In a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to field first against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday.
As per the current standings, DC occupies the sixth position in the points table, securing four wins and enduring five losses, accumulating a total of eight points. Their recent victory against Gujarat Titans by a slim margin of four runs added to their tally.
Contrarily, MI finds themselves in the eighth spot with three wins and five losses, totaling six points. Their previous defeat to Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets underscores the urgency for a turnaround in fortunes.
Speaking at the toss, MI skipper Pandya outlined the decision to field first, citing the advantageous aspect of a smaller ground. He emphasized the team’s commitment to staying focused on the present and striving for improvement in each game.
Pandya also disclosed a change in the lineup, with Gerald Coetzee sidelined due to a stomach bug, making way for Luke Wood.
On the DC side, skipper Rishabh Pant expressed his intention to bat first, acknowledging the anticipated slowdown of the pitch in the latter innings. He commended the team’s performance thus far and highlighted the importance of controlling the innings effectively.
Pant announced one change in the playing XI, with Kumar Kushagra replacing Prithvi Shaw.
The Mumbai Indians’ Playing XI includes Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (w), Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, Hardik Pandya (c), Tim David, Mohammad Nabi, Piyush Chawla, Luke Wood, Jasprit Bumrah, and Nuwan Thushara.
On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals’ Playing XI features Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kumar Kushagra, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Lizaad Williams, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed.
