Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils had started their IPL 2017 campaign quite nicely, but both the teams have been poor of late. KXIP and Delhi Daredevils need to get their act together when they face one another at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Sunday, April 30.
The Kings XI have lost four of their last five matches and the DD have also been poor, losing their last four matches. Surely, they can play better cricket on Sunday, for which they need to get their team combinations right, though selecting the right team becomes a problem when things are not going in your favour.
The home team missed the services of Hashim Amla, who is suffering from hamstring problems, in the last match, but the team management will hope that he is fit for play against DD. The South African was seen training on Saturday, April 29. Even if the player does not feature, New Zealander Martin Guptill could get another chance.
However, the Kings' problem also lies in selecting their four foreign players. With Eoin Morgan having failed to impress in the last game, Darren Sammy could get a chance at his expense. Sammy will also strengthen their bowling department, which looks weak.Captain Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh will be their other two choices.
T Natarajan could be back for Ishant Sharma, who was expensive in the last game. The Delhi man has not picked up a single wicket in IPL 2017.
Though the Kings XI Punjab bowlers might look weak, DD have one of the best pace attacks in IPL 2017. With the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins and Chris Morris, they can prove to be dangerous against KXIP.
It is not only about their pace attack, Amit Mishra with his leggie, just adds variety in their attack. However, the other all-rounder's spot is up for grabs. Corey Anderson has not impressed in IPL 2017, which could open the doors for Carlos Brathwaite.
The West Indian can be more than handful with his bat, and finish off the game in style. DD might think of dropping Karun Nair, who has been poor, but then, he is a wonderful talent, and the team management could give him one final chance.
Expected playing XI
Kings XI Punjab: Hashim Amla, Manan Vohra, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Martin Guptill, W Saha, Axar Patel, Mohit Sharma, Varun Aaron, Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan
Delhi Daredevils: Sanju Samson, Sam Billings, Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Chris Morris, Corey Anderson, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Mohammed Shami, Shahbaz Nadeem
