The past few years have not been kind to Punjab Kings when it comes to continuity and consistency. However, this season looks promising for them. Despite the challenge of adapting to a new home ground, PBKS appear to have settled down on paper. They have retained their core players, captain, and staff, and strengthened their seam bowling department by acquiring Harshal Patel in the mini auction. Patel has a proven record in IPL, with many variations and the ability to bowl in all three stages of the innings. Alongside experienced players Kagiso Rabada and left-arm duo Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran, Patel makes PBKS's bowling lineup enviable.
The English trio of Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Curran will be crucial to Punjab's chances, as a lot of their batting relies on their performance. Bairstow & Livingston are yet to perform for punjab but they are hoping their performances in this year. Although Punjab bid big on Rilee Rossouw and Chris Woakes, the duo will likely serve as backups. The batting, especially the middle-order, may be lacking in Indian resources, but the spin bowling department is led by domestic talent.
It has been ten years since Punjab last made the IPL playoffs, and many changes have been made since then. With a semblance of continuity and a new home ground, it is hoped that they will break the streak.
Jitesh Sharma's hard-hitting form will be key for Punjab as well as for India as the T20 World Cup is approaching, and his inclusion in the side will be easier.
Rishabh Pant's comeback is the story of DC's season. They will be looking for their own redemption this time. The return of Pant will give much-needed morale boost to the team.
Delhi Capitals appear to be more balanced this year than last. Starting with Warner & Shaw, then Marsh at 3, will be key throughout the tournament. Tristan Stubbs may get the nod ahead of Shai Hope. Due to the unavailability of Harry Brook, Stubbs will start in the lineup and will be key for DC in the lower order, along with Kumar Kushagra, a hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, who had three teams competing for him at the auction and could get a chance this season, especially if Delhi decides to ease Pant into cricket and not burden him with wicketkeeping right away. The bowling is still a big concern for DC as their bowling is on & off last year and this time too they are hoping for Nortje to be available for the whole tournament.
Injuries and availability:
PBKS will begin the season with their full roster, with no injuries or late joiners. However, should they make the playoffs.
Harry Brook, DC's big-budget buy in the auction, will not be available to them this season. The England batter lost his grandmother recently and missed the five-Test tour of India as a result. He continues to take time off cricket for personal reasons.
Lungi Ngidi will miss the season with a lower back injury.
Anrich Nortje's arrival date is a bit uncertain because he is awaiting the birth of his child. Even otherwise, there are doubts around when he will be ready for the IPL grind. After all, he has just made a comeback in CSA's domestic T20 league after a long time on the sidelines.
Possible XI and potential Impact Player:
DC:
Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c), Tristan Stubbs (wk), Kumar Kushagra, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje
Khaleel Ahmed as Impact Player.
PBKS:
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran/Sikandar Raza, Harshal Patel, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis/Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Rishi Dhawan and Atharva Taide could be the two frontline Impact Sub options.
Head To Head Records & Stats:
Delhi and Punjab have faced each other in 32 matches in IPL. Out of these 32 games, Delhi have won 16 whereas Punjab have come out victorious on 16 occasion.
PITCH REPORT:
The match is set to take place at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The stadium will be hosting its first match in the IPL. However, in the matches that are played at the venue, the wicket seems to be on the slower side. Given that it will be a day game, it is expected to be slower. The team winning the toss would not mind batting. Batters need to hit odd boundaries. Bowlers need to be accurate with their line and lengths.
Match details:
Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Delhi Capitals (DC)
Mullanpur, 3.30pm IST (1030 GMT)
Live on: Star Sports (TV) & Jio Cinema (OTT)
Dream 11 Team :
