The 20th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) features a fiery clash between the David Warner-led Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, April 15. Delhi will be coming into the game on the back of four consecutive losses, and the side will be desperate to register their first win of the season.
Led by David Warner, it would be interesting to see what lineup the side fields when they take center stage in Bangalore. On the other hand, Bangalore would be raring to get back to winning ways as well, after having suffered two back-to-back losses. As both sides look to register a win, fans could be in for a thrilling encounter.
Here’s Delhi Capitals’ predicted XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore
Openers: David Warner (c), Prithvi Shaw
David Warner Batting (Photo Source : BCCI/IPL
Ace Australian batter David Warner has been consistently scoring runs at the IPL 2023, but the 36-year-old has been struggling with his strike rate. If he does find a way to accelerate, Warner could end up having a bigger contribution for Delhi in the forthcoming matches. In his last game, Warner amassed 51 runs in 47 deliveries, a knock that was ultimately in vain.
Warner’s batting partner, Prithvi Shaw, has been experiencing a poor run of form. The Indian batter has only managed to score 34 runs in the four matches that he has played for the team. If Delhi are looking to register their first win of the season, Shaw’s form would be essential.
Middle Order: Manish Pandey, Phil Salt (wk), Ripal Patel
Phil Salt
Manish Pandey would be expected to play his third game in the ongoing T20 carnival. The 33-year-old scored 26 runs against Mumbai in the last game and would look to accumulate some crucial runs for Delhi Capitals in the top order, when they lock horns with Bengaluru. Seeing Shaw’s recent performances, Pandey would be expected to show resilience and take the team forward.
Phil Salt could be given a chance in the side in the wicketkeeper’s slot after Abishek Porel’s incessant poor showings with the bat. The 26-year-old English batter is known for his explosive knocks and if he is included in the game against Bangalore, Delhi would expect him to be on top of his game.
The inclusion of Ripal Patel could be another change for the David Warner-led team, following Rovman Powell’s disappointing performances. The 27-year-old has little experience playing in the IPL. However, his domestic record could earn him a place in the lineup, an opportunity that the young batter from Gujarat would be looking to make the most of.
All-rounders: Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel
Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
Lalit Yadav has been in decent form in the IPL 2023. In Delhi’s last game, the 26-year-old scored two runs and conceded 23 runs in the four overs he bowled without taking a wicket. However, he would be desperate to put in an improved performance against the Faf du Plessis-led Bangalore.
Star Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been one of the few consistent performers for Delhi Capitals. The 29-year-old scored a brilliant half-century in his side’s previous game, amassing 54 runs in just 25 deliveries. Furthermore, he only conceded 20 runs in the four overs he bowled against Mumbai Indians. Patel’s performance could be integral for Delhi in their quest for winning the first game of the season.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Mustafizur Rahman, Khaleel Ahmed
Anrich Nortje. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been unable to replicate his recent international form in the IPL 2023. The 28-year-old has taken two wickets in four matches so far, and would need to buck up as his form would prove to be essential for Delhi in the upcoming games. In the last game, Kuldeep bowled just two overs in which he conceded 23 runs and was unable to take any wickets.
Anrich Nortje has put in subpar performances in Delhi’s previous two matches. The ace South African pacer conceded 35 runs in the four overs he bowled against Mumbai, and would thus be keen on improving upon his performance in the next game.
Mustafizur Rahman was one of the two bowlers who managed to take wickets in Delhi’s last outing. The 27-year-old Bangladesh pacer took a single wicket against Mumbai Indians and conceded 38 runs in the four overs he bowled.
Khaleel Ahmed could make his way into the squad after a brief hiatus. Featuring in three matches in the tournament so far, he has managed to add three wickets to his name. Provided he is included in Delhi’s squad, he would be keen on making a strong comeback.
Delhi Capitals (DC) probable XI:
David Warner (c), Prithvi Shaw, Phil Salt (wk), Manish Pandey, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Ripal Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Mustafizur Rahman, Khaleel Ahmed
Delhi Capitals (DC) probable impact players:
Aman Hakim Khan, Yash Dhull, Sarfaraz Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Praveen Dubey