The 38th match of the IPL 2020 will have the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) squaring off against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dubai. The two teams had faced off in the second match of the tournament and it has ended in a tie, with DC winning the super over.
In meantime, KXIP has managed to breathe some life into their campaign after two back-to-back wins; while DC holds the top spot on the points table and needs one more win to qualify for the playoffs. TEAM COC presents its Predicted Playing XIs for the KXIP v DC match which is a crucial encounter for both teams.
KINGS XI PUNJAB (KXIP)
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has finally found a team combination that works for them and that has happened because of the inclusion of Chris Gayle. Gayle has brought in calmness into the batting order, which is still struggling in the middle. It has also liberated Rahul and Mayank to go after the bowling from the start.
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KXIP were forced to bring in Deepak Hooda to add stability to the batting given Maxwell’s terrible form. Chris Jordan, though expensive, provides valuable support to Mohammad Shami, who has been a star with the ball right from the start. Arshdeep Singh has impressed so far, while M Ashwin and Bishnoi have formed a good pair to choke the runs in the middle overs.
DELHI CAPITALS (DC)
Delhi Capitals might return to their full strength team with Rishabh Pant taking over from Rahane and Carey making way for Hetmyer. The team has been amazing from the start and has been led well by Shreyas Iyer, who has also contributed with the bat as well.
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However, the best thing going for them is their bowling lineup of Rabada, Nortje, R Ashwin, and Akshar who have done amazingly well in different parts of the matches. Akshar’s economy has been mind-blowing, while Ashwin has been used in an attacking fashion by Iyer to pick wickets.
While Rabada and Nortje are in midst of a speed contest with both regularly clocking over 150kph and terrorizing the opposition batsmen. Then there are the skills of Marcus Stoinis that have lent the much-needed balance to their side and he has shined with both the bat and the ball for them.
It is the amalgamation of all things fitting perfectly for the DC side that has helped them stay at the top of the points table from the start and they will be looking for a win over KXIP to qualify for the playoffs.
KXIP COC Predicted Playing XI:
KL Rahul (C&WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, M Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh
DC COC Predicted Playing XI:
Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Akshar Patel, R Ashwin, Tushar Deshpande, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
