Punjab Kings (PBKS) host the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Monday, May 11.
Shreyas Iyer and Co. had a dream start to the campaign. In their first seven matches, they won six, with one getting washed out. However, since then, the Kings have suffered three defeats in a row. Punjab would want to get back to winning ways as the race to the playoffs is heating up with every game.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals are hanging in by a thread. They still have a mathematical chance of progressing to the playoffs. Axar Patel’s men are placed at No. 8 on the points table, with four wins and seven defeats from 11 matches.
Here are the potential impact players for both teams in Match 55:
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Priyansh Arya: The left-hand opener Priyansh Arya will come in as an impact sub for the PBKS if they bat second. He has amassed 286 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 242.38.
Harpreet Brar: The experienced left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar gives this side a great spin bowling option. If the pitch is on the dry side, he could get a game. Also, Brar is no mug with the bat.
Vishnu Vinod: A hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter, Vinod is coming off an impressive domestic season with Kerala. He is the backup for the in-form Prabhsimran Singh.
Musheer Khan: Sarfaraz Khan’s younger brother is a talented batter and a decent left-arm spinner. However, he hasn’t played so far this season.
Xavier Bartlett: The Aussie all-rounder played in the earlier half of the season before Lockie Ferguson took his spot in recent matches.
Predicted Impact Players for Delhi Capitals (DC):
Karun Nair: Delhi Capitals’ Karun Nair has had a few chances but failed to make the most of them. Earlier in the season, when these two teams met, Nair dropped Shreyas Iyer twice in two overs, which came back to haunt the Capitals.
Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep Yadav has not been able to bring his A-game to the fore this season. In 11 matches, he has only picked up seven wickets at an average of 50.29.
Abishek Porel: Abishek Porel has played just one game this season. Some experts have urged the DC management to show some faith in youngsters like Porel and Prithvi Shaw.
T Natarajan: T Natarajan was replaced by Mukesh Kumar in the last game. It wasn’t because of an injury to the left-arm pacer, as he was a part of the Impact substitutes’ list. He might come back in for the upcoming game.
David Miller: David Miller was a regular feature in the side in the first eight games. However, he has had to make way after the management decided to play two overseas seamers in their lineup.
Expert Opinion and Final Prediction
- Home Advantage: This is going to be the first match in Dharamsala this season in the IPL. Punjab Kings are the home team and would be looking to make good use of their knowledge of the conditions.
- Recent Form: PBKS hold the edge, having won three of the last five encounters between the two sides.
- Balanced Side: PBKS appear to have a well-balanced lineup. DC also have a great side on paper, but the players haven’t fired as a unit.
- Prediction: Considering these factors, PBKS look better placed to come out on top in this contest.
