Kuldeep Yadav could be the trump card for the Delhi Capitals in the match [X}
In the second game of the IPL 2024, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play against the Delhi Capitals (DC). The Capitals have been the dominant side in the face for the last couple of seasons. With Rishabh Pant returning to action, they will look to maintain their dominance over the Kings.
This match will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh. It will be the first time an IPL match will be played at the venue, but it has been a host to SMAT matches, so we can have an idea of how the wicket might behave in this game.
MYSIC Ground Stats in SMAT Matches
Let us take a look at the ground stats of the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium for the SMAT matches.
Matches: 23
Matches Won Batting First: 15
Matches Won Batting Second: 8
Average First Innings Total: 148
Average Second Innings Total: 116
Highest Total: 238/2 by Jammu and Kashmir vs Arunachal Pradesh
Lowest Total: 53/10 by Meghalaya vs Haryana
Although there were some matches, where the total went well past the 200-mark most of the games were low-scoring ones. In most of the matches, the wicket gradually slowed down with the progress of the game and helped the slower bowlers.
Kuldeep Yadav's Recent Bowling Form
The Indian wrist-spinner was in a great form during the Test series against England. Here is a look at his records from the series.
Kuldeepp Yadav was the star for India during the England series [X}
| Matches | Overs | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 114.1 | 19 | 20.15 | 36.05 | 3.35 |
This shows that Kuldeep was in a great wicket taking form. Now let us take a look at his performance in the international arena in the last year.
| Matches | Overs | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 298.1 | 66 | 18.72 | 27.10 | 4.14 |
Kuldeep has been outstanding with the ball in the last one year. He has not only picked up wickets but also has been economical and efficient. His presence gives the team an advantage in the middle-overs.
This gives us an idea that Kuldeep is walking into the tournament with a great form with him. He will be a key to Delhi Capitals' success as his bowling efficiency will help them gain advantage in the middle-overs.
Conclusion
The pitch at MYSIC will be used for IPL for the first time. The nature of the wicket will be unknown to the players. However, from the domestic matches played here it is expected that the wicket will slow down and help the spinners with the progression of the game.
Kuldeep Yadav has worked on his action, speed of delivery and release point. This has made him a more lethal bowler. With these changes, Kuldeep Yadav could be very effective at the MYSIC wicket that will provide the spinners a tad bit of help.
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 "Probuddha Bhattacharjee")
