Delhi Capitals played their first 3 games at the Wankhede in Mumbai. The pitches there aided stroke-making. DC won 2 out of their 3 games. They started with a win over CSK, lost to RR, and beat PK. Their batting might helped them overhaul big targets against CSK and PK. DC struggled when the pitch offered something to the bowlers. Their struggles against RR seamers were proof of that point. DC began their Chennai sojourn with a win over MI. This win came as a shot in the arm for Delhi. They tied with SRH and later went on to win the super-over. DC are currently ranked 2nd in the points table. They can top the standings if they defeat RCB in this game.

Royal Challengers Bangalore started the tournament in the best possible way. They were the only team who their first 4 games this season. RCB posted thrilling wins over MI and SRH in their first two games. They comfortably defeated KKR in their third game. RCB found new heroes in every game. Harshal Patel led the charge in the first game while Glenn Maxwell’s innings proved to be the difference in the 2nd game.

RCB found new heroes in both their wins. Shahbaz Ahmed’s game-changing over against SRH was another highlight. Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers powered RCB to a fantastic total in the third game. Mohammad Siraj then bowled an excellent penultimate over to shut the game. RCB annihilated RR at Mumbai. But it all came unstuck against CSK. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance toppled RCB and they find themselves at number 3 in the points table. They will be hoping to get their campaign back on track with a win and reclaim the top spot.

DC vs RCB: Favourites?

DC have been on a winning spree. They have notched up 4 wins in 5 games. DC haven’t really played their perfect game as yet but find themselves at 2nd position in the table. They are sure to miss the experience and guile of Ravichandran Ashwin. RCB might just look to exploit the fifth bowler conundrum of DC. The Bangalore franchise were brought to earth thanks to a Ravindra Jadeja special in the last game. RCB will be eager to put that match behind them and continue the good show. DC hold a slight edge considering they won a narrow game but don’t rule RCB out.

Which players will be match-winners in this game?

In Ashwin’s absence, a lot rides on the shoulders of Axar Patel and Amit Mishra. If there is dew and they happen to bowl second then things might prove tough for DC.
Avesh Khan and Kagiso Rabada will relish bowling under these conditions.
Kyle Jamieson might finally put in a match-winning performance owing to the conditions on offer at the Narendra Modi Stadium. His height and bounce might make him a difficult customer to contend with here.
Glenn Maxwell will look to stamp his authority once again after having had a couple of silent games.

X-factor player:

Shikhar Dhawan is the orange cap holder for a good reason. He will be DC’s biggest X-factor.
Mohammad Siraj will relish bowling with the new ball at Ahmedabad and will look to dent DC right at the top.

Probable Playing XI:

Delhi Capitals predicted XI:

Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (&WK), Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan

Royal Challengers Bangalore predicted XI:

Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Finn Allen/ Daniel Sams, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed/ Mohammad Azharuddeen, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Siraj, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal

What do stats say about DC vs RCB?

DC and RCB have played 25 IPL games against each other.
DC has won 10 matches. RCB has won 14 games. 1 game has ended in no result.
DC’s highest score against RCB is 196. RCB’s highest score against DC is 215.
DC’s lowest score against RCB is 95. RCB’s lowest score against DC is 137.

Pitch:

The Ahmedabad pitch aids quality fast bowling. Bowlers who tend to hit the pitch hard might find assistance from the surface. The black and red soil pitch also has a say in the outcome of the contest. Black soil offers variable bounce and it might prove counterproductive to stroke-making.

Weather Report:

A high of 43 degrees and a low of 27 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might play a big factor and teams will prefer to chase under such weather conditions.

Ground stats:

170 is the average score at this venue.

StumpsandBails verdict:

It is a battle between DC’s momentum and RCB’s temperament. DC start favourites in this game but RCB will be keen to prove a point.