IPL 10, Match 36, KXIP v DD: Delhi Daredevils Predicted XI

The Delhi Daredevils will face off against the Kings XI Punjab tomorrow in a day game at Mohali. Just like the first match of the venue this season, fans would hope for yet another run-fest today. Both the sides desperately need a win to spark a change in fortune, as they aim for the fourth spot in the playoffs.

The Daredevils squad is currently at the bottom of the table with only 4 points in 7 games. Dravid and co. would dearly want to kill the four-match losing streak with a victory in their upcoming game at the PCA Stadium. Their positive net run-rate signifies how closely they have fought for every loss they have been handed.

This would be a perfect opportunity to seize for the Zaheer Khan led side as KXIP themselves have struggled with their form. The Punjab side has lost 4 of their last five games this season. Here’s a look at the predicted XI of Delhi Daredevils for tomorrow’s game against Kings XI Punjab.

Openers (Sam Billings, Sanju Samson)

Looking at the belter of the pitch at Mohali tomorrow, Sam Billings should be brought back in the top of the batting order. It becomes necessary to dominate in the powerplay before the likes of Carriapa, and Axar, take over the bowling. With the presence of this explosive yet innovative player from England, the bowlers would be on the back foot right away.

Sanju Samson has been Mr. Consistent for the Delhi team this season. Following his maiden ton, he scored a vital 60 in the previous match against the Kolkata Kight Riders but in vain. Together with Sam Billings, they would turn out to be a formidable opening pair for the Daredevils squad.

Middle Order (Shreyas Iyer, Rishab Pant, Ankit Bawne)

Looking at the rusty form of Karun Nair, Ankit Bawne should get the nod ahead of him the playing XI. Though it would be a bold decision to leave out the Test triple centurion, it would make sense to give more opportunities to the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Rishab Pant to bat higher up the order, thus, giving them more balls to face.

Iyer has been in good touch off-late. In their last game against the KKR, he played a supporting role to Samson and stitched an important partnership for the likes of Anderson and Morris to play their natural game. Pant has already created a fan base for himself with his bat. Ankit Bawne is an unknown commodity for the Daredevils.

Going by the trend of this year’s IPL, youngsters such as Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and Ishan Kishan have already made a name for themselves. The Delhi-based franchise would also hope for the same result when it comes to Maharashtra batsman Ankit Bawne.

All-rounders (Chris Morris)

Chris Morris has been an important figure for the Daredevils camp since he set foot on the field wearing the red and dark blue jersey of the Daredevils. He is currently top rated in the MVP awards this season. His pace and bounce would definitely create havoc in the Punjab camp. Coupled with his decimation with the bat lower down the order, the King’s XI camp would circle out this player before they take guard for the match tomorrow.

This season, he’s already in contention for the Purple Cap. Apart from that, he averages about 35 lower down the order at a strike rate of 167 with the best score of 52*.

Bowlers (Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan) 

Much has been talked about the pace battery of the Daredevils. It is arguably one of the strongest bowling line up of the IPL. The dreaded trio of Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, and Pat Cummins can clock into 150 kmph consistently along with few decent hits with the bat down the order.

Looking at the pitch tomorrow, Kings XI Punjab would be wary of the threat the trio possess as they are more than capable of rattling the opposition on any given day with their pace and accuracy. Amit Mishra has struggled to be wicket-taker so far, but one cannot undermine his capabilities in this format of the game. He is among the list of top wicket-takers in all seasons of the IPL.

Zaheer Khan scared the Delhi supporters after he clutched his hamstring and left the field abruptly. But the Daredevils skipper came out and stated that it did not look that bad. So one can safely assume the participation of the pacer who himself looked in good nick in the past few matches.