Delhi Capitals (DC) will get a second chance at making it into the final of the IPL 2020 when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Abu Dhabi On November 8, 2020, in Qualifier 2.

DC lost their first Qualifier to Mumbai Indians quite soundly, as they were reduced to 0/3 in 1.2 overs by MI bowlers. Opening has been a bane for the DC team as their openers all have scored multiple ducks in the season.

Prithvi Shaw has been the biggest disappointment as he has scores of 7,9 and 10 in three matches and in the remaining three matches he has played this season, he has scored ducks. Even Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 2 back-to-back centuries in the IPL, has recorded two ducks in the IPL 13 so far.

IPL 2020: Qualifier 2, DC v SRH - Statistical Preview

Then comes Ajinkya Rahane has two ducks to his name and one came as an opener. But he scored a match-winning 60 against Royal Challengers Bangalore last week.   

However, former India captain Gautam Gambhir decided to go with Prithvi Shaw in DC’s XI for the match against SRH, over Ajinkya Rahane, as he felt that Rahane was not impactful at no. 3 position.

In a pre-match analysis video chat on ESPNCricinfo, Gambhir picked his playing XI for DC.

“I want an impact player on top, especially in a must-win game. I know Prithvi Shaw has not been in good form, but even Ajinkya Rahane is not in supreme form as of now,” he said.

“Plus, if you make Rahane bat at no. 3, he is not an impactful player in that position. You can make Rahane open the innings but if I have to choose a player to open the innings between Rahane and Shaw - and look at the bowling line-up, I will go with Shaw and give him one more chance. If he bats for 6 overs, I am sure I will get the start I need,” Gambhir justified his selection.

It remains to be seen how DC find a way out of their top order conundrum.