Wavering Delhi Capitals Seek Stability Ahead of KKR Clash

???? Delhi Capitals' Rollercoaster Journey

Starting this season like superpowers, the Delhi Capitals (DC) cricket team Fans were really delighted when they won four matches in a row. Follow Bpexch app for more sports news. 

But since then, things have swung somewhat, much like on a rollercoaster. From their last five, they lost three. One game even entered a Super Over where Mitchell Starc assisted them to prevail just in time!

DC had little luck when playing at Arun Jaitley Stadium, their home ground. From two out of three matches they lost. 

Still, if they start winning once more, they are performing really well on the points count and can still finish in the top two teams.

???? Next Event

On Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 PM IST in Delhi, Delhi Capitals are getting ready to take on Kolkata Knight Rider (KKR). For both clubs, this is a major game!

???? How is KKR Performing?

KKR began their campaign with some victories mixed with some losses. Originally, they lost three matches and won three matches. 

It seemed like the Punjab Kings could be the top team after bowling out just 111 runs! Sadly, though, KKR's woes started in that same game; they only scored 95 runs. Since then, they lost to Gujarat Titans; one match had no result due to rain.

KKR just won one after playing five matches at their home ground Eden Gardens. Currently playing away from home, they hope to defeat DC to turn things around.

???? Why is DC Not Doing Right?

Delhi Capitals lost, however, and scored lots of runs in certain games (more than 200 runs). That is like dropping a mouthwatering cake before it is served!

• Their objective of 206 was elusive against Mumbai Indians.
  
  

• Scored 200+ against Gujarat Titans, but they still lost.
  
  

• Trying to defend 162 against RCB, they lost once more.
  
  

• Against Rajasthan Royals, they barely made a Super Over.
  
  

Although several DC hitters are starting nicely, not scoring big runs. Now, working hard to correct it before the game against KKR are players like Axar Patel and his squad.

???? Why is KKR's Going Wrong?

The main issue KKR faces is batting.

• Not even one over 50 runs—they have not had any significant opening alliances!
  
  

• Their openers in nine matches produced just 159 runs overall.
  
  

• Furthermore, underperforming are the middle-order hitters, who arrive following the openers.
  
  

Thus, KKR needs to improve fast; otherwise, they might not qualify for the playoffs.

???? DC vs KKR: Match Preview

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 29, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Weather & Pitch: Ground could assist bowlers—spinners—who rotate the ball. Teams would like to bowl first since evening dew (wetness) makes it difficult to bowl second.

???? Head-to-Head Battles: DC vs KKR

• KKR has won eighteen matches; DC has won fifteen.
  
  

• DC has, however, only won 3 out of 5 since 2022.
  
  

• Both clubs have 5 matches each at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
  
  

• The last win by KKR at this ground was in 2017!
  
  

???? Team News and Athletes to Track

???? Delhi Capitals Team

• Injury: Faf du Plessis returned following a minor one. Although DC will most likely keep him on the team, he scored a few runs last time.
  
  

• KL Rahul: He performs effectively against spinner Sunil Narine.
  
  

• Mitchell Starc: It was great early in the season, but now we must restore form.
  
  

• Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel: It might be risky against KKR batters who lack good against spin.
  
  

DC's Potential Players (Playing XI):
Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma

???? Kolkata Knight Riders Team

• Harshit Rana claims he is OK today even though he had elbow discomfort.
  
  

• Moeen Ali might replace Rovman Powell, and Ramandeep Singh or Manish Pandey might visit to boost batting.
  
  

• Powerful hitter, particularly against Starc, Andre Russell is one to watch.
  
  

• Sunil Narine & Varun Chakaravarthy: Spinners fond of challenging pitches.
  
  

• Ajinkya Rahane: Not doing great in away games but fantastic at home.
  
  

KKR's Potential Players (Playing XI):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh/Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

✨ Fun Facts

• DC has opened their batting using five different players more than any other squad!
  
  

• Mitchell Starc has battled in the past 6 matches but was fantastic in his first 3 matches.
  
  

• Rahane excels at Eden Gardens but not so well at road games.
  
  

???? What the Team Says

DC's mentor, Kevin Pietersen, remarked:

"We're still performing well even though we haven't yet performed our best match. It will be fantastic when we play our perfect game!"

Recommended Blog: 'A Different KL this Season' - Pujara Gives Rahul Credit for Smooth LSG-DC Transition