IPL 2021: Qualifier 2, DC vs KKR Preview – Jolted Delhi aim to go past resurgent Kolkata

Kolkata Knight Riders have stormed their way through to Qualifier 2 as a result of their win against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Their next challenge will be up against the team who have labelled arguably the best this season, Delhi Capitals. The Rishabh Pant led team is coming into this game with a loss against Chennai Super Kings on their back.

Interestingly, there are a few factors that are in favour of KKR ahead of this game. They had defeated Delhi in Sharjah earlier this season and have won two back to back games on this track leading into this game. Delhi have had the wood over Kolkata in the last couple of seasons, but the latter have been known to punch back. With a place in the final at stake, this is expected to be a cracking match.

Head to head:

Match Info:

IPL 2021 Qualifier 2 – Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Team News:

Delhi Capitals: Head coach Ricky Ponting and the entire team management is struggling a bit with the injury to Marcus Stoinis. The Aussie all-rounder’s gap has not been filled in the time that he has spent on the bench. Delhi opted for an unorthodox approach by filling his spot with a bowling all-rounder, which essentially elongated their tail on a wicket which was going to be challenging for batting anyway. Having said that, if Stoinis doesn’t return, Delhi will have to fill the spot with someone like Steve Smith, who also played the last time Delhi played on this surface against KKR. Apart from that, Capitals will remain unchanged.

Kolkata Knight Riders: The KKR team is on fire and have been playing some really good cricket in the past few matches. They have managed to beat the top sides in the league to reach this place but what should please the management is the fact that they have found their ideal XI. Shakib Al Hasan has played his part well in the last few games and he will continue to be in the team unless Andre Russell recovers in time. He did train ahead of the eliminator but didn’t take the field. Whether KKR held him back for this game or not, only time can tell. But, there will be no changes for them for this game.

Probable XI