Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Delhi Capitals’ playing combination for the match against Punjab Kings. Chopra said DC have almost given up the hope of qualifying for the playoffs after managing only four wins in 11 games of the tournament.
The renowned commentator said DC would have to play their opener Pathum Nissanka after the Sri Lankan top-scored for the team with 50 runs off 29 balls in the last game against KKR. Chopra highlighted that DC’s skipper Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have had a mundane season thus far.
“Delhi, you have already conceded that you are no longer capable of qualifying and that you are going to talk about the next year. So let’s see what you do because I don’t have much left to talk about you. Pathum Nissanka scored runs in the last match. So you will have to play him,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra believes DC might want to play David Miller ahead of his compatriot Tristan Stubbs in the playing XI.
“You might wish to play David Miller in place of Tristan Stubbs. Kuldeep Yadav has had an extremely ordinary year. Axar Patel has had a very ordinary year with the bat. Only one bowler has taken 10-plus wickets. In batting, one guy has 400 runs. That’s how it’s going for Delhi,” he observed.
The former Delhi cricketer said it would be a crucial game for Punjab Kings as they have lost their last three games.
“It’s an important game for Punjab because you have lost three matches. You have come to Dharamsala. Whoever goes to their new home feels slightly odd because they have no idea about the conditions,” he said.
The former KKR batter reckons Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi can trouble PBKS batters in Dharamsala.
“Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi will be in the opposition, and there might be a little help for the faster bowlers on this pitch. So that is a big question, although it’s also true that the bowling has been extremely ordinary throughout the tournament for both these units,” Chopra observed.
DC and PBKS will look to get the crucial two points on Monday.
