IPL 2019 - Match 50: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals - DC Predicted Playing XI

It’s been some turnaround for the Delhi Capitals this season. A change of name has brought some change in fortunes as well. Who would’ve thought at the start of the season that the Capitals would top the table at some point in this season? But they’ve played really good cricket and deserve to be sitting at the top of the ladder.

After an indifferent start, they’ve been on an absolute roll. DC have had a three-match winning streak twice in the last seven games. Their only loss in the last seven games came at the hands of Mumbai Indians. But barring that they’ve been brilliant. The top-order has been consistently getting runs. It may look like the bowling rests a lot on Kagiso Rabada’s shoulders but the others have chipped in too.

Hence, Delhi have the momentum going into the last week of the group stages. They have qualified for the playoffs with 16 points. However, they will now look at sealing a place in the top two. They now travel to Chennai to face the second-placed CSK in what may eventually be a shoot out for the first place.

Openers (Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw)

Shikhar Dhawan had a rather quiet first half this season. However, once he struck form and found his touch, he’s been difficult to stop. He’s scored three back to back half-centuries in the last three games and is looking in ominous form.

Meanwhile, his opening partner Prithvi Shaw hasn’t really hit his straps this season. He did score a 97 but there’s been nothing substantial apart from that. However, he’s hitting the ball well and has failed to convert a few good starts. Delhi will be hoping for Shaw to return to form ahead of the playoffs.

Middle-order (Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Colin Ingram, Sherfane Rutherford)

The top and middle order has been one of the big reasons for Delhi’s success this year. Shreyas Iyer has led from the front. He’s amassed 383 runs at an average of 34.81. He’s played the role of an anchor to perfection. Moreover, he’s led the side well and some of his on-field tactics have been very good. Rishabh Pant was touted as the X-factor of this team ahead of this tournament. While he may not have had a blockbuster season but he’s played a couple of really good knocks. He’s also been guilty of throwing away starts.

Meanwhile, Colin Ingram is the only batsman in their top five who has less than 200 runs this season. He hasn’t really lived up to expectation as he’s blown hot and cold this season. In the last game against RCB, Sherfane Rutherford exactly showed what he is capable of. He produced a quickfire 28 which proved to be the difference in the end.

All-rounder (Axar Patel)

There’s been some juggling around as far as the all-rounders are concerned. Chris Morris played a few games while Keemo Paul was also given a few chances. But Axar Patel has remained one of the constants. He’s played 10 games and has picked up 8 wickets at an economy of 7.08. He was good with the bat last game as he struck a 9-ball 16 complementing Rutherford well.

Bowlers (Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane, Ishant Sharma)

The bowling has come together really nicely for the Delhi Capitals. Kagiso Rabada has led this attack beautifully and has stepped up really well. He’s currently the purple cap holder (25 wickets this season). The two leg-spinners Amit Mishra and Sandeep Lamichhane haven’t played all the games but have been effective in the ones they’ve played.

Moreover, Lamichhane should hold his place despite an expensive outing in the last game as the pitch in Chennai is drier and will turn. Ishant Sharma has largely been used in the powerplay by the Delhi Capitals and it has reaped rewards. He has kept things tight and has been excellent at the top.

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