IPL 2020: Match 55, DC vs RCB – DC Predicted Playing XI

Delhi Capitals (DC), well and truly, have entered into a slump in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, are placed precariously in the points table after losing four games on the trot. From being in a state of comfort, they are staring at a probable elimination.

Their next match is against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on November 2. The game will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi where the pitch has helped the team, batting second to a great extent. If DC win the game, they will be through to the next round.

However, if they don’t, they will have to wait for other results to go in their favour. For the time being, it remains to be seen if the Capitals resort to any changes in the eleven from the last game.

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

Openers (Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan)

Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw promised a lot as an opening duo in the first half of the T20 tournament. However, after a few handy knocks, Shaw completely lost his rhythm and was subsequently dropped from the eleven.

His replacement Ajinkya Rahane failed as well. Shaw made his comeback in the last game and flattered to deceive, adding to DC’s headache.

To add insult to injury, Dhawan, who became the first batsman with back-to-back tons in the history of the IPL, had three low scores in succession. The Capitals’ openers will have to fire to make an impact.

Middle-order (Shreyas Iyer (C), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shimron Hetmyer)

In the middle-order, Shreyas Iyer has looked the most accomplished, to say the least. Though the DC captain only has a couple of fifties to show for his efforts, he has 414 runs under his belt at a decent average of 34.50.

DC will be desperately needing a knock of substance from the young batsman. To Iyer’s dismay, he hasn’t gotten much support from the likes of Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer.

Pant, who’s known for his big shots, has had a meagre strike-rate of 112.29 in the tournament. Hetmyer has a top score of 45, but he has averaged 19.71, not helping his team.

All-rounders (Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel)

In the all-rounder’s slot, Marcus Stoinis started the league, performing with both bat and ball. However, as the tournament has progressed, he has lost his form. Earlier, he was getting runs at impressive strike-rates and picking up crucial wickets.

But now he has been faltering quite a bit. The Capitals should bring back Axar Patel in the mix, letting go of Harshal Patel. Axar is currently the most economical bowler for DC, though he only has eight wickets in his kitty.

The left-hander is no mug with the bat by any means and can play the big shots at the death for his team in the hour of need.

Bowlers (Ravi Ashwin, Praveen Dubey, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje)

In the bowling department, Kagiso Rabada has been their standout performer with as many as 23 wickets under his belt. However, he went wicketless in the last two games for the Capitals and his team would be desperate for a decent show from their premier pacer.

Anrich Nortje has done well. The pacer has bowled over the 150 kph mark on a consistent basis and has 16 wickets. Ravi Ashwin was economical in the last game and has picked nine wickets as well.

Leg-spinner Pravin Dubey bowled three overs the other day, but he couldn’t make a breakthrough and gave away 29 runs in his three overs.