IPL 2021, MI vs DC: Rishabh Pant wins toss, opts to field as Prithvi Shaw returns to action

Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Rishabh Pant has won the toss and opted to field in Match 46 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The Delhi-based franchise takes on defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI), who have failed to make their presence felt in the UAE leg of the ongoing season. However, MI can be unstoppable on their day and are well in contention for a spot in the playoffs. They will be looking to join rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) who have qualified for the platform.

Pant opted to chase after taking into account his experience when playing in Sharjah previously. He further expressed a desire to take it one match at a time, despite having qualified for the playoffs.

“We’re going to bowl first. When we played the last time, it felt like a better option to chase here. DC will take one match at a time, and even though we qualified, we will take one at a time. Lalit Yadav is out and Prithvi comes in,” said Pant as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“I was in two minds about batting and bowling”

MI skipper Rohit Sharma was full of praise for his bowling department, but urged the batsmen to step up and get the job done.

“I was in two minds about batting and bowling. Teams have lost batting first and chasing, so it doesn’t matter, we have to play good cricket and put runs on the board. Our bowling is amazing and has restricted oppositions so we just have to bat well and get a par score. We know where we stand on the table but we have to focus on what we have in hand, and on the particular occasion. We have a good squad and have to perform collectively. Jayant Yadav comes into the team in place of Rahul Chahar,” stated Rohit.

“Looking at one game at a time”

One of the key players in the MI setup is all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who will be eager to make his presence felt in a crucial encounter.

“I am happy with my batting form and it’s nice to contribute to the team’s win. We need to assess the pitch and the conditions, the situation of the game and then adapt according to it. My plans are simple, just play ball-by-ball and stay ahead of the game. To be honest, we don’t have any options, but these situations do bring the best out of individuals. We are looking at one game at a time and control the controllables. The main thing is to take one match at a time and try to get two points. (On bowling) Think I will start shortly,” said Hardik.

Lineups:

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jayant Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult.

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steven Smith, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje.