Rebranded Punjab Kings seek more stability in search of maiden title

Their new additions in the bowling department make them look a well-rounded unit

Varun Shetty05-Apr-20212:23

Do top-heavy Punjab have finishing firepower?

Where they finished in 2020

Sixth, best of three teams tied on 12 points

Potential XI

1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 KL Rahul (capt. and wk), 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Mandeep Singh, 6 Shahrukh Khan, 7 Chris Jordan/Fabian Allen, 8 Jhye Richardson, 9 M Ashwin, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Ravi Bishnoi/Arshdeep Singh

Batting

Not a lot has changed about Punjab Kings’ batting line-up. They continue to be a top-heavy side, with a blistering top four of Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran. This is largely the line-up that helped them be one of the most consistent teams in the powerplays last year – they averaged 48.35 during that phase and lost only one wicket on average.Related

  • KL Rahul looking forward to Riley Meredith's 'proper pace' in IPL 2021

  • Damien Wright: 'You've got to be able to throw a few curveballs at the other teams, get ahead of the game'

  • Injury gave Shami 'more time to be ready' for IPL 2021

  • Shahrukh Khan's 'sprint' from big hits to big bucks

  • 'It's life-changing to be honest' – Jhye Richardson on IPL auction

The area they had issues with is their batting beyond these four, and while things came together during the end of IPL 2020, there hasn’t been a huge change in their roster. Glenn Maxwell and James Neesham are no longer with them, and potential replacements for them are Moises Henriques, Dawid Malan, and Fabian Allen. A change in strategy will either revolve around the stability that Henriques and Malan could provide – hence freeing up someone like Rahul early on – or the more ballistic option of banking on big-hitters like Allen and Shahrukh Khan. The reliance on uncapped top-order Indian batsmen in middle-order roles is likely to persist given the riches at the top and the fact that they have two breakneck overseas fast bowlers.All in all, it’s unlikely the flavour changes with their batting; it could be more of the same system, with the hope that their new personnel will fit better.

Bowling

They’ve spent huge amounts to acquire fast bowlers Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith, in what was a clear and purposeful move to strengthen their bowling. Last year, the Kings were joint-second with Delhi Capitals for fast bowling economy, going at 9.15, and their games often turned around when their new-ball efforts were neutralised at the death. Richardson should bring far more consistency to them and that means they have at least five bowlers settled in for regular roles – Shami, M Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi being the others.ESPNcricinfo LtdWe could see a lot of Henriques this season, as a sixth bowling option, and Allen as a spin-bowling allrounder could be battling directly with Chris Jordan for a place in the side; for cases when they want both Richardson and Meredith in the line-up, that bowling-centric strategy can be aided by the likes of Jalaj Saxena or Utkarsh Singh as No. 7 batsmen.

Young player to watch out for

Left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar flies so far under the radar that even at domestic level, he isn’t often in headlines despite being one of Uttar Pradesh’s most important players. The 27-year-old is among the most consistent cricketers in the domestic circuit, with bowling plans often built around his tight control of line and lengths. He matches the guile that’s given him 192 first-class wickets at 23.44 with a strong game sense that’s given him economy rates of 4.38 and 7.04 respectively in List A and T20 cricket. In another season of balancing their top and bottom, Kumar could prove a handy option for PBKS.

Coaching staff

Anil Kumble (director of cricket operations), Andy Flower (assistant coach), Wasim Jaffer (batting coach), Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach), Damien Wright (bowling coach)

Poll

فيديو | برأسية رائعة.. مروان حمدي يسجل هدف تعادل مصر أمام الإمارات

تمكن منتخب مصر الثاني من التعادل أمام نظيره الإمارات، في المباراة الجارية الآن ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العرب 2025.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع الإمارات، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثانية من مباريات دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس العرب المقامة في قطر.

وأحرز مروان حمدي، هدف التعادل لصالح مصر في الدقيقة 85 من رأسية متقنة بعد عرضية من كريم العراقي.

طالع.. تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام الإمارات في كأس العرب 2025.. ثلاثي هجومي وجاء الهدف الأول لصالح الإمارات في الدقيقة 60 بعد هجمة مرتدة رائعة، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى لوكاس كايو أمام المرمى ليضعها في الشباك.

