IPL 2020 – Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab look to give ‘Northern Derby’ a healthy look

In the Indian Premier League, there has been an emphasis on certain rivalries that have made the tournament more spicier. The clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings is the Kaveri Derby due to the tensions between the two states over the Kaveri river issue. There was the Maharashtra Derby between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants that added a new dimension. However, the rivalry between Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab has not gotten it’s due. The Northern Derby or the Yamuna Derby has been slightly underwhelming for the last 12 years, primarily because both Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab have underachieved so much. Kings XI Punjab reached the final in IPL 2014 while Delhi Capitals reached the second qualifier in IPL 2019 and that will give them tremendous confidence in IPL 2020.

Both teams are strong on paper. Kings XI Punjab have Glenn Maxwell, Chris Gayle and KL Rahul in their ranks. Imagine if Gayle and Maxwell stick together and get their eye in, it is the worst nightmare for bowlers. Perhaps Kings XI Punjab lack experience in the middle order and in the bowling. Although Sarfaraz Khan and Mandeep Singh had an excellent domestic season, the IPL is a different thing altogether. In the bowling, barring Mohammed Shami and Mujeeb Ur Zadran, the bowling looks vulnerable.

For the Delhi Capitals, their batting is in good shape. Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane. Their spin bowling is incredibly strong due to the presence of Amit Mishra, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel. With Kagiso Rabada as their gun pace bowler, Delhi Capitals are looking settled on all fronts.

Team News

The Kings XI Punjab top order will get a boost by the presence of Glenn Maxwell. With the teams put up in Dubai, the quarantine rules have been relaxed considerably for the teams. For the Delhi Capitals, they have a settled line-up in both the batting and bowling. Kings XI Punjab might struggle to get some bowling options in, with Sheldon Cottrell coming in.

Probable Playing XIs

Delhi Capitals: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, Sandeep Lamichhane

Kings XI Punjab: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (c and wk), Mayank Agarwal, Glenn Maxwell, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ravi Bishnoi

Match details

Match: Delhi Capitals vs Kings XI Punjab

Date and Time: 20^th September, 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Statistics

In 24 encounters, Kings XI Punjab have won 14 times while Delhi Capitals have registered victories 10 times. In the last five matches, Delhi Capitals have won just once.