IPL 2019: Match 53, DC vs RR, Preview: Rabada-less Capitals to test their strength before playoffs

Cricket South Africa (CSA) taking note of the niggle to their stalwart Kagiso Rabada decided to call him back from the Indian Premier League (IPL) given the fact that they’ll need him to be fit for the World Cup which is just around the corner. This leaves Delhi Capitals without a spine as Rabada has been sensational this season, picking up 25 wickets in 12 matches.

The Capitals have enjoyed a terrific season, despite the odd poor performances. Their young exuberance and experienced campaigners blended pretty well to help them confirm a spot in the playoffs well in advance. This has given them some time to tinker with XIs a bit and rest some important players. But a huge loss to CSK meant they might not finish among the top two, which is a blow to the team.

Rajasthan Royals would’ve been fancying for a spot in the playoffs if only their game against RCB wasn’t rain-washed. They still are in contention, but have to win this game and expect a lot of other results to go their way, the probability of which is very low. If the Sunrisers Hyderabad win in the night game tomorrow, Royals too will be officially out.

Playing Combinations

Delhi Capitals

Perhaps there is no more time to tinker for Shreyas Iyer and is expected to plant the strongest side, just to ensure no momentum is lost. Trent Boult will continue in the XI with Rabada leaving and will be partnering Ishant Sharma in the fast bowling department. Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw are due a big knock as Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer have done the bulk of this scoring this season. Jagadeesha Suchith will hold his place in the XI, forming a spinning trio with Axar Patel and Amit Mishra, which is an indicator that there is a dry and slow track on the cards.

Probable XI

Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer (C), Rishabh Pant (wk), Colin Ingram, Sherfane Rutherford, Axar Patel, Jagadeesha Suchith, Amit Mishra, Trent Boult, Ishant Sharma

Which team is predicted to win the match? – IPL 2019, Match 53, DC vs RR: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Rajasthan Royals

Rahane will be taking over the captaincy duties again with Steve Smith‘s departure. Manan Vohra might come in to accommodate the Australian’s absence with Sanju Samson, Ashton Turner and Riyan Parag sharing the middle order responsibilities. They have just three overseas cricketers in the squad right now, leaving them no other choice but to play all of them. Oshane Thomas has shown glimpses of his ability but needs to get among the wickets to prove himself.

Probable XI

Ajinkya Rahane (C), Liam Livingstone, Sanju Samson (wk), Manan Vohra, Ashton Turner, Riyan Parag, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Aaron, Oshane Thomas.

Toss Update: RR won the toss and opted to bat

Focus will be on

Rishant Pant (Delhi Capitals)

The youngster is being talked about by every expert right now, which pretty much determines that he is potentially a great cricketer. Ever since the World Cup squad was announced, Pant has been struggling to find his mojo back and despite a thunderous knock against the same opponent, he didn’t produce anything significant for the selectors to think they might’ve made a mistake.

Liam Livingstone (Rajasthan Royals)

Liam Livingstone has also just shown glimpses of how good he could be with the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. But the lad needs some more exposure at the highest level to elevate himself. With all the big players gone, he will get a good opportunity once again to play in an important batting position for Rajasthan, which should help boost his confidence.

Head-to-head

Matches: 19 | RR won: 11 | DC won: 8

Stat Attack

30 – Shikhar Dhawan is 30 short of scaling the 500-run mark once again in an IPL season. He achieved it once previously for the Deccan Chargers in 2012 (569 runs).

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD

Live Streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 16:00 IST

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.