Delhi Capitals are playing the IPL 2024 season opener against Punjab Kings in the second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on March 23, Saturday. Delhi Capitals (DC) made headlines by omitting their star Indian opener, Prithvi Shaw, from playing XI in their first IPL 2024 game against Punjab Kings (PBKS). This unexpected move raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts and sparked discussions about the team’s strategy.

Batting first Delhi Capitals scored 174 runs in 20 overs all thanks to impact player Abhishek Porel, who scored 32 runs in just 10 balls.

Rishabh Pant’s Statement on Prithvi Shaw

Upon returning as captain, Rishabh Pant confirmed Shaw’s exclusion from the playing XI and revealed that the young opener was not even considered a potential ‘Impact Player’ for the match against PBKS at the new Mullanpur Stadium.

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Prithvi Shaw’s journey in the IPL has been turbulent, marked by moments of brilliance and inconsistency. His recent performances, particularly in the past two seasons, have been under scrutiny due to a dip in form and productivity.

Implications of Shaw’s Exclusion

Shaw’s omission from the team reflects the management’s concerns over his performance and its impact on the team’s overall strategy. The decision underscores the competitive nature of IPL and the need for players to deliver results consistently.

Netizens’ Response and Speculations

The news of Shaw’s exclusion prompted fans and pundits’ reactions. While some expressed disappointment, others speculated about Shaw’s future with the Delhi Capitals and his prospects for the upcoming seasons. Delhi Capitals’ decision to drop Prithvi Shaw sends a clear message about the team’s priorities and expectations from its players. Netizens wondered if this was a sign of DC team management running out of patience with their faltering opener and that Shaw might consider leaving the team altogether ahead of next year’s mega auction. 

Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan(c), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh

Punjab Kings Subs: Rilee Rossouw, Prabhsimran Singh, Tanay Thyagarajan, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Vidhwath Kaverappa

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ricky Bhui, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma

Delhi Capitals Subs: Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Vicky Ostwal, Praveen Dubey

Delhi Capitals are set to lock their horns against Punjab Kings in the second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on March 23, Saturday. It will be the first match of double-header day on Saturday. Punjab Kings have won the toss and have opted to field

Rishabh Pant’s Much-Awaited Comeback

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, is set to return to professional cricket after a challenging rehabilitation following a road accident in December 2022. His anticipated comeback match in IPL-17 between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals has cricket enthusiasts excitedly buzzing.

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Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings had lacklustre performances in the previous IPL season, standing ninth and eighth, respectively. The teams are eager to put their past struggles behind them and start afresh in the upcoming season.

Team Overview: Delhi Capitals

Under the guidance of coach Ricky Ponting, Delhi Capitals have been undergoing rigorous training sessions to refine their skills and strategy. With a strong lineup of players, including Rishabh Pant, the team is poised to make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.

Team Overview: Punjab Kings

Led by captain Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab Kings are determined to showcase their potential this season. Despite facing challenges, the team boasts talented players like Jitesh Sharma and Jonny Bairstow and a formidable bowling lineup comprising Rabada, Arshdeep, and Harshal Patel.

IPL 2024: PBKS vs DC, Match 2: Who said what at the toss?

Pant: We would have batted first. The wicket looks a little on the slower side. Really emotional time for me. Just want to enjoy the moment. Not thinking much. I think not worried about last season. Really exciting times. We have been preparing well. Four overseas batters for us. Hope, Marsh, Warner, Stubbs.

Shikhar Dhawan: We are gonna field first. It is a new pitch. We will look to come up with new strategies. We have made some changes. We are used to this ground now. We had a practice match. We will look for some luck on this venue. Our four foreign players are Bairstow, Livingstone, Curran and Rabada.

Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan(c), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh

Punjab Kings Subs: Rilee Rossouw, Prabhsimran Singh, Tanay Thyagarajan, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Vidhwath Kaverappa

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ricky Bhui, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma

Delhi Capitals Subs: Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Vicky Ostwal, Praveen Dubey