What

The Delhi Capitals will re-join the VIVO IPL 2019 campaign after a 5-day break when they play host to Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 46.

A large section of the Delhi Capitals camp would have welcomed the break after the team travelled to four cities and played five matches in 11 days. However, there might be a feeling among a few others– particularly within the team management – that the break came about at a wrong time. After winning just two matches out of five in the first two weeks of the season, the Delhi Capitals hit their straps winning five of their next six matches. Prior to the break, they’d defeated the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur and climbed to second position in the standings. Now, the Delhi Capitals will have to begin all over again; theplayers will be aware that they are on the brink of sealing a playoff spot for the first time since 2012.

After six successive losses, Royal Challengers Bangalore have treated every match like a knockout; that frame of mind, coupled with the ‘no-expectations and full licence to express’ approach has worked well for them. RCB have won their last three matches – and have four wins in their last five matches. They are still placed at the bottom of the table and their chances of making the playoff remain slim, but RCB know they have only one option – to keep winning.

RCB will miss two key players heading into the business end of the season and are forced to reorganise; Moeen Ali, who was a force in the middle-order and with his off-spin, has parted ways with the team to join up with the England national team, while Dale Steyn’s season was cut short by an inflammation in his shoulder. Tim Southee, despite coming in for plenty of stick, should retain his place in the XI, while RCB might consider bringing in Colin de Grandhomme or ShimronHetmyer to boost the middle order.

When

28 April 2019, 4pm IST

Where

Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Previous Match XIs:

Delhi Capitals:Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Sherfane Rutherford, Colin Ingram, Chris Morris, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, Akshdeep Nath, Marcus Stoinis, Washington Sundar, Tim Southee, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini.

Protagonists

Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyerand Rishabh Pant have scored the most runs in the Delhi Capitals’ wins this season. Those numbers quite clearly illustrate they form the nucleus of the team’s batting line-up. Dhawan, in particular, plays an important role; in the last few matches, the left-hand opener has begun aggressively and sets the tone for the Delhi Capitals, allowing the likes of Shreyas and Rishabh to play their respective natural games.

RCB’s top-scorers in their last three wins were AB de Villiers (82* v KXIP), Parthiv Patel (53 v CSK) and Virat Kohli (100 v KKR). The trio form the core of the team’s batting line-up. Parthiv has been refreshing to watch this season; the diminutive opener has often come out to bat all guns blazing and has provided his team brisk starts. Parthiv’s strike-rate in the powerplay this season is 143.45 – comparable with the likes of David Warner (143.45) and Quinton de Kock (144.31).

There will be expectations of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers whenever they walk out to bat; they are the two batsmen in the RCB line-up capable of winning matches single-handedly and turning matches from improbable situations.

On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabadahas already caused plenty of damage this season; the South African, who has been deadly in the death overs, will look to add to his tally of 23 wickets and keep the Purple Cap. Among others, the leg-spinners Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane (DC) andYuzvendra Chahal (RCB) should enjoy the conditions at the Feroz Shah Kotla; expect them to have a good outing too.

Head to Head in Indian Premier League

Overall: Matches – 22,Delhi Capitals – 7, Royal Challengers Bangalore – 14, No Result – 1.

In Delhi since 2011: Matches – 6, Delhi Capitals – 0, Royal Challengers Bangalore – 6.

Remaining Fixtures:

For Delhi Capitals: 1 May - v Chennai Super Kings in Chennai, 4 May – v Rajasthan Royals in Delhi.

For Royal Challengers Bangalore: 30 April – v Rajasthan Royals in Bengaluru, 4 May – v Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.