RR vs DC Preview: Mitchell Marsh-less DC face stern Royals' test

RR vs DC: Rajasthan Royals worry over the availability of Jos Buttler ahead of their clash against DC.

The 11th match of the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL 2023) will see the two teams from the north - Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals go up against each other on 8th April at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

One of the mainstay players of Rajasthan Royals' setup, Jos Buttler might have scarred his fans and the management after he injured himself on the field in the last game against PBKS. Needless to highlight the importance of this wicket-keeper batter for any team, RR might just miss him against DC if he does not take the field. In his backup, the Royals have Joe Root to cover for him. It will be a huge break for Root as he will make his IPL debut.

The Royals were clinical in their first game and came up just short of the target in their last game against Punjab Kings. While the top order did its job in the first game, the lower and the middle order almost saw them across the finishing line against PBKS. Bowling too has clicked for RR with different bowlers chipping in at different times for the team. One of the few concerns for RR going into this game will be Jos Buttler's availability and Devdutt Padikkal's form who is due amongst runs.

On the other end of the spectrum are the Delhi Capitals who have looked a bit queasy in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Apart from David Warner, who too wasn't at his best in both innings, none other has stepped up to the occasion yet. Writing them off so early will be a mistake in judgment as they have pure match-winners in their ranks in the likes of Mitch Marsh, Axar Patel, and Rilee Rossouw among others. The batters need to come to the party in order to allow the bowling unit to do its job. Apart from Anrich Nortje, the seam department lacks experience which became evident in the last game, particularly against Gujarat Titans. DC will have some questions looming over them to answer and they will hope for a turnaround against the Royals.

RR vs DC Pitch Report

The wicket at Guwahati under the clear skies will prove to be a belter with runs on offer aplenty. Short boundaries won't help the cause of the bowlers either but there might be something for the spinners under the sun.

RR vs DC Team News

RR might have to make a forced change to their settled playing XI. Jos Buttler might be rested because of the injury and Joe Root is expected to make his IPL debut in that case.

For the Capitals, there isn't much scope to make any changes in their line-up apart from one - Manish Pandey in for Aman Khan. DC will look for some solidity in the middle phase of the game and with Manish Pandey on their roster, might just be the solution for them.

RR vs DC Head-to-head

Matches: 26

Rajasthan Royals: 13

Delhi Capitals: 13

RR vs DC: Players to watch out for

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson

The RR skipper has led his team from the front. In both games, Sanju has shown form with a half-century in the first game followed by a quickfire 42 off just 25 balls. He will be up and roaring to go once again and when the conditions are going to favour his style of batting, he will definitely be a player you would not want to miss.

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel

The upgradation in Axar Patel's batting lately has been doing the rounds. Coming lower down the order, Axar impressed everyone once again within a span of a few balls. Though it will be interesting to see whether he gets a promotion in the batting peck or not. Also, the orthodox spinner hasn't rotated his arms much in the tournament. On a wicket that might have something for the spinners under daylight, Axar Patel can be a good option for the captain.

RR vs DC Probable Playing XIs:

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Joe Root, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, Kuldeep Sen

Delhi Capitals Playing XI:

David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, Sarfaraz Khan, Rilee Rossouw, Abhishek Porel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar

RR vs DC Match Facts

Both teams share the spoils in the head-to-head battle.

David Warner needs only 26 more runs to become the third batter in the league's history to complete 6000 runs.

Anrich Nortje requires five more wickets to complete 50 wickets in IPL.

RR vs DC Live Broadcasting

IND: Star Sports Network (TV) | JioCinema (Live Streaming)

UK: DAZN, Sky Sports

AUS: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports

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