Some key players will not be seen in action when Lucknow Super Giants take on Delhi Capitals in Lucknow on Saturday.
The unavailability of Capitals’ Rishabh Pant is no secret, but the Delhi franchise will also not be having the services of their South African pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, both busy on national duty. There is no clarity on Bangladeshi left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman’s availability either.
Lucknow, who will be playing their first-ever home match, will miss Quinton de Kock, their best bet with the bat. De Kock too is busy in South Africa’s ODI series against the Netherlands.
KL Rahul. Sourced by the Telegraph
But T20s, especially the fast-paced IPL, have no time to worry about the absentees. So, while David Warner steps into Pant’s shoes as the Capitals captain, Lucknow skipper KL Rahul will look to make the most of the home support as they aim for a good start.
Capitals will depend heavily on the current form of opener Prithvi Shaw and Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Lucknow will expect Marsh’s compatriot and fellow all-rounder Marcus Stonis to have an impact.
In De Kock’s absence, Lucknow’s batting looks a little suspect. The Capitals will be more worried about their bowling attack and will hope their Indian brigade, which includes Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, has a good game.
Today’s match
■ Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30pm, Lucknow, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
RCB niggle
Josh Hazlewood. File photo
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood set to miss at least the first of their seven games due to a niggle on his left Achilles tendon, will now reach India by April 14. He is expected to take another week to be match-fit. The pacer is hoping to get ready for the Ashes via the IPL. His teammate Glenn Maxwell is also doubtful for the franchise’s opening match at home against Mumbai Indians on Sunday.
PTI
