Aakash Chopra predicts playing XI for DC vs SRH match

It’s been a riveting start to the second leg of Indian Premier League (IPL). After a nailbiter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), the IPL is set to witness another mouthwatering encounter between Delhi Capitals(DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad(SRH). Both teams had contrasting results in the first leg of the tournament. While DC won six of their eight games, SRH could only manage a single win in their seven outings. However, it’s a fresh start and tables could turn very quickly. The cricketer-turned expert Aakash Chopra has named his ideal playing XI for both sides.

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Chopra reckoned Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi shaw will open for Delhi with Rishabh Pant batting at 3, followed by Shreyas Iyer. Dhawan and Shaw were in blazing form in the India leg. Dhawan is the highest run-getter of the tournament with 380 runs. Pant usually does not bat at 3 but Chopra feels No 3 can be an ideal position for him. Iyer at four will give the much-needed stability in the middle order.

The next slots will be occupied by Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Axar Patel while Ravichandran Ashwin will come in at 8. Given the conditions, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin are going to play a big role. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Avesh Khan are the three pacers Chopra has gone in with.

Taking about SRH’s playing XI, Chopra feels David Warner will open alongside Wriddhiman Saha. With Bairstow out, Warner is an obvious choice. Following the openers will be Manish Pandey and Kane Williamson at No 3 and 4 respectively. One of Priyam Garg and Abhishek Sharma will grab the No 5 slot while there will be a toss-up between Abdul Samad and Vijay Shankar for No 6.

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Next will be West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who’ll come at 7, followed by ace spinner Rashid Khan. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, and T Natarajan will comprise the pace attack, feels Chopra.

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted DC Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant (c and wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted SRH Playing XI: David Warner, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson (c), Priyam Garg/Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad/Vijay Shankar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan