In the second game of IPL 2022, the IPL 2020 finalists Delhi Capitals will take on five-time champions Mumbai Indians. The game will happen at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 27th at 3:30 pm. Delhi Capitals will miss a few key players for the first few encounters. On that note, in this article, we predict the strongest possible Delhi Capitals playing XI for their first game against Mumbai Indians.
Openers: Prithvi Shaw and Tim Siefert
Prithvi Shaw and Tim Siefert are likely to be the openers for Delhi Capitals playing XI for their first game against Mumbai Indians. With David Warner absent, Tim Siefert will take his place for a few games. For Prithvi Shaw, he has to put more value on his wicket because the team is light on established batters for the first few matches.
Middle-Order: Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (C&WK), and Rovman Powell
Delhi Capitals have a number of options such as KS Bharat and Mandeep Singh for a spot in the playing XI. However, considering his recent form, Sarfaraz Khan is set to clinch the No.3 spot. He plays spin well and that will add to his case. While Rishabh Pant is likely to take the No.4 spot, Rovman Powell is the other prominent member in the middle-order. His recent form has been good and hence, DC will expect a lot of impactful runs from his blade.
All-Rounders: Ripal Patel, Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur
Ripal Patel is likely to be preferred over Lalit Yadav because he offers medium-pace bowling. However, Lalit might also get a chance. Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur will be the constants for DC at around No.7 and No.8 slots for this season. It will be interesting to see who bats higher between the two.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed and Chetan Sakariya
In Anrich Nortje’s absence, Delhi Capitals have a problem in their bowling. Mustafizur Rahman is also not available for the first game. Hence, Khaleel Ahmed and Chetan Sakariya both are likely to play the first match. After Fizz returns, one of these two will have to make way. Kuldeep Yadav will play in IPL after a long time and he will be the first-choice leggie for the franchise in IPL 2022.
