IPL 2021: Predicted starting line-ups for Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings

Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by seven wickets in their first league match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, before losing by three wickets against Rajasthan Royals (RR). On the other hand, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated RR by four runs before losing by six wickets to CSK. The common theme in both the defeats was the surprising nature of the Wankhede pitch. The Mumbai ground is known for producing big scores with the pitch usually flat and hard. However, in the last two matches, the seam bowlers have been able to extract a lot of help out of the pitch with the ball sticking in it on its way to the batsmen. Both teams failed to assess the pitch after they were asked to bat, leading to sub-par totals. With little to worry about their bowling, DC and PBKS will aim for a better batting display on Sunday to take the toss out of the contention.

Here are the predicted starting line-ups for both:

Delhi Capitals (DC):

Shikhar Dhawan: Looked good and was in sublime form in the game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but failed to make an impact against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). He will be looking to maintain his good start against the Punjab bowlers.

Prithvi Shaw: Couldn’t quite get going in the game against Rajasthan Royals. But against CSK, the left-right combination of him and Dhawan caused serious problems. He looks like an improved player since the Australian series. He will be hoping for some fireworks against the PBKS side.

Ajinkya Rahane: In the squad to provide stability and experience, Rahane is yet to make his mark in this edition of IPL.

Rishabh Pant: After his heroic knock against RR, DC fell short. Pant will look to maintain his form keeping in mind his role as a captain.

Marcus Stoinis: After an impressive season last edition, Stoinis is yet to trouble the scorecard. He has 14 runs in the 2 matches played. DC will rely on him to make his presence felt.

Lalit Yadav: He looked good with the bat against RR, supporting his captain from the other end after a batting collapse. Lalit is known for his power hitting. The Delhi boy has hit six sixes in an over not once but twice in a local T20 tournament, earning him a seat in the DC camp.

Chris Woakes: Woakes has been an important figure in the bowling department for DC. He has 4 wickets in the 2 matches played.

Ravichandran Ashwin: Ash was hammered in the match against CSK, but just like we know him, he bounced back stronger in the match against RR, conceding just 14 runs in 3 overs. But DC will want him to pick up wickets in the middle overs.

Kagiso Rabada: The go-to bowler for Rishabh Pant, Rabada has shown his world-class capability of bowling at the death. After missing the match against CSK, Rabada looked good picking up 2 wickets against RR.

Anrich Nortje: The lethal combination of Nortje-Rabada in the previous edition helped Delhi reach the final. He is yet to feature in this edition. Nortje will be itching to get out there and bowl alongside his countrymen.

Avesh Khan: What a start he has had to this edition of IPL, the best bowler for DC undoubtedly. Avesh has been the best bowler for Delhi Capitals and has picked up 5 wickets while bowling at an average of 11 and an economy rate of 6.87.

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

KL Rahul (Captain): Despite getting off to a good start in the first match, Rahul was run out against CSK following some brilliance on the field by Ravindra Jadeja. He will be eager to get some runs under his belt against DC.

Mayank Agarwal: Failed to make any sort of impact in the two matches played, PBKS will be desperate to see him get off to a quick start opening the batting alongside his captain.

Chris Gayle: The Universe Boss is made to play in such T20 leagues around the world. He has been entertaining the IPL fans and torching the opposition since the start of IPL. PBKS will be eager to see some fireworks off his willow.

Deepak Hooda: Having failed to replicate his performance from the first match against CSK, PBKS will rely on Deepak in the middle order to provide some runs.

Nicholas Pooran: After 2 consecutive ducks against CSK and RR, Pooran needs to up his game if he wants a place in the starting 11.

Shahrukh Khan: Looks like a promising talent and a great striker of the ball. PBKS should try to promote him up the batting order. He showed glimpses of his power-hitting against CSK.

Jhye Richardson: The big-money signing from Australia has struggled to impress the IPL fans. PBKS need him to perform in these conditions alongside Mohammed Shami.

Murugan Ashwin: He has been part of the Punjab camp for quite a while now. Murugan is the go to spin bowler for KL Rahul. A lot depends on him picking wickets in the middle overs.

Mohammed Shami: He will be looking to improve his performance from his previous two outings. Shami hasn’t been at his best this season. PBKS will be hoping for Shami to find his rhythm back.

Riley Meredith: The Australian bowler who was impressive in the Big Bash League, has failed to impress in his two outings. Riley has been quite expensive in both the matches played. The PBKS management will make sure he knows what is expected of him.

Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep Singh has been the best bowler for Punjab Kings, and has picked up 4 wickets while bowling at an average of 10 and an economy rate of 7.00. He will be looking to continue his excellent form.