ويلعب منتخب مصر المباراة، وهدفه تحقيق الفوز من أجل الاقتراب من التأهل إلى الدور القادم لمنافسات كأس العرب، بعدما كان قد تعادل في لقاء الجولة الأولى أمام الكويت.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر، حاليًا في المركز الثاني من المجموعة الثالثة برصيد نقطة، بينما يتصدر الترتيب منتخب الأردن برصيد 6 نقاط حاسمًا التأهل من المجموعة قبل لقاء الجولة الختامية. هدف تعادل مصر أمام الإمارات في كأس العرب

Trevor Story Discusses Timing of Red Sox's Decision to Trade Rafael Devers

Players on the Boston Red Sox are still processing the team's blockbuster trade with the San Francisco Giants that saw them part ways with Rafael Devers on Sunday.

Trevor Story was the first active Red Sox player to speak about the trade with reporters, and one thing he addressed was the timing of the deal. With Boston having shown signs of life in recent weeks, winning eight of their last 10 games and sweeping the rival New York Yankees, it certainly seemed an unusual time to trade away a franchise cornerstone such as Devers.

Story told reporters he felt the trade came at a "weird" time amid the team's recent hot streak, via Christopher Smith of MassLive. The Red Sox had managed to crawl back above .500 for the first time since May 24, and that very same evening Devers was traded across the country.

The veteran shortstop added that he was "just as shocked as everyone else" about the trade going down, via Tim Healey of

In exchange for Devers, the Red Sox received starting pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, as well as prospects James Tibbs and Jose Bello from the Giants. Harrison was promptly optioned to Triple A.

The playoffs are certainly not out of the picture for Boston, but with over a month until MLB's trade deadline, the front office pulled the trigger on a seismic trade that left not only the fan base stunned, but the clubhouse, too.

Shigeo Nagashima, Beloved All-Time Great of Japanese Baseball, Dies at 89

Former Tokyo Yomiuri Giants third baseman Shigeo Nagashima—one of the most successful and beloved players in the history of Japanese baseball—has died of pneumonia, his former team announced Tuesday. He was 89.

Nagashima played for the Giants from 1958 to '74, during which time he became one of the nation's most famous athletes. He posted a lifetime slash line of .305/.379/.540 with 444 home runs and 1,522 RBIs.

Like his power-hitting teammate in that era—first baseman Sadaharu Oh—Nagashima garnered interest from North American teams. However, he never left Japan, and in fact criticized some players who did.

That did not blunt his outsized impact on the Japanese stars who came after him, such as Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani—who honored him with an Instagram post.

Nagashima's accolades included 11 Japan Series titles (to go with two as a manager), five Central League MVP awards, and four Japan Series MVP awards.

Their next Caicedo: BlueCo have signed a "world-beater" for Chelsea

They have made more than their fair share of poor signings over the last few years, but Chelsea have also got their hands on some incredible players.

One of those who falls into the latter category has to be Moises Caicedo, who has gone from up-and-coming gem to arguably the best six in the Premier League.

The Ecuadorian monster is almost unmatched when it comes to breaking up play, and with every passing game, seems to get better and better in attacking phases of play.

Therefore, Chelsea fans should be delighted about their most recent signing, as the youngster could well be their next Caicedo.

The exciting youngsters set to join up with Chelsea

Chelsea already have a squad full of exciting talents, and they are set to add even more talented youngsters in the summer.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

For example, Brazilian left-back Denner put pen to paper on a contract with the club back in March, but due to rules regarding under-18s, he must wait until the summer to join the senior squad.

He looks like a player worth waiting for, though, as, on top of being more than capable at the defensive side of the game, he is also a “marauding LB with so much quality in the final third,” per respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

Further up the pitch, someone who could cause havoc on the opposite flank for the Blues is Portuguese wonderkid Geovany Quenda.

The Sporting CP gem cost around £44m in March, and while that is an enormous sum of money, it looks like he will be more than worth it.

For example, despite still being just 18 years old, the Bissau-born dynamo has scored four goals and provided six assists, with two of those goal involvements coming against Kaira Almaty in the Champions League.

Speaking of the Kazakh side, their most exciting prospect, Dastan Satpayev, will make his way to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Described as “a future Ballon d’Or winner” and “a future rival to Lamine Yamal” by one analyst, to say there is some hype around the 17-year-old would be an understatement.

It’s easy to see why, though, as in 29 first-team appearances last season, totalling 2081 minutes, he scored 15 goals and provided seven assists.

Satpaev’s 24/25

Appearances

29

Starts

21

Minutes

2081

Goals

15

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.75

Minutes per Goal Involvement

94.59′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of that, he also became the youngest player to score a senior goal for the Kazakh national team last week, scoring the side’s only goal in their 1-1 draw with Belgium.

With all that said, potentially the most exciting prospect of them all isn’t going to join Chelsea next year, but could still be their next Caicedo.

Chelsea's next Caicedo

What makes Caicedo such an incredible player? Most would agree that it is a combination of his excellent reading of the game, anticipation and technique.

These three things make him exceptional at shielding the back four and brilliant at kick-starting attacking moves.

Fortunately, based on the sentiment of those in the know, those appear to be traits shared by Deinner Ordonez, who just signed a pre-agreement with the Blues.

For example, Como scout Felix Johnstone has described the youngster as “an absolute alien of a talent” who is “physically top, so good in the air” and capable of producing “excellent carries.”

Likewise, Mattinson has described him as a “pacy aggressive defender off the ball who’s able to defend big spaces with a level of dominance rare for his age.”

He’s not just a defensive powerhouse, though, as Mattinson also points out his “outstanding range of passing” and the fact that he is “completely both-footed.”

With all that, it’s not hard to see why Johnston has dubbed the teenager a future “world-beater,” nor is it hard to see the technical traits he shares with Caicedo.

In addition to these physical and technical similarities, the youngster is also Ecuadorian, becoming the youngest player to represent the side at the South American U-20 Championship earlier this year.

Moreover, while he is yet to make a first-team appearance, he is also at the midfielder’s old club, Independiente del Valle.

Ultimately, he might play in a different position, but Ordonez shares plenty of traits with Caicedo and is certainly looked at as someone who could become as important for Chelsea in the future.

Chelsea ready club-record £133m bid for "monster", Enzo Fernandez may be key

The Blues are readying an offer for a new forward.

ByDominic Lund Nov 16, 2025

Pep now personally wants Man City to hijack Real Madrid for £87m midfielder

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola now personally wants to hijack Real Madrid and sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who is valued at £87m.

Pep sets out to sign new midfielder amid Rodri concerns

After spending the majority of the 2024-25 season on the treatment table due to an ACL injury, Rodri has been eased back into the team by Pep, but the Spaniard suffered yet another setback in the 1-0 triumph at Brentford prior to the international break.

The central midfielder was ruled out of contention for Spain’s World Cup qualifiers, with Pep going on to express hope that it will be a matter of weeks, not months, before the 29-year-old returns.

He's perfect for Pep: Man City now rivalling Real Madrid for "pacy" £52m star

City are set to battle it out for a new defender, who is regarded as ideal for Pep Guardiola.

ByDominic Lund Oct 15, 2025

The City boss also went on to add: “You asked me why I don’t play him 90 minutes all the time. The journalists always ask me why I substitute him. This is why we tried to be gentle and play [him] for 60-65 minutes.”

Amid concerns over Rodri, the Blues have set out to bolster his options in the engine room, submitting offers for two up-and-coming English midfielders earlier this week, and a Premier League star has also now emerged as a target.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Pep now personally wants to hijack Real Madrid and sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, with Man City expressing serious interest in securing his signature.

Manchester United have also set out to sign Wharton, off the back of the midfielder’s impressive performances for the Eagles, and sources suggest the south Londoners could hold out for a fee of around €100m (£87m).

However, with the Englishman contracted until 2029, and happy at Selhurst Park, Palace currently have no pressing need to cash-in, with a move more likely to transpire next summer than in January.

"Phenomenal" Wharton has earned move to top club

In many ways, it is a real surprise the 21-year-old has just one England cap to his name, given the impact the central midfielder has made ever since arriving at Palace, with Dan Cook of HLTCO being left particularly impressed.

In his only appearance for England, which came against Bosnia & Herzegovina just over a year ago, the youngster became the only midfielder to attempt 30+ passes on his Three Lions debut and complete each one, in what was an assured performance.

Given Wharton’s passing ability, he could flourish in a Pep system, and Man City should undoubtedly make a move in 2026.

Fernando Diniz convoca Adryelson, do Botafogo, para o lugar de Nino na Seleção Brasileira

MatériaMais Notícias

Zagueiro do Botafogo, líder do Campeonato Brasileiro, Adryelson foi convocado pelo técnico Fernando Diniz para defender a Seleção Brasileira no jogo contra o Uruguai, na terça-feira (17), pelas Eliminatórias Sul-Americanas para a Copa do Mundo de 2026.

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O defensor foi chamado para o lugar de Nino, do Fluminense. O jogador sofreu uma entorse no joelho esquerdo no treinamento deste sábado (17), em Montevidéu. O departamento médico da CBF monitora a situação do atleta, que também está em contato com o Flu.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

+ Futebol total! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$800 com os jogos de domingo na Série B

+ Pra rechear o domingo! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$800 com as Eliminatórias da Euro

Existe uma preocupação da equipe carioca quanto ao estado do zagueiro, já que em menos de um mês o Tricolor enfrenta o Boca Juniors (ARG), pela final da Libertadores. O confronto está marcado para o dia 4 de novembro e será realizado no estádio do Maracanã. 

Foi a primeira vez que Adryelson foi convocado pela Seleção na carreira. Contratado pelo Botafogoem 2022, ele já fez 65 partidas com a camisa botafoguense.

Rangers: 58 y/o league-winner wanted to accept low salary offer from Ibrox

A legendary figure within football has revealed he instructed his agent to get him to Rangers even if a “massive drop in wages” was required to get him to Ibrox.

Rangers manager search rumbles on

The Gers are back to square one in their manager search after Steven Gerrard ruled himself out of contention to return to Ibrox.

The 45-year-old had been the front-runner to replace the sacked Russell Martin as head coach, but it is understood that after holding constructive discussions with the club, he felt the timing was not right for a return to Glasgow.

PA News Agency reports the conversations were positive and both sides agreed to leave the door open for the future, but for now 49ers Enterprises’ first major test in charge at Ibrox just got a whole lot tougher.

Danny Rohl appears to be the front runner for the job at the moment, even if reports suggest one of the Gers’ top transfer targets, Pierce Charles, would be less likely join the club if his former Sheffield Wednesday boss is in situ.

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe promised fans a “rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process” which they were both “deeply involved” with and would give their “full attention” to, but the appointment of a young, maverick coach like Rohl would feel eerily similar to the risk that was taken appointing Martin back in June.

While the club struggle to get a managerial candidate who fans can rally behind over the line, one man the Ibrox faithful will never run out of love for has revealed that feeling is mutual.

Gascoigne: I told my agent I'd drop my wages to join Rangers

Speaking to talkSPORT on Monday, former England superstar Paul Gascgoine, who won the league twice during his time at Rangers, said he nearly missed out on his move to Ibrox over a name mix-up, but then jumped at the chance to join up with Walter Smith.

‘Gazza’ is one of Rangers’ greatest players of all time and was already a Ballon d’Or candidate before he joined, finishing fourth in the famous award ceremony back in 1990, proving the allure of both the club and Smith, who himself won 21 major trophies as Rangers boss.

Whether Rohl or anyone else can return the club to that level given the growing financial gap between Scotland and Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues, fans are desperate for Cavenagh and Marathe to find a leader like Smith who can once again turn Ibrox into a stage that appeals to the finest talents in world football.

Not just Iheanacho: Celtic's 6/10 flop has totally "lost his Midas touch"

Celtic have failed to win three of their last five matches in all competitions and have been held to drab scoreless draws in two of those matches.

The Hoops failed to make the breakthrough against Hibernian at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon, despite creating seven ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net, per Sofascore.

Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed that his team were unable to score from 26 shots and seven ‘big chances’ at home in front of their own supporters, particularly as the result has left them second in the table.

It will be doubly frustrating because the Scottish giants also had six ‘big chances’ to score against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday night, but only scored once.

