IPL 2021: DC vs KKR, Match 25 – How can Delhi Capitals bounce back with a win against Kolkata Knight Riders today?

IPL 2021: DC vs KKR, Match 25 – How can Delhi Capitals bounce back with a win against Kolkata Knight Riders today?

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals (DC) fell agonizingly short of a win against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) two days ago when their skipper Rishabh Pant hit a four with six required off the final ball. Despite the loss, DC would still have their morale and confidence intact due to how they went about the stiff chase. They would hence, fancy their chances of getting a win today to get their tournament back on track.

Their opponents today are Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who themselves, got their IPL back on track with a win to snap a four-match losing streak. Their bowling attack came good and plans with regard to match-ups were executed perfectly, leading to a comprehensive win. The Eoin Morgan-led side would hence, be confident of getting past DC today and might prove to be a hard nut to crack.

On that note, we take a look at how DC can defeat KKR today.

IPL 2021: DC vs KKR – Key for DC #1: Use bowlers wisely

Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra

DC skipper Rishabh Pant came under criticism for the way he used his bowlers in the loss against RCB. With Amit Mishra having an over in hand, Pant did not bowl him even once against AB de Villiers after the 15th over. Instead, they opted to bowl out Kagiso Rabada and Avesh Khan by the 19th over, leaving either Mishra or Marcus Stoinis to bowl the last. Stoinis bowled and gave away in excess of 20 runs.

This move by Pant was criticized by the likes of Virender Sehwag who questioned the need to introduce a new bowler in the 20th over. Therefore, the key would be to use bowlers wisely today and bowl out the likes of Amit Mishra early, in order to give Rabada and Avesh the important workers at the death.

IPL 2021: DC vs KKR – Key for DC #2: Steve Smith must bat with more intent

Steve Smith
Steve Smith

Australian batsman Steve Smith was brought in place of Ajinkya Rahane in the DC line-up and so far, the No. 3 batsman has been among the runs and has not got out cheaply. However, he has been found wanting in terms of intent. Smith has been taking too much time to settle and in an effort to up the ante, has got out.

The key would be for Smith to bat freely today and not overdo the anchor role. With explosive batters like Rishabh Pant, Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer to come, the Aussie can’t afford to bat too slowly.

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