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The second match of IPL 2018 will see Kings XI Punjab take on Delhi Daredevils at former's home ground, Chandigarh. Both teams have failed to lift IPL trophy so far. This match will be the genesis of a new journey for both franchises from the north. Delhi Daredevils will welcome back their son Gautam Gambhir - who will also lead them after having a successful stint with KKR, while Kings XI Punjab will have services of Ravichandran Ashwin as captain at their disposal. Both players (individually) have a point to prove. While Gambhir will like to show that he has enough legs in him to carry on for another two-three years, Ashwin will be keen to showcase his relevance in an era where wrist-spinners are increasingly becoming the need of the hour.
Also, both teams are set to miss the services of their major Australian recruits. KXIP will be without Aaron Finch due to marriage whereas DD will be deprived of their star batsman and powerful hitting allrounder Glenn Maxwell owing to his prior commitments.
When
8 April 2018, 4 PM (IST)
Where
Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Key Batsmen
Rishabh Pant had two underwhelming outings for India in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy before he was dropped. Keeping his poor performance aside the left-handed batsman from Delhi will look to continue to Syed Mushtaq Al trophy form where he was in sparkling form. Among others, Colin Munro will be a player to watch out. Munro, ranked number two on ICC rankings, is capable of destroying bowling attacks and will be a perfect partner for Gambhir at top of the order.
KXIP's Mayank Agarwal amassed 2141 runs in India's 2017-18 domestic season will look to continue his rich vein of form. Mayank is equally adept against pace as he is against spin.
Key Bowlers
Andrew Tye's addition to KXIP will be a huge value addition to bowling lineup that has in the past few seasons lacked venom. Tye comes with a reputation of a bowler who has a variety of skills and has a huge array of slower balls - off-cuter, knuckleball to name a few.
Shahbaz Nadeem ought to be the most underrated T20 spinner in India at the moment. His overall T20 economy rate of 6.61 is better vis-a-vis Ashwin, Jadeja and Harbhajan's economy rate. Instead of using any extravagant things he relies on his pace variations to gain dip and drift in order to deceive batsman. In recent times he has even added a back of hand chinaman delivery to his arsenal.
The Plan
Kings XI Punjab should prepare a flat track to reduce the effect Delhi Daredevil's fast-bowlers and spin-attack and should back themselves to chase anything if they win the toss.
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