The 36th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will see Delhi Capitals (DC) taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (September 25).
Both the teams resumed their IPL 2021 second phase campaign with victories. While the Capitals thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets, the Royals pulled off a two-run heist over Punjab Kings (PBKS)
With an imposing win, DC redefined their place on top of the points table whereas RR are currently occupying the fifth spot with 8 points to their name.
Both the teams will look to carry the winning momentum during their showdown at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium and for this, they ought to pick the right combination of players.
Therefore, Team COC presents to you the Predicted Playing XIs for the Delhi Capitals versus Rajasthan Royals match.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals are unlikely to alter their opening combination of Shikhar Dhawan Prithvi Shaw. Both of them are in fine form lately. While Dhawan scored 42 in the last game and is the leading run-scorer in the IPL 2021 so far, Shaw has 319 runs to his name in the ongoing season with a phenomenal strike rate of 165.28.
With all-rounder Marcus Stoinis doubtful for the game due to hamstring strain, Australia’s star batsman Steve Smith is expected to be drafted in the playing XI for the No. 3 slot followed by Shreyas Iyer, skipper Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Akshar Patel are likely to spearhead the spin attack. While Ashwin went wicketless against SRH, Akshar returned with impressive figures of 2/21 in his four overs.
Coming to the pace department, Kagiso Rabada should continue to lead the contingent along with Anrich Nortje and Avesh Khan. The trio picked up seven wickets between them in the game against SRH.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR will have a big task on their hands facing the robust DC attack. Young Yashasvi Jaiswal and Evin Lewis gave the team a blazing start in their last game and they should retain their place in the playing XI.
Captain Sanju Samson should hold the crucial No. 3 position with Liam Livingstone and Mahipal Lomror to follow him. Livingstone and Lomror looked in good touch against PBKS earlier this week.
The pair of Riyan Parag Rahul Tewatia might have failed to make a mark in the game versus Punjab, but they can be brutal at the fag end of the innings and it is unlikely that RR will drop any of them from the playing XI. Both the cricketers are also effective with the ball and chip in with a few overs.
Coming to the bowling attack, Kartik Tyagi and Mustafizur Rahman will lead the attack, having powered Rajasthan to an improbable victory over PBKS. While Tyagi defended four runs in the final over, Mustafizur conceded only four in the penultimate over to take RR over the line.
Left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya should play the role of a third pacer for the Royals, which also have ace all-rounder Chris Morris in their ranks.
Delhi Capitals Predicted Playing XIs:
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steve Smith, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Akshar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan
Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Evin Lewis, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Mahipal Lomror, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman, Chetan Sakariya, Kartik Tyagi
