Dubai: After Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2020 opener in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (September 19), the focus shifts to Dubai where Delhi Capitals play their first match against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Sunday. With some hot picks in their squads this time, both Delhi and KXIP can pull off surprises anytime.
Led by Shreyas Iyer, Delhi Capitals which was earlier known as Delhi Daredevils (renamed in 2019) reached the semifinals twice in 2008 and 2009 but has since then not up to the mark until the last year where they reached the playoffs. With the like of Shikhar Dhawan, Ravi Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, Sandeep Lamichhane, Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer in the side, Delhi will be the tough nut to crack.
They have also named South African bowler Anrich Nortje as a replacement for England all-rounder Chris Woakes along with destructive Kagiso Rabada. “We saw how damaging Rabada was last year at the Kotla and that was a slow, low pitch. I think these wickets will probably be on the slower side but will offer a little more bounce. That suits guys like Rabada, Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan and Daniel Sams,” head coach Ricky Ponting said.
On the other hand, led by swashbuckling Indian opener KL Rahul, KXIP’s best finish was in 2014 when they finished as runners-up against Kolkata Knight Riders. And with legendary India spinner Anil Kumble and Jonty Rhodes in the backroom staff, the Mohali-based side are surely in for a business.
With veteran Chris Gayle and Rahul opening the batting, the KXIP squad also includes the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Deepak Hooda and destructive Glenn Maxwell in the middle order and of course Nicholas Pooran who had a brilliant season last year. India pacer Mohammed Shami will be leading the bowling which also comprises of Sheldon Cotrell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and some exciting young talents.
Both the teams have played 24 games against each other out of which, Delhi Capitals have turned up successful in 10 matches, while KXIP have won 14.
Few approaching achievements by Delhi Capitals and KXIP are: Rahul needs 23 runs to complete 2000 IPL runs, Chris Gayle is 16 short of 4500 IPL runs, Rishabh Pant needs six more sixes to complete 100 IPL sixes and Amit Mishra is three shy to become the 7th bowler to pick 100 wickets for Delhi Capitals in IPL.
The Squads:
Delhi Capitals: Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Daniel Sams, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, R Ashwin, Marcus Stoinis, Anrich Nortje, Rishabh Pant, Alex Carey, Shimron Hetmyer, Tushar Deshpande, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kagiso Rabada, Keemo Paul, Mohit Sharma.
Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul (Captain), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Arshdeep Singh, Hardus Viljoen, M Ashwin, J Suchith, Harpreet Brar, Darshan Nalkande, Glenn Maxwell, James Neesham, Chris Jordan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Tajinder Singh Dhillon, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Sheldon Cottrell, Ishan Porel, Ravi Bishnoi.
