Delhi in do or die clash against Gujarat

It is a must-win game for Delhi Capitals against Gujarat Titans. For a team that was looking like one of the favourites to qualify for the play-offs, the home team has slipped to fifth in the league table. The team led by Axar Patel has already lost its most potent weapon of his bowling unit, Mitchell Stark, who has chosen to stay back in Australia to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championships final against South Africa. .

Stark, who was team’s highest wicket taker this season with 14 scalps at an average of 26.41, was more influential in the death overs. He was the focak point of the super over win over Rajasthan Royals last month, where he conceded only 11 runs to set up a famous win for the home team.

Delhi Capitals spinner Vipraj Nigam agreed that Stark would be missed by his team. “It is very hard to replace someone like (Mitchell) Stark. However, we have replaced one or two guys in the team and we hope to execute those plans that were set when the season started. What I mean to say is that we have to work together as a team so that we do not miss a player with whatever players are available to us,” Vipraj told the media on Saturday.

All is not lost for DC as both opener Faf du Plessis tan Stubbs have returned to finish the season.

Situation for Gujarat Titans is in total contrast as all of their foreign players including Jos Buttler have returned. Even pacer Kagiso Rabada is back in the team fold after serving one month suspension over substance abuse. However, like other South African players, Rabada has to return by May 26 to prepare for the WTC final against Australia. The team is to assemble in Arundel, South Africa. Buttler is to return to England to prepare for the West Indies series.

“Now we know that he won’t be there. Right now the important part is that he is there for the next three games. After that we will see how the team balance is coming up and what is the team combination we want to forward with. Buttler has been a great performer for us. He has kept well. He is a leader of the group,” Parthiv said.

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