tom Curran, Amit Mishra and Avesh Khan.
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Dhawan (VC), Shaw, Parag- Dhawan and Shaw are the no-brainers here, as they would give the right start, considering their lethal form. Parag can consolidate at number three or in the middle, besides chipping in as a part-time spinner. Dhawan's form makes him the vice-captain.
Wicketkeepers: Buttler, Samson (c), Pant- All the three men are in fine form and are sure to fire with the bat. Furthermore, Samson surge in form makes him the skipper.
All-rounders: Woakes, Morris- While Woakes is likely to contribute with his pace, Morris too would fall in the same category but can go big with the bat as well.
Bowlers: Avesh, T Curran, Sakariya- Curran is sure to deliver with his pace. Meanwhile, Avesh and Sakariya impressed with their pace in the previous game and would deliver the same.
Match details
Date and day: April 15, 2021 (Thursday)
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
