Delhi Capitals v Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL Tips: Delhi desperate for slow wicket

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Monday 27 April,15:00
TV: Sky Sports

Delhi Capitals v Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL team news

Delhi Capitals are shell-shocked after failing to defend 264 against Punjab and not even managing to take it to the last over. They never looked like keeping Punjab down, either, which will be of major concern.

It is particularly discombobulating because, hitherto, they would have reckoned they were a calm, efficient and smart team in the field. Now they may not know which way to turn.

To make matters worse they have lost Lungi Ngidi for a spell with concussion. He fell badly in the outfield. Mitchell Starc will not be available until May. Kyle Jamieson probably replaces Ngidi

Possible XI: Rahul, Nissanka, Rana, Rizvi (Mukesh sub), Miller, Stubbs, Axar, Vipraj, Jamieson, Kuldeep, Natarajan

Royal Challengers Bangalore got back on track after a surprise loss to Delhi with a routine win over Gujarat. They did spring a surprise, however, in that game.

An injury to Phil Salt meant that Jacob Bethell came into the XI for his first start of the season. He made 14 off 10 and if Salt is fit it would be harsh if the Welshman didn't come straight back.

Possible XI: Bethell/Salt (sub Suyash), Kohli, Padikkal, Patidar, Jitesh, David, Krunal, Shepherd, B Kumar, Hazlewood, Rasikh

Delhi Capitals v Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL pitch report

The Arun Jaitley Stadium surface has been hard to call. Mumbai Indians were restricted to 162 and the Delhi and Punjab gorged on a runfest. If the track used for the MI surface is still available and is a deliberately slower and lower surface, Delhi would be well-advised to use it. They are unlikely to fare well, as discussed in the preview for their match against Sunrisers, on roads.

There should be news beforehand about which pitch will be used so we await to take on a Sportsbook first-innings runs line at 203.5 which could be too high or not high enough.

Delhi Capitals v Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL match prediction

The pitch should dictate the play on the match odds. If it is the surface which Delhi squeezed and strangled Mumbai on, they have a live chance as outsiders. if not, this could be a routine win for RCB.

A slower, tackier surface would help Delhi in two ways. It would offer them the possibility of control if they decide to go with the trio of spinners in Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj. That ability to take pace off should also prevent RCB hitting through the line with abandon, which they are absolutely set up to do.

On a surprisingly slow Bengaluru wicket, DC were able to implement their squeeze again, keeping RCB down to 175. Kuldeep and Axar took four for 50. This is the blueprint for success.

At this stage, the best wager to line up is an in-play trade on DC from 2.305/4. If they get the pitch they need, they can flip these odds. A back-to-lay adding 25% to the original stake is advised.

Delhi Capitals v Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL match prediction

Rather irritatingly, the pitch again dictates tops players. A road would see us switch from selecting one batter to outscore the rest to milestone wagers. Virat Kohli, for example, for yet another 50 at 5/42.25. Both teams to score 200 is the same price, which is obviously untouchable until more information is available.

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