This means that Celtic have scored one goal from 13 ‘big chances’ created in the last two matches against Red Star Belgrade and Hibernian, which does not paint their attack in the best light.

Kelechi Iheanacho was the player who scored in the draw against the Serbian side in midweek, with a terrific finish into the top corner, but he lost his mojo for the clash with Hibernian.

Why Kelechi Iheanacho let Celtic down against Hibernian

The left-footed marksman made a terrific start to his career at Parkhead with a debut goal, from the penalty spot, against Kilmarnock to win the game in the 96th minute.

Iheanacho then registered an assist for Sebastian Tounekti against Partick Thistle in the League Cup in his second outing, before scoring an excellent goal against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League.

His contributions across those three matches earned him a start in the number nine position against Hibernian, having come off the bench in the matches to score against Kilmarnock and Red Star Belgrade.

Iheanacho was unable to build on those promising cameos, though, as his performance against Hibernian left a bit too much to be desired, particularly with his play in front of goal in the 0-0 draw.

The Nigeria international played the opening 67 minutes of the match against Hibs and was unable to make the breakthough in front of goal, despite the team creating enough chances for him to do so.

Minutes

67

Shots

4

Shots on target

1

Big chances missed

2

Passes completed

9/10

Key passes

1

Big chances created

0

As you can see in the table above, his teammates helped him to take four shots at goal and have two ‘big chances’, but he squandered his opportunities, including one from close-range that smacked the crossbar.

The former Sevilla marksman, who arrived at Parkhead as a free agent, will be hoping that he can improve his efficiency in front of goal as he gets back up to full match sharpness, given that the clash with Hibernian was just his second start of the season.

Iheanacho lost his goalscoring touch for the weekend’s clash, having scored in two of his first three games, but there is another player in the squad whose decline in form in front of goal is even more concerning.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Rodgers unleashed Daizen Maeda on the right flank against Hibernian, with Iheanacho through the middle and Sebastian Tounekti on the left flank, and the Japan international produced an underwhelming display.

Daizen Maeda has lost his Midas touch for Celtic

In the 2024/25 campaign, it seemed like everything Maeda touched turned to goals. He ended the season with a return of 33 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

The Japanese marksman, who scored 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership, earned the Player of the Year award in Scotland, thanks to his prolific form in front of goal.

Unfortunately, it currently looks like last season’s exploits were a flash in the pan for the 27-year-old attacker, whose output in front of goal has declined since the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

As explained in the clip below from the Daily Record’s show, Maeda has “lost his Midas touch” for Rodgers at the top end of the pitch on this season’s evidence so far.

The Celtic forward missed two ‘big chances’, as many as Iheanacho, whilst playing on the right wing against Hibernian, per Sofascore, and earned a player rating of 6/10 from 67HailHail.

Unfortunately, missing ‘big chances’ has become a theme for the Japan international this season in the Premiership, as he has failed to kick on from his 33-goal campaign last term.

Appearances

34

6

Goals

16

1

Minutes per goal

160

446

Conversion rate

28%

13%

Big chances missed

17

4

As you can see in the table above, Maeda’s conversion rate has plummeted by 15% in the Premiership, which shows that he has been far too wasteful with his shots in the current season.

One possible explanation for his decline in form is the fact that he missed out on a summer move away from Parkhead. In his pre-Hibernian press conference, Rodgers suggested that the attacker may have a “subconscious” thing holding his performances back because of that failed move.

Maeda scored 33 goals last season and may have been excited to get a move to a major European league, but the Hoops were unable to source a replacement for him late on in the window, and staying at Parkhead may have been tough to take.

This is, of course, just speculation, but Rodgers’ comment about it being a “subconscious” issue does point towards that being a possible reason for the forward losing his Midas touch in front of goal.

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Hopefully, Maeda can get back on track and start to show the lethal efficiency in the final third that resulted in him winning the Premiership Player of the Year award last season.

Delhi Capitals look to regroup at home as KKR come calling

DC have lost two of the three games in Delhi and defending champs KKR will look to take advantage of their inconsistency

Abhimanyu Bose28-Apr-20253:53

DC’s bowling a concern at Kotla?

