IPL 10, Match 45, DD v MI: Delhi Daredevils Predicted XI

It is a do-or-die match for the double D’s, whereas Mumbai Indians are looking to maintain their statuesque on the top of the table. Delhi Daredevils are coming into this game with two big wins, but they have a mountain to climb, as one loss may result in elimination from the race for the playoffs.

On Sunday the Feroz Shah Kotla will witness a clash between two IPL sides of completely different nature and approach, which promises to be a mouth-watering encounter. Delhi Daredevils, who were once a powerhouse in the IPL, have become a team with no consistency whatsoever, owing to the poor decisions made by their management.

The qualification scenario is quite tough for Delhi, but they have been in great form lately. Despite DD’s recent form, it will be a tough game for them since Mumbai Indians is the team to beat in the IPL at the moment. Let us take a look at the predicted XI of Delhi that will be taking the field tomorrow:

Openers (Sanju Samson and Karun Nair)

Sanju Samson has been in a great run of form this year, scoring 374 runs in 10 games. No matter who has been his opening partner, Samson has seldom failed to deliver. His form is what DD will be banking upon, to counter the triple threat pace attack of Mumbai, which is considered as best in this year’s IPL, comprising of Bumrah, McCleanaghan and Johnson/Malinga.

Karun Nair has not quite got going in this year’s IPL but was appointed the captain of the team owing to Zaheer Khan’s injury. He has been opening the inning since and has done better. He would be looking to build a partnership with Samson, play his natural game and counter-attack Mumbai bowlers from the word ‘go’.

Middle Order (Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer)

Every Indian fan now thinks of Rishabh Pant as the next big thing in Indian cricket. Scoring runs at his will, he has already scored 281 runs this year. After getting to a glimpse of his ablility when he hit Umesh Yadav for 26 runs in an over, we got the see his ability in the previous Delhi Daredevils game against Gujarat Lions, where he struck a quick-fire 97, which was an exceptionally sculptured innings for a youngster.

Shreyas Iyer has been able to chip in with his quick runs for Delhi this season, but has never been to able the ‘reliable’ status. Scoring 204 runs in 8 matches, he has added to the depth of the batting of Delhi. Another young man of great talent, he possesses the ability to destroy the bowling on his day, and the Daredevils’ fans would be hoping that tomorrow is his day.

All-rounders (Chris Morris and Corey Anderson)

Once a hot-prospect, many may say Corey Anderson is not the same. But his records prove otherwise. Scoring 120 runs and picking up 2 wickets in 7 matches, he has got his spot finalized in the Delhi side. Good with both the bat and bowl and also in fielding, he adds a lot of value to the Delhi side.

Speaking of Chris Morris, he is probably the most wanted all-rounder in the shortest format of the game. 154 runs and 12 wickets in 9 matches justifies why he is rated so highly by cricket fans all over the world. An excellent death bowler and a great finisher, he is Delhi’s go-to man for sure. Missing the last game due to a slight niggle, he is expected to return against Mumbai, with all his ammunitions and fireworks.

Bowlers (Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Amit Mishra and Shahbaz Nadeem)

Mohammed Shami is returning from an injury, but due to Zaheer Khan’s injury, he is expected to fill up the void. Picking up just 2 wickets in 4 matches, he may not be in the same form as he was before his injury, but he has got 4 more matches to show what he is capable of.

Pat Cummins has been Delhi’s best foreign front-line pacer for sure, picking up 11 wickets in 8 matches. Also handy with the bat, he can come at number 7 to finish off the innings with a flurry of boundaries. He will be partnering Rabada and Shami.

Kagiso Rabada, the South African sensation who is playing his debut IPL, has not been that effective for which Delhi bought him at a high price, but last shown glimpses of his prowess for Delhi. He too, is handy with the bat, glimpse of which he had shown in the match against the same opponent when they played in Wankhede. Leaving his batting aside, he has to be handy with the bowl to provide Delhi a chance.

There has not been any doubt regarding which spinners will play for DD. Amit Mishra, the veteran Indian spinner, will be leading their spin attack. He has played every match for Delhi and has picked 8 wickets. He has not quite been able to grab the limelight this season, but will be looking forward to grab an opportunity with both hands.

Shahbaz Nadeem has only played in 5 matches, and has picked up 4 wickets. Whenever he has been asked to, he has delivered. What is more impressive his than his wickets tally is his ability to restrict the run-flow. Whether he will be able to do the same against the likes of Buttler, Pollard and Hardik Pandya, remains to be seen.