IPL 2021 Qualifier 2: Litmus check awaits Delhi Capitals as they tackle rejuvenated Kolkata Knight Riders

Facing the hardest job within the first 12 months of his captaincy within the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) will face one other litmus check within the type of a rejuvenated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) when the 2 sides lock horns within the second qualifier in Sharjah on Wednesday.

Delhi Capitals misplaced the primary Qualifier by 4 wickets in opposition to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).DC, who topped the league stage with as many as 10 wins for a complete of 20 factors, are properly conscious of the duty that awaits them. Since Australian nice Ricky Ponting took over as their coach, Delhi Capitals have grown from energy to energy as they completed second runners up within the 2019 version earlier than reaching the summit conflict final 12 months. This 12 months their goal is to do one higher and win the title.On the opposite hand, two-time winners KKR will little question take confidence from their victory in opposition to Royal Challengers Bangalore in Monday’s eliminator.If the emphasis is on momentum and peaking on the proper time, then KKR will certainly fancy their probabilities of their subsequent outing, however their opponents’ assets and depth of their lineup.In Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer, Delhi boast a stable high order. Pant, together with Shimron Hetmyer, taken care of the center order, whilst they missed the injured Marcus Stoinis’ prowess.Dhawan (618) was the second highest run-scorer in 2020 and has already raked up 551 this season. His opening companion Shaw can also be coming off a great sport in opposition to CSK.On the bowling entrance, the South African tempo duo of Kagiso Rabada (2020 purple cap winner) and Anrich Nortje has proved to a dream pair, having scalped 52 wickets collectively in 2020. Then there may be speedster Avesh Khan, who has taken 23 wickets to date on this season of the event, and he’ll again himself so as to add to his tally in opposition to KKR.DC have posted 5 wins within the UAE leg of the event however certainly one of their defeats right here got here in opposition to KKR, and what higher alternative for them to actual revenge than within the IPL playoffs.It is simpler stated than completed although, with Eoin Morgan’s aspect having fun with an enormous reversal of fortunes within the second leg of the IPL after enduring a disastrous first half in India earlier this 12 months.They nearly managed to sneak into the playoffs on the expense of five-time defending champions Mumbai Indians, because of their higher internet run-rate.