We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report for Today’s Delhi vs Kolkata Match
Batters have enjoyed their time in the middle at the Wankhede Stadium. The average first and second innings score at the venue has been 192 and 171 respectively. Given the honest bounce and pace on offer, toss hasn’t proved to be a decisive factor.
Probable Playing XIs for Delhi & Kolkata
Probable XI for Delhi: Prithvi Shaw, David Warner*, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Rovman Powell*, Sarfaraz Khan, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman/Anrich Nortje*, Khaleel Ahmed
Probable XI for Kolkata: Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine*, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings* (wk), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell*, Tim Southee*, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Power Players for Delhi vs Kolkata Match
Despite Andre Russell’s all-round heroics of 4 for 5 and 48 off 25, Kolkata didn’t cross the finish line. He also became the first bowler in the history of the Indian T20 League to pick 4 wickets in an over. His match-winning ability makes him an obvious choice as a captain in fantasy cricket.
When these two teams met earlier in the competition, Kuldeep Yadav walked away with the Player of the Match award for picking 4 wickets. Barring the last game against Rajasthan, the Chinaman has always been amongst the wickets.
With three consecutive 60s and a 28 in the last match, David Warner will be the biggest threat for Kolkata. That said, given the opener’s vulnerability against spin early on, Kolkata might introduce Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy in the powerplay.
Smart Picks for Delhi vs Kolkata Match
Prithvi Shaw has consistently provided brisk starts for Delhi in this edition. The aggressive opener has added 151 runs at 50.33 in his last three innings against Kolkata.
It’s been a very disappointing season for Venkatesh Iyer till now, owing to which he has also been moved around in the batting order. However, if he gets back to opening the batting, he will have a decent chance of regaining his lost mojo.
Khaleel Ahmed has picked a wicket in every game thus far, including the best figures of 3 for 25 against Kolkata a few weeks ago. He is one of the rare bowlers who can buy a wicket despite bowling an ordinary delivery.
Tim Southee is one of those bowlers who can strike with both new and old ball. He has picked 8 wickets in 3 games till now. His battle against the dynamic Delhi openers will be interesting. It could go either way.
Given Kolkata’s fragile top order, the onus will be on skipper Shreyas Iyer to play the role of a sheet anchor. He has scored 248 runs at 35 in this edition.
Although Rishabh Pant is yet to register a single half-century in this edition, he has got starts in every game. If Delhi are to turn around their fortunes, they will need a significant knock from their skipper.
Rinku Singh was a surprise package in fantasy leagues when Kolkata took on Gujarat. Besides holding onto four neat catches in the deep, he also contributed 35 with the willow.
No matter how formidable the opposition batting is, attacking Sunil Narine isn’t a cakewalk. He is one of the few spinners in the world who can operate at the beginning, middle, and death overs with equal efficiency.
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Delhi vs Kolkata Match Preview
Both Delhi and Kolkata have forced themselves into a position where they have to win this contest to remain in the race for the playoffs. While Delhi lost to Rajasthan in their last match, Kolkata were downed by Gujarat. As far as head-to-head goes, Kolkata lead Delhi 16-14.
Both teams are replete with match winners. However, they have failed to click as a cohesive unit. It will be interesting to see what approach the two teams adopt heading into this crucial tie.
Time: April 28, 7.30 PM IST