Live Score
Cricket Teams
Cricket PlayersIPL 2019, DC vs KXIP: Predicted XI of Kings XI Punjab against Delhi Capitals: KXIP set to make a forced change
Injured Mujeeb could be replaced by Sam Curran, which could turn out to be a blessing disguise for KXIP. Curran had taken a hat-trick in KXIP’s previous encounter against DC
One shouldn’t be surprised if the Delhi Capitals middle and lower order still has nightmares about Kings XI Punjab. The last time KXIP and DC played against each other, Delhi Capitals suffered the worst collapse in IPL history, losing 7 wickets for 8 runs to end-up on the losing side. Delhi would want to make the record straight when they face KXIP in a re-match at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Saturday.
Locked at 10 points each, both DC and KXIP have enough reasons to harbour a top two finish. A lot would however depend on how the Kotla pitch plays.
On the eve of their game against Delhi Capitals, KXIP coach Hesson said, “Look the surface here, although we can’t guarantee how the pitch is going to be, most of the games have been consistent in terms of how they have been on the slower side.
Also Read: Delhi Capitals Predicted XI against Kings XI Punjab
“We will prepare accordingly, obviously we haven’t watched the game the other night. We can’t guarantee if the pitch is going to be same but the characteristic is probably going to be similar,” said Hesson. The 44-year-old said he had no issues with most of this edition’s matches finishing past midnight with teams looking to slow down the game.
The mid-table visitors are plagued by injuries to their mainline spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Varun Chakravarthy, as well as Moises Henriques. The former New Zealand coach said it will be a big loss if they are not able to play on Saturday.
“Mujeeb has made good progress, he is certainly not in as much pain as he was a couple of nights ago. So, he would like to train today and we will make a decision after that.
KXIP, actually doesn’t need to worry too much about the spin department even if Mujeeb doesn’t regain his fitness on time. They have the Ashwins – Ravichandran and Murugan – who did a fine job the other night against Royals.
Mujeeb then could be replaced by Sam Curran, which could turn out to be a blessing disguise for KXIP. Curran had taken a hat-trick in KXIP’s previous encounter against DC.
David Miller, who was drafted into the playing XI at the last minute after Moises Henriques twisted his ankle minutes before the toss against Royals, is expected to retain his place after scoring a quickfire 40 off 27 balls.
“Moises Henriques injured himself after being named in the side couple of days ago, his injury is going to roll now for a period of time, that’s unfortunate and obviously Varun is out for a long time as well with injury. We are hoping that everybody will be able to make contributions in the rest of the IPL,” Hesson said.
KXIP Predicted XI vs DC: KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, 4 David Miller, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), 8 Sam Curran/Mujeeb Ur Rahman, R Ashwin (capt.), Mohammed Shami, M Ashwin
(With agency inputs)