Big picture: DC’s home form a concernUnder first-time captain Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals (DC) got off to an flier, IPL 2025 winning their first four matches. But their fortunes took a tumble since their return to Delhi. In their three matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium so far, they have lost two and their only win came via a Super Over.Against Mumbai Indians, they collapsed in a 206 chase despite being in the driving seat until Karun Nair fell in the 12th over. Against Rajasthan Royals, they looked like they were headed for defeat until Mitchell Starc defended nine runs in the final over to take the game to a one-over shootout. Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, their bowlers couldn’t capitalise on an early collapse.Related

Sai Sudharsan takes back IPL 2025 Orange Cap from Kohli

Harshit Rana missing Gambhir's 'aura' at KKR

A drop-off in the form of some of their key players has played a part. KL Rahul scored 185 runs in his first three games (he missed DC’s season opener), averaging 92.50 and striking at 169.72. However, since their first game in Delhi, he has only managed 179 runs in five innings, with his strike rate also dropping to 127.85.In DC’s first four games, Kuldeep Yadav took eight wickets, conceding at less than a run a ball. In the next five matches, his number of wickets have halved, his economy rate has gone up to 7.35 and his strike rate has jumped from 12 to 30. Similarly, Mitchell Starc took nine wickets from his first four outings, but he has only picked up two wickets from the next five games.KL Rahul’s top score in Delhi has been 41 so far, while he has three half-centuries in four away outings in IPL 2025•BCCI

Until now, DC have been in the top half of the points table, but now they need to regroup and rediscover consistency as the battle for the playoffs heats up.Form guideDelhi Capitals LWLWL(Last five completed matches, most recent first)
Kolkata Knight Riders LLWLWTeam news and likely XIIsIt’s a very short turnaround time for DC after their last game against RCB, but they are likely to continue with the same combination. They could continue with their tactic of starting with just six batters even if they bat first, as even then they have six bowling options.Delhi Capitals XII (likely): 1 Faf du Plessis, 2 Abishek Porel, 3 Karun Nair, 4 KL Rahul (wk), 5 Axar Patel (capt), 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Vipraj Nigam, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mukesh Kumar, 12 Ashutosh Sharma/Mohit SharmaKKR made a couple of changes in their last game, bringing in Rovman Powell and Chetan Sakariya in place of Ramandeep Singh and Moeen Ali, and are unlikely to tinker with their combination after the washout against Punjab Kings.Kolkata Knight Riders XII (likely): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane, 4 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 5 Venkatesh Iyer, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Rovman Powell, 8 Andre Russell, 9 Harshit Rana, 10 Vaibhav Arora, 11 Varun Chakravarthy, 12 Chetan SakariyaIn the spotlightWith Jake Fraser-McGurk woefully out of form, the expectations will be high on Faf du Plessis to deliver at the top for DC. He played in three of the first four matches of the season, before missing four games with a niggle. He struggled on his return against RCB, and has failed to cross 30 in any of the four matches he played except his half-century against Sunrisers Hyderabad.2:51

Bishop: Need to give Powell, Russell ‘time to tee off’

In his third season with KKR, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has a chance to get an extended run of games, having replaced Quinton de Kock at the top of the order. The opening partnership has been an area of concern for KKR and they will hope that Gurbaz can form a strong alliance with Sunil Narine. Gurbaz was out for just one run in his first game of the season and scored 1 not out in the washout against PBKS, so he will hope for a good outing in Delhi.The big questionPitch and conditionsDC mentor Kevin Pietersen said after the RCB game that they had gone for a slow and low surface to counter their opponents’ strength but they will hope for a better batting surface on Tuesday night. The match will be played on pitch No. 5, which is in the centre, so there won’t be a shorter side for the batters to target.Stats and trivia Kuldeep Yadav has bowled three deliveries to Sunil Narine in two innings and dismissed him twice. Only R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah and Piyush Chawla (27 each) have more wickets against DC than Sunil Narine, who has 24. Only Chennai Super Kings (19.77) have a lower average for the opening partnership this season than KKR (19.87) and DC (24.22)Quotes”He’s bowling really good, the lengths he is hitting. And he is mixing it up well. I won’t take any names, but we should keep learning watching other teams play.”

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