The last two matches of the IPL 2021 will be played simultaneously on Friday night. In one of these, table-toppers Delhi Capitals will play the third-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore. The match is of little importance as far as the Playoffs are concerned, as Delhi is set to play Qualifier 1, while Bangalore need to do something extremely unrealistic to do the same. Both teams may rest key players or experiment to get their combinations ahead of the Playoffs.
Bangalore failed to chase a sub-par total on a slow surface in their last match, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The run out of Glenn Maxwell was the turning point, emphasising further on their reliance on him this season. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal have provided them with good starts, but have, at times, got stuck in the middle overs. A.B. de Villiers, too, could not finish the chase in the last match, and will hope for more support in similar situations in preview.
If they share the fifth bowler's overs among Maxwell and Dan Christian, they can bring an extra batter in place of Shahbaz Ahmed, although their options are limited.
Among bowlers, Yuzvendra Chahal has been in great form in the UAE leg, creating pressure in the middle overs and slowing down the opposition. While they will be happy with the wicket-taking knack of Harshal Patel, the Purple Cap owner, they will also be slightly concerned about the lack of wickets for Mohammed Siraj.
With 10 wins in 13 matches, Delhi look in shape. However, there are some issues they would like to see addressed. While Shikhar Dhawan continues to provide stability at the top, Prithvi Shaw’s form has dipped in the UAE, where he has averaged just 11.3. The fitness of Marcus Stoinis, who has missed the last few matches, is a concern too. His return will strengthen the middle-order along with Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer.
Bowling is their strongest suit, and all five bowlers are in good form. They may want to rest one or more of their fast bowlers – Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Avesh Khan – before the Playoffs, particularly given their excellent bench, consisting Umesh Yadav, Lukman Meriwala, and Tom Curran. Axar Patel has complemented the pacers well in the UAE leg with his variations, while R. Ashwin has been steady. Despite that, Amit Mishra may get a look-in.
Likely XIs
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli (c), Devdutt Padikkal, K.S. Bharat (wk), Glenn Maxwell, A.B. de Villiers, Dan Christian, Shahbaz Ahmed, George Garton, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
Delhi Capitals: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Ripal Patel, Axar Patel, R. Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Kohli and Dhawan are the two biggest names from these two teams
- Glenn Maxwell is a must have based on his current form
- Bowlers like Chahal, Harshal, Axar, Avesh and Nortje should be considered
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
Rishabh Pant; Shikhar Dhawan (vc), Virat Kohli,Ripal Patel; Glenn Maxwell (c), Dan Chrstian, Axar Patel; Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje
