Will Axar Patel Drop Out-Of-Form Karun Nair? DC's Probable XI vs PBKS

Rajgeeta Yadav

Karun Nair likely to be dropped [Source: AP Photos]Karun Nair likely to be dropped [Source: AP Photos]

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up for a crucial match against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 8. They’ll be playing at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, aiming to strengthen their chances of making the playoffs. Currently, PBKS are third on the points table with seven wins from 11 matches, accumulating 15 points, just one point behind the top two teams, GT and RCB. A win against DC will take them to the top of the table.

Meanwhile, DC has been struggling lately. In their last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), rain came to their rescue. DC could only manage 133/7 in 20 overs, thanks to Pat Cummins’ fierce bowling. SRH didn’t get a chance to bat, but with their strong lineup, they were the favorites to win had the match continued.

Will Karun Nair Be Dropped?

One big question on everyone’s mind is whether Karun Nair will be in DC’s playing XI for the match against PBKS. Recently, Nair has been out of form despite a promising start when he scored 89 against MI while opening. 

Since then, his performance has been disappointing, scoring just 0, 31, 15, 4, 15, and 0 in his last six innings. His current stats show 154 runs from 7 innings with an average of 22.00 and a strike rate of 175.00.

Match
Score
55th T20 vs SRH0 (1)
48th T20 vs KKR15 (13)
46th T20 vs RCB4 (4)
40th T20 vs LSG15 (9)
35th T20 vs GT31 (18)
32nd T20 vs RR0 (3)
29th T20 vs MI89 (40)

Due to his poor form, DC’s captain Axar Patel might consider replacing Nair with Sameer Rizvi. Rizvi could be a good fit as DC already has enough top-order batters - KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Abhisek Porel and Karun Nair. Bringing in someone reliable for the middle order could help stabilize the lineup since DC has been collapsing in recent games.

Why Sameer Rizvi?

DC’s current playing XI already includes four overseas players, which means any change would likely involve an Indian player. Rizvi fits this requirement and could strengthen the middle order.

Another factor is KL Rahul’s position. Although he is a skilled batter, he seems uncomfortable batting at number four. Even though he has delivered in a few matches, he naturally suits the top order. If DC wants to balance their lineup better, Rizvi could be a strategic inclusion.

Having said that, if DC loses second wicket in the 13th or 14th over, they might promote Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs to take control. 

Delhi Capitals' Probable XI: Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav