Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, 3:30 PM
What to Expect
A total of 29 sixes were smashed in the last game at this venue, and another high-scoring contest is on the cards. Such is the firepower in SRH’s batting lineup that even a total of 190 against LSG felt underwhelming. If the Vizag pitch behaves the same way as it did the other night, SRH’s batters will relish their time in the middle.
However, this time, the challenge is steeper, with the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam posing a formidable spin threat. DC also boasts a strong pace attack, with Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar both in good rhythm. The bowlers can take notes from LSG’s approach against Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and others.
KL Rahul is set to make his DC debut and could slot in at No. 3 or in the middle order. If DC continue with Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis at the top, Rahul may have to adjust to a middle-order role. Rahul’s addition will bolster DC’s batting lineup. However, DC’s batting order still lacks clarity, with uncertainty surrounding player positions. Meanwhile, SRH’s bowlers had an off day in their previous outing, but with the depth and variety in their attack, they have the firepower to bounce back strongly.
Key Battle
Kuldeep has dismissed Abhishek and Ishan Kishan twice in his career. Starc, too, has a strong record against Head, dismissing him five times. Meanwhile, the battle between Klaasen and DC’s spin duo of Kuldeep and Axar promises to be a thrilling contest. Another intriguing matchup to watch is Harshal Patel going up against the explosive Ashutosh Sharma.
DC Playing XI
Sameer Rizvi will have to make way for Rahul. Other than that, no changes are expected. With no other wicketkeeping options, Abishek Porel is likely to retain his place.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abhishek Porel (wk), KL Rahul, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar. Impact sub: Ashutosh Sharma.
SRH Playing XI
Despite the loss, SRH is expected to stick with the same playing XI. No injury concerns have been reported at the moment.
Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Varma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Simarjeet Singh. Impact sub: Adam Zampa
Pitch and Weather
Since it’s an afternoon game, dew won’t be a factor. The last three IPL matches at this venue have been high-scoring, and following this trend, the pitch is expected to be favourable for batting. However, it might slow down in the second innings. The overhead conditions are bright and clear, with no rain expected throughout the game.