DC vs KKR IPL 2019 Preview: Can a nervous Delhi challenge confident KKR?

A change in name hasn’t changed a lot of things in Delhi’s camp it seems as the team delivered an erratic performance after winning the first match, a habit they have picked in last few seasons.

Ricky Ponting and the think tank have to work hard to find Delhi’s winning combination quickly to prevent hiccups like the previous match in IPL 2019. To start with, the return of Chris Morris will help the team.

On the other hand, KKR are on cloud nine. In both games in IPL 2019 they were put into tough situations but thanks to their players who have come out all guns blazing, they have remained unbeaten so far.

And this is what Delhi has to be wary of on March 30- KKR’s ability to step up when it matters the most.

Venue:

The Feroz Shah Kotla ground assisted spinners more than pacers in 2018 but will that change this year? Especially considering the home team’s pace bowling strength?

Whatever the surface, KKR wouldn’t mind much as they have most of their bases covered.

Touchdown Delhi ?

? The #Knights have arrived in the Capital city to kick-start a long journey on the road ?

Catch up with the behind-the-scenes action in this episode of #KKRPrimeTime ?https://t.co/ygCdhgz6tw#KKRHaiTaiyaar

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 28, 2019

Form guide:

KKR have started IPL 2019 in empathetic fashion. Dre Russ has given the punch and the power while Nitesh Rana has provided the solidarity.

In bowling, their spinners as always have dominated the oppositions.

Meanwhile, Delhi would want their batsmen to make it count as Rishabh Pant cannot be the savior everyday. The bowling unit too has looked a bit shacky so far.

Training and smiles ahead of #DCvKKR! ?

The boys look ready to get back to winning ways! ?#ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals (2/2) pic.twitter.com/5G8pc9BgvM

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 29, 2019

Also read: KKR vs DC DREAM11 GRAND LEAGUE TEAM | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals IPL 2019

Key Numbers-

• In head to head battle, KKR has the clear advantage. In 21 games so far, KKR have won 13.

• KKR won’t mind playing at Delhi as this venue has supported spin bowling, an area where KKR are mighty good at. In 2018, pacers averaged 34.6 here and had a had an economy of 9.4. However, the spinners averaged 31.5 and had economy of 7.8.

Also read: IPL: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders NostraGamus Prediction, Match Preview and Playing 11

Players in focus:

Nitish Rana follows a pattern in IPL- Boom and then bust.  In 2017, he had three fifties in his first six games but then managed only 78 in his next six innings.

He had a similar show in 2018 as well and now in 2019 he has scored 63 and 68 runs in two innings. Can he break the pattern this time?

And not to forget, this is the venue where he plays most of his domestic cricket.

Q: As one of the greatest left-handed batsmen yourself, what tip would you like to give to the young Nitish Rana? What does he need to focus on t… #SelectDugout
– @shahryaarmirza8

A: Now that's an interesting question! Here's what @KumarSanga2 has to say about it! #SelectDugout pic.twitter.com/UxashZRqOV

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 27, 2019

Sunil Narine has played two games so far but surprisingly has remained wicket-less in IPL 2019. In-fact he has failed to take a wicket in his last four T20 games.  The match against Delhi could help him break the shackles as he has 23 wickets against Delhi in 13 IPL innings.