Match 39: DD v/s RR Preview

The IPL is almost half way over and the battle intensifies in the middle of the points table with all the IPL teams on equal or similar points having played the same number of matches. No team has managed to get ahead of another in the table except for Delhi Daredevils, making this season of the IPL, without a doubt, the closest one so far. League toppers Delhi take on Rajasthan Royals at their home – the Feroz Shah Kotla – and will be looking to extend that lead on the top of the table, while Rajasthan who are coming from a defeat will be looking to get back to winning ways and get those 2 vital points to stay ahead in the mid-table scramble.

Delhi Daredevils have been the team to defeat this season and have played some of the best cricket in the tournament. In their previous match, they annihilated Mumbai Indians with considerable ease and Rajasthan face a uphill task playing against an in-form team in their own backyard.

Delhi look like an all-round tight outfit while Rajasthan Royals do have some gaping holes in their lineup. The Royal’s bowling is strong and Dravid will be banking on them to restrict the Delhi batsmen. The batting is not the Royal’s strength, but it is strong enough to post good totals.

Head to Head:

The two teams have met 7 times with Delhi having won on 4 of those occasions.  In their last encounter, Rajasthan Royals managed to win by 6 wickets at Jaipur.

Players to watch out for:

Delhi Daredevils

1. Virender Sehwag: The dashing Indian opener is in fine form with three consecutive fifties to his name. Sehwag at the top of the order gives Delhi a distinct psychological edge and he’s sure to dig the Royals a grave if they don’t get him out early.  As captain, he is leading from the front and the Delhi crowd will be hoping for another Sehwag special and take the count to four consecutive half centuries.
2. Shahbaz Nadeem: The young, left-arm spinner with a very lean frame has been one of Delhi’s success stories. His crafty orthodox deliveries have caused much trouble and he already has a MOM award this season to his name.  He bowls in the powerplays and is not only known to get the wickets but also be a miserly bowler and Delhi’s success on a slow Kotla wicket might just rest on this man’s skinny shoulders.
3. Morne Morkel: The tall, lanky South African fast bowler is the current holder of the purple cap and he certainly will be looking to add a few more wickets to that tally of his.  His pace and steep bounce have caused problems for opposition batsmen and he will be relied on by Delhi to provide them the initial breakthroughs.

Rajasthan Royals

1. Brad Hogg: He might be 41 years old and an ‘uncle’ for most of his Royals’ teammates, but the Australian is still hot as ever turning the ball square.  He has been one of the talking points of this season’s IPL. While playing for Australia, he has always managed to get under the skins of both Sehwag and Pietersen and he just might be Dravid’s big weapon on a slow Kotla wicket.
2. Owais Shah: Being one of the few English cricketers in the tournament, Owais Shah has made the most of his opportunities and been a vital player for Rajasthan in the middle order. With his highly unorthodox style of playing, and his shuffling around the crease, might just help him against the Delhi spinners. Rajasthan bank heavily on him and he just might make the difference for the team.
3. Ajinkya Rahane: The young explosive batsman has certainly caught everyone’s attention with some scintillating performances so far and he would be Rajasthan’s Sehwag at the top of the order.  The Rahane – Morkel battle is one interesting one and it will be good to see who wins that little contest.

Predicted Result:

The home advantage rests with Delhi, and while Rajasthan Royals are a decent team, the fire power that Delhi have in their ranks clearly makes them favorites in this contest.