*DC VS RCB MATCH 50 PREVIEW:*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*AN OPPORTUNITY THAT COULD TURN THE TABLE AROUND:*
A competitive IPL is all the fans ask for and this season has produced one such beauty. While so many teams are stuck at 10 and 8 points, tonight presents the Challengers with a wonderful opportunity to climb the ladder and further strengthen their case. Beating DC in their third away encounter of IPL 2023 may just be an icing on the cake after defending just 126 vs LSG the other day in Lucknow. RCB’s bowling is better suited for these venues, where the bowl is balanced with the bat instead of the bat dominating the proceedings all the way through.
*DC SURGING UP?:*
DC used all their might with the bowl to succesful defend a below par total vs GT in Ahmedabad. That win was priceless and was confidence boosting for a unit that has lost way too many games already. The last game that they played at their home venue saw them come close to the Sunrisers but not being able to pass the final hurdle. If I was a DC supporter, I wouldn’t count them out of the race completely but their journey from here on would mean a win percentage of 100 without any chance of losing and then qualifying.
*RCB PROBABLE XI:*
Virat Kohli, Faf Duplisses(c), Suyash Prabhudesai, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Karn Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammad Siraj
With Jadhav practicing hard at the nets in the optional training session, we could possibly see a return of the veteran in place of the inconsistent and struggling Anuj Rawat, who had replaced Shahbaz Ahmed the last game. Jadhav adds value not just as an experienced hand at 6 but also as a handy spin bowler on a DC surface which tends to slow down at some point.
Virat Kohli, is 25 runs away from a 1000 runs against DC and this game could see this milestone being achieved. This is the former skipper’s familiar territory, having played here right from the word scratch. Expect a Kohli masterclass at one of the smallest stadiums in the country. However, his battle against Axar and Kuldeep in the middle could be intriguing, with Virat’s troubles vs spin being exposed once again this IPL.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Harshal Patel, who was experiencing discomfort while batting can be seen as RCB’s impact player if they bowl second once again. He could feature in the XI if they bowl first.
*DC PROBABLE XI:*
David Warner(c), Phil Salt(wk), Mitchell Marsh, Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Priyam Garg, Aman Hakim Khan, Ripal Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed/Lungi Ngidi , Ishant Sharma
Anrich Nortje missing this game is a major blow for DC. He has left India and has flown back due to an emergency. We could see an overseas pacer like Ngidi come into the XI but the return of Khaleel, the left armer seems most likely.
Mitchell Marsh is also expected to be slotted back in immediately replacing the protea Roussow. He was unfit for the game against GT but a comeback versus RCB in a relatively smaller ground where he was incredible the other day round, could bolster Delhi’s chances to win here.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Khaleel Ahmed or Yash Dhull depending upon when DC bat and second could come in as the impact substitute.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR RCB:*
Highest run getter- Virat Kohli/Faf Duplisses
Highest wicket taker- Wanindu Hasaranga/Mohammad Siraj
*FOR DC:*
Highest run getter- Mitchell Marsh/David Warner
Highest wicket taker- Kuldeep Yadav/Axar Patel
*FOR THIS GAME:*
RCB to clinch victory and reach 12 points.