Various subtleties hold key in the DC, RCB battle

We have had 25 games in the season thus far. Delhi Capitals have played only four while all others have featured in at least five. The upcoming week is crucial for them as they play three matches in seven days. Delhi have shown indifferent form but the 44-run victory over Kolkata on Sunday might just set the ball rolling for them. 

They have the Royal Challengers Bangalore in front of them. In stark contrast with Delhi, Bangalore’s last game was easily their worst of the season as yet. They curtailed the margin of defeat to 23 runs but were outperformed by Chennai. 

The two sides are placed number six and seven. Considering the logjam in the middle, one win can lift a team by numerous spots. For Delhi, it is about stitching two wins together and building a rhythm. For Bangalore, it is about brushing a dismal performance aside and moving forward. 

Repercussions of Harshal's absence

In a rather perfect-looking bowling setup, Bangalore is largely dependent on Harshal Patel. His absence was clearly felt against Chennai when Bangalore, despite an excellent powerplay, conceded the highest total of the season. 

“You see the value he (Harshal) offers not just to this team but any team. Towards the end, we lacked variety. Big miss for us,” said skipper Faf du Plessis after the loss. 

He can put the brakes during the middle-overs. He is impossible to hit at times during the death overs. He extends their batting depth. There are not many like him not just with RCB but in the whole competition. No news about his availability makes it likely that he will miss this fixture. 

Harshal’s absence gets accentuated by Mohammad Siraj’s poor form. He is neither picking wickets with the new ball nor is he able to cease the runs. 

Since the second leg of the last season, he has bowled 27 overs in the powerplay for only one wicket. It has taken a direct toll on Bangalore’s new ball bowling numbers - 93.6 runs per wicket in the considered time period. 

It is vital to strike early against Delhi which has one of the best opening pairs in Prithvi Shaw and David Warner. If not Siraj, Josh Hazlewood will have to continue his wicket-taking form that has fostered his re-emergence as a T20 bowler. 

Powerplay problems with the bat as well 

Not being able to force the issue with the bat right away is another problem for Bangalore. It starts with their star players: Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. 

du Plessis’ powerplay strike rate lingers at 83 and he has carried on to a relevant score only once in five innings. Virat Kohli has contributed twice but he has also been dismissed thrice for single-digit scores. The consistent performances from the Indian core of the middle-order have kept them afloat but the stars need to translate their potential on the field. 

The contest

Glenn Maxwell versus Kuldeep Yadav 

Kuldeep Yadav has been a revelation for Delhi. From not finding a place in Kolkata's XI last season, he is now in the race for the Orange Cap with 11 wickets in four matches. He has ceased runs whilst picking wickets. Glenn Maxwell, being the only proven spin basher in RCB, will be tasked to counter him. His constant urge to sweep spinners has perturbed many bowlers and it will be interesting to see how this dual pans out. 

In overall T20s, Maxwell has scored 57 runs in 37 balls against Kuldeep, losing his wicket twice

David Warner versus Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasarnaga has averaged 40 runs per wicket against LHBs as compared to 9.5 against RHBs. Warner has been one of the best batsmen of leg-spin bowling IPL, averaging 59.6 at a strike-rate of 150. Will Warner take Bangalore’s prime spinner down? 

In overall T20s, Warner has scored 43 runs in 21 balls against Hasaranga without losing his wicket

Dinesh Karthik versus Mustafizur Rahman

Dinesh Karthik is nailing the finisher’s role, scoring all his 131 runs at a strike rate of 218.1. Mustafizur Rahman hasn’t been among wickets but has bowled at an economy of only 7.7 in this phase. His overall economy is only 5.8. He won’t offer Karthik any pace to work with which makes it a nice cat-and-mouse game. 

In overall T20s, Karthik has scored 16 runs in 15 balls against Mustafizur losing his wicket once

Probable XIs

Delhi Capitals

Mitchell Marsh has started batting in the nets but it is unclear if he will be drafted in the XI right away. If he does make his debut for Delhi here, he can replace either Rovman Powell or Sarfaraz Khan. 

Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh/Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Khaleel Ahmed

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Suyash Prabhudessai stamped his prowess on his debut against Chennai and should keep his position in the XI if Harshal is not available. Akash Deep has picked only one wicket in the last three outings. Will that open a slot for Siddarth Kaul? 

Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Suyash Prabhudesai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood, Akash Deep/Siddarth Kaul, Mohammad Siraj 

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Date & Time: Apr 16, 07:30 PM IST