Why are Shai Hope and Ishant Sharma not playing IPL 2024 Match 9 between RR and DC?

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will look to continue their winning run in the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) as they take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 9 on Thursday, March 28 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Delhi captain Rishabh Pant won the crucial toss and invited Rajasthan to bat first. The DC management was forced to make a couple of changes to their XI as Ishant Sharma and Shai Hope had to be benched due to their respective injuries.

Notably, Ishant twisted his ankle fielding during Delhi’s opening fixture against Punjab Kings and had to leave the field midway through the innings. The right-arm seamer bowled two overs in the match conceding 16 runs and picked the crucial wicket of Shikhar Dhawan and even inflicted a run out to dismiss Jonny Bairstow.

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On the other hand, Hope is set to miss the clash against RR due to a back spasm. The right-handed batter was the highest scorer in DC’s opening fixture with his knock of 33 (25) with the help of two fours and as many sixes. Since DC are bowling first against Rajasthan, they’ve replaced both Ishant and Hope with two bowlers namely Anrich Nortje and Mukesh Kumar.

Rishabh Pant playing his 100th game for DC

Captain Rishabh Pant would hope that his team manages to bounce back to winning ways in the absence of two important players. The wicketkeeper-batter himself is playing his 100^th game for Delhi Capitals and will become the first player to achieve the landmark for the franchise. Notably, Pant made his debut for Delhi way back in 2016 and became an integral member of the team after initial good seasons.

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Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have fielded the same playing XI which won them the opening fixture against Lucknow Super Giants at the same venue. Captain Sanju Samson will hope to continue his brilliant form from the opening game where he top-scored with his knock of 82 (52). Apart from him, Riyan Parag (43 off 29) and Trent Boult (2/35) also shone for their side.