IPL 2019 – Match 13: Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Capitals – DC Predicted Playing XI

After the thrilling super over win against the Kolkata Knight Riders, the Delhi Capitals (DC) will be on the road for their next match. They will fly to Mohali to take the Kings XI Punjab on in their den. Even though they have played three matches already in the tournament, the Capitals do not seem to have found the right combinations as yet.

The top-order looks quite settled and they’ve got no issues there. But they are yet to find a reliable finisher in the middle order. The team failed to chase a simple equation down in the last game. But at the same time, they’ve also got to strengthen their bowling slightly just in case they need an additional option at any point in time.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Delhi Capitals (DC):

Openers (Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan)

Prithvi Shaw played a gem of knock in the last game. He didn’t try to go hard after the bowlers and only played proper cricketing shots. The youngster didn’t fancy the big sixes and it was all about finding the gaps in the field for him. He would be disappointed not to have got to his hundred but he contributed to the team’s win which is more important.

Shikhar Dhawan’s role in the Delhi set-up seems to be unclear at the moment. It is important for someone like Ricky Ponting to have a one-to-one discussion with him and communicate to the left-hander about the expectations. He is either going too hard or playing a slow knock.

Middle Order (Shreyas Iyer (c), Colin Ingram, Rishabh Pant (wk))

Looking at the way he has played so far, Shreyas Iyer seems to be an anchor in this Delhi line-up. Even though this seems to be a great idea, he has got to ensure that he stays in the middle right till the end. The skipper has got enough hitters around him even though he plays slow. If there is a need, he himself can play the aggressor.

Rishabh Pant is just swinging at every ball. This approach only works two or three times out of ten and DC need a solid base in the middle-order. Thus, they could promote Colin Ingram up the order to bat at four. Pant can come in at five, play the finisher and go hard after the bowlers.

All Rounders (Chris Morris, Axar Patel)

It was quite surprising that the DC management didn’t send in Chris Morris to bat in the last game. He is more than capable with the willow in hand and could have easily finished the game for his team. DC should bat him at six as he can clear the ropes easily. The South African all-rounder fared decently well with the ball in the last match.

It might puzzle some of you to see Axar Patel in the eleven. But he has fared well against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and it was surprising to see him dropped from the eleven. He has got a lot of experience of playing in Mohali with the KXIP. He will want to give back to his old franchise in the next game.

Bowlers (Harshal Patel, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra)

DC can bat Harshal Patel ahead of Axar Patel. He can hit the ball long and hard and we have seen plenty of that in the last season. Moreover, he does a good job with the ball and is a great package. He will have Kagiso Rabada to share the pace duties with him. The South African pacer is coming off an unbelievable show against the KKR.

Sandeep Lamichhane and Amit Mishra will complete the DC line-up. Both these men are wicket takers and a great asset to any team. Lamichhane can also bowl in the powerplay, get a few economical overs out and put the opposition under pressure straightaway.

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