IPL 2020: Match 38, KXIP vs DC - DC Predicted Playing XI

Delhi Capitals (DC) started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 campaign with a Super Over win over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). However, Shreyas Iyer and Co have only peaked from there on and are currently sitting pretty on top of the points table.

Having won seven out of their nine matches with a handsome net run rate of +0.921, another win would virtually seal their berth for the playoffs. The Capitals are next scheduled to cross swords with KXIP on Tuesday, October 20 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

In their previous game, DC got over the line against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), scoring 17 runs off the final over. They will look to tighten their grip on the top spot. As far as their lineup is concerned, it remains to be seen if they make any changes for the next match.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Delhi Capitals for DC vs CSK game: 

Openers (Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan)

The Capitals are unlikely to tinker with their opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw. The latter has gone into a mini-slump, having bagged a couple of ducks. The Young Turk will be looking to get things back on track.

The right-hander can take confidence from the two fifties he has notched. Dhawan, on the other hand, has found back his mojo, scoring two fifties followed by his maiden IPL century off 57 balls.

He has also gotten his strike-rate up from the 120s to the 140s. He is also DC’s leading run-scorer in the ongoing edition. Both Shaw and Dhawan will be looking to fire next time.

Middle-order (Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (C), Alex Carey (wk)

In the middle-order, Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t performed to expectations until now. The veteran only has 25 runs from three games at a dismal average and strike-rate of 8.33 and 73.52 respectively.

It goes without saying that the batsman will have to get his form back to retain his place in the side. Shreyas Iyer has played some delightful strokes and has 321 runs at an average of 40.12.

The DC captain has mostly held the innings together in the middle overs and has also been effective in the leadership role. Alex Carey isn’t short of potential and he has the ability to make a big difference.

All-rounders (Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel)

Marcus Stoinis has done well as an all-rounder. He has struck the ball fiercely, batting at the death. He has 217 runs at a strike-rate of 163.15. The Australian batsman has scored around 66 percent of his runs in boundaries.

Moreover, he has six wickets at crucial stages to show for his valiant efforts. Axar Patel has been an unsung hero for the Capitals. The left-hander took DC over the line against the Super Kings, taking Ravindra Jadeja to the cleaners.

He has also been the most economical bowler for his team, conceding runs at a rate of 5.59. Moreover, the left-arm spinner has seven wickets.

Bowlers (Ravi Ashwin, Tushar Deshpande, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje)

In the fast bowling department, there’s no shortage of firepower by any means. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have breathed fire and haven’t given much for the batters to work with.

The former is currently the Purple Cap holder, picking up 19 wickets at an economy of 7.68. Nortje has 12 wickets and has bowled at speeds in excess of 156 kmph.

Tushar Deshpande churned out a stupendous 20th over against the Royals and he didn’t disappoint against CSK as he got one wicket. If the pace trio turns up on top of their game, the KXIP batters could be in for some trouble.