Indian Premier League 2019 Match 40, Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Indian Premier League 2019 Match 40, Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

cricket news Shikhar Dhawan Delhi Capitals IPL 2019

This will be the 40th match of IPL 2019, and yet, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals will be clashing for the first time, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday, 22 April.

The teams approach this clash with wins under their belts. Rajasthan – under the leadership of the newly instated Steve Smith – secured a fine five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in their last outing. Similarly, Delhi tasted victory against Kings XI Punjab, and have gone two points clear at the No.3 spot on the table.

Delhi’s victory snapped a losing streak at home – they lost three of four matches before Saturday – and they will be relieved to finally leave the Kotla, which hasn’t produced half decent pitches, prompting the ire of the Delhi management. However, the surface in Jaipur is likely to be similar – slow and sluggish. 

It’s therefore expected to come down to the spinners. Sandeep Lamichhane picked up 3/40 and looks in good nick for Delhi, but Rajasthan have Shreyas Gopal and young up-start Riyan Parag to do damage. 

It’s a hard one to call.

Head to head

The teams have clashed 18 times over the years. Rajasthan have reigned supreme, with 11 victories to Delhi’s 7. Honours were shared last year in their two clashes, with the home teams winning their respective matches.

Key players

Steve Smith (Rajasthan Royals): He’s back as captain, and has already led the side to a victory. Captaincy also seemed to boost his form, as he guided the chase against Mumbai. Those were much-needed runs for Smith, who had up till then scored just one half-century in seven outings. The hope for Rajasthan is that the performance against Mumbai will spark a late burst of form from their new captain. 

Shikhar Dhawan (Delhi Capitals): Problems remain over Delhi’s middle order, but Dhawan’s form at the top of the order has eased the pressure on the middle. Dhawan has scored two half-centuries in four outings, along with a 35, and more of the same will help Delhi massively against a Rajasthan side teeming with new confidence. 

Likely XI

Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson (wk), Steven Smith (c), Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag, Ashton Turner, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

Delhi Capitals: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Colin Ingram, Sherfane Rutherford, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma, Sandeep Lamichhane

Prediction

It’ll be a close-run thing, but Delhi have steel this season – the visitors to win.