BENGALURU: Simply when Delhi Capitals had given themselves an opportunity within the race to the playoffs, comes a physique blow within the form of a one-match ban for skipper Rishabh Pant.
Positioned fifth on the desk, the 20-run win in opposition to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday got here at a hefty worth for Capitals. Whereas the monetary implication for a sluggish over-rate is hardly a rap on the knuckles, lacking Pant in Sunday’s essential match in opposition to RCB might trigger harm to the Capitals’ prospects.
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“I believe not having our main run scorer is a loss, however it’s additionally an awesome problem for everyone else,” stated DC’s head coach Ricky Ponting.
The wicketkeeper-batter, who’s on a comeback path following an extended lay-off, is the highest run-getter for his crew with 413 runs. Whereas his deputy Axar Patel will lead in Pant’s absence, Abishek Porel could be the automated option to take over the function behind the stumps.
Capitals have had an detached run this season, however have been in a position to choose themselves up, successful three of their final 4 matches. Towards RCB, they must put behind the Pant setback and that will not be a straightforward activity, given the house crew’s four-match successful streak and their have to put it throughout Capitals to remain afloat within the competitors.
A loss at residence will snap the prospect they’ve of advancing within the match and prior to now couple of weeks, Faf du Plessis and his males have proven that they don’t seem to be going to surrender and not using a combat.
Given the clouds hovering over the M Chinnaswamy stadium and the bowling assets on both aspect, the match-up ought to make for an attention-grabbing contest. If the RCB bowlers, who confirmed super self-discipline and precision of their earlier residence sport in opposition to Gujarat Titans, preserve their momentum, the Capitals batters, who’ve blown cold and hot all through the season, can ill-afford to slide up.
Mohammed Siraj appears to have discovered his rhythm whereas left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh has been efficient. Capitals too have include confirmed wicket-takers with pacers Mukesh Kumar (15 wickets) and Khaleel Ahmed (14) main the group. However the males who DC would require to ship are spinners Kuldeep Yadav (14) and Axar (10), each of whom have bowled tight spells.
