IPL 2022: Match 58 – Predicted Delhi Capitals Playing XI vs Rajasthan Royals

Delhi Capitals (DC) have secured five wins in 11 league matches of the Indian Premier League 2022. If the team has to go through the playoffs, they need to win the remaining games by a comprehensive margin. In their last league fixture, DC conceded 208 and lost by 91 runs to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In the bowling unit, Anrich Nortje bagged three scalps, while Khaleel Ahmed picked up two wickets. The likes of Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur were the only notable contributors with the bat. In their next league fixture, they will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai. For this fixture, the team is expected to include Lalit Yadav in place of Ripal Patel.

Here’s a look at the Delhi Capitals’ predicted playing XI against RR:

Openers: Srikar Bharat and David Warner

The opener Prithvi Shaw‘s absence has certainly affected the Delhi Capitals’ batting department, as they have not been able to get a good start in the last few league matches. After Mandeep Singh’s failure, the team included Srikar Bharat in the Playing XI. However, he could contribute only eight off five balls in the last match.

The team management is expected to keep their faith in Bharat, due to his fine performance in the last season, wherein he contributed 191 runs at an average of 38.20 for RCB. On the other hand, David Warner has scored 375 runs in nine innings and is the leading run-scorer for the team.

Although Warner scored 19 off 12 balls in the last outing, the knock of 92* against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will still be on his mind and he is expected to bounce back in this fixture. If he manages to give a good start just like he has done in the previous matches, the middle-order can then continue the momentum and the team can benefit from it.

Middle Order: Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Mitchell Marsh

The middle-order of DC is quite solid with the presence of experienced T20 cricketers, who are in good form. The captain and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant scored 21 off 11 balls in the last outing and has done well in the tournament so far. Although he has not been at his best with his ball-striking capabilities, the southpaw has made sure he churns out runs in a consistent manner, and has 281 runs at an average of 31.22.

In the last league match, it was a rare failure after four matches for the Caribbean batter Rovman Powell, wherein he perished for just three runs. He has been terrific with his composure and abilities to clear the boundary and has 205 runs at a strike rate of 161.41.

On the other hand, the Australian batter has done well after making a comeback to the team. In the last league match, he scored 25 off 20 and was looking in good touch, but failed to convert his decent start into a big one. In total, he has garnered 99 runs and has two wickets.

All-rounders: Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur

The players in the all-rounder bracket have been ordinary with their performances in the tournament. In the last league game, Lalit Yadav was dropped from the team, as he could not contribute much in a consistent manner in the previous games. However, the Delhi-born cricketer has 137 runs at an average of 22.83 and has displayed the ability to stitch partnerships in the middle.

Although the spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel has been economical, his lack of wicket-taking abilities has hurt the team’s chances in the middle-overs. But, he has scored 146 runs at a strike rate of 36.50 and would look to continue the same form on the batting front.

The pacer and a useful batter, Shardul Thakur has picked up nine wickets at an expensive economy of 10.13 and has scored 113 runs at an average of 18.83. In the last outing, he gave away 38 runs off three overs and contributed 24 from the bat.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Anrich Nortje

Although the spinner Kuldeep Yadav started the tournament with strong performances, he has lacked potency in the last three matches and has returned with only one wicket. In total, he has scalped 18 wickets in 11 appearances at an economy of 8.87.

The left-arm speedster Khaleel Ahmed has been impressive this season with his pace and line lengths. He has executed his plans well and has picked up 16 wickets in eight appearances at an economy of 7.75. In the last game, he returned with figures of 2/28.

It was a breakthrough performance from the Proteas pacer Anrich Nortje in terms of his wicket-taking abilities, as he dismissed three batters in the last match. Although he gave away 42 runs but is expected to improve his performance in this fixture.

DC’s Predicted XI for the RR’s Clash: David Warner, Srikar Bharat, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Anrich Nortje.