IPL 2024: Upbeat Delhi Capitals Take On Struggling MI As Playoff Race Intensifies
NEW DELHI: An upbeat Delhi Capitals will look to keep the winning momentum going against an inconsistent Mumbai Indians when the two sides square off in the IPL here on Saturday.
The Capitals have endured a rollercoaster season so far, showing flashes of brilliance while also succumbing to embarrassing defeats.
But three wins in the last four matches have helped them climb to the sixth spot and a win against MI will strengthen their claim to a play off spot.
On the other hand, after a familiar poor start, MI bounced back with three wins in their next four matches but a comprehensive nine-wicket thrashing by Rajasthan Royals put an end to their resurgence. They are tottering on the eighth place on the points table and can ill-afford to lose.
DC's biggest positive has undoubtedly been skipper Rishabh Pant's form, which appears to be improving with each game.
He has looked sharp behind the stumps and seems to be batting with freedom. He was at his belligerent best during a matchwinning unbeaten knock against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday.
It would be fair to say that the southpaw is in prime position to make India's squad for the T20 World Cup despite stiff opposition from the likes of Sanju Samson, Dinesh Karthik and Ishan Kishan.
David Warner missed out the previous game, making way for Shai Hope, who couldn't capitalise on the opportunity, and the veteran Australian might be brought back in the playing XI.
For Mumbai, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have got runs but all of them have found form in patches. It's time for the likes of Tim David, Ishan Kishan and skipper Hardik Pandya to contribute a big way and take some pressure off the top trio.
While the batting department has occasionally looked good, the bowling remains a massive cause of concern.
Jasprit Bumrah has expectedly been MI's standout bowler. He has led the attack with 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.37.
However, new addition Gerald Coetzee has been inconsistent in his maiden IPL. Though he has an economy of 10.10, the South African pacer has accounted for 12 wickets in eight games.
But barring the two seamers, Mumbai's bowling has disappointed.
Match starts 7.30pm IST.