IPL 9 Match 31 Preview: Delhi Daredevils eager to erase Gujarat heartache

The last time the Delhi Daredevils faced up to the might of the Gujarat Lions, they lost the plot by just one run. However, since then, both sides have had contrasting fortunes with the Daredevils now sitting pretty in the fourth position on the table. While both sides have had their fair share of ups and downs in the context of the ninth edition of the IPL, a feisty encounter is on the cards as these two heavyweights face off at Rajkot.

Team News

Gujarat Lions

The Gujarat Lions have hit the ground running in the current edition and their debut season in the IPL. However, the demoralizing loss at the hands of the Kings XI Punjab has however seen them put a stall on things at the moment. The current pattern trend for the Gujarat Lions, at the moment, seems to be three wins and a loss, although, this trend can change as the season goes by.

A few injuries to certain important players in the side has seen the bench strength tested rather significantly. While Dwayne Smith has made an impact on proceedings thus far, Shivil Kaushik will be in the spotlight. The ‘mystery’ spinner as he is usually referred to as has been somewhat of a revelation of sorts. However, in the current context, it remains to be seen how he pairs up with his spinning compatriot Ravindra Jadeja, funny action or not.

Delhi Daredevils

The Delhi Daredevils have seemingly erased most doubts about their team composition in the early part of the season. At the moment, under Zaheer Khan, the Daredevils look stronger than ever. Especially, after their win over the Kolkata Knight Riders, Daredevils have moved to the second spot on the table.

However, one aspect they may have to address is the injury to their star man Quinton de Kock. Although the likes of Sam Billings and perhaps even Rishabh Pant can fill that role, the fact that one of their prime batsmen is missing will certainly be a problem. Sam Billings, who made a massive mark the previous match will be hoping for a continuation of his form. Carlos Brathwaite will also be expected to feature with Nathan Coulter-Nile also in the selection fray.

Playing XI (Probable)

Gujarat Lions: Suresh Raina (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Ishan Kishan, Dwayne Bravo, James Faulkner, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivil Kaushik, Dhawal Kulkarni, Praveen Kumar

Delhi Daredevils: Zaheer Khan (C), Sam Billings (WK), Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Karun Nair, Sanju Samson, Chris Morris, Carlos Brathwaite, Imran Tahir/Nathan Coulter-Nile, Amit Mishra,

StAttack

1. Gujarat Lions are the only team with three 70+ scores in the powerplay in this season.

2. Before Morris’ 32-ball 82 against Lions was his highest score in T20s was 41. He has played 110 matches.

3. Daredevils have conceded only three-century opening stands in 123 innings so far