In a highly anticipated encounter at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the Delhi Capitals led by skipper David Warner won the toss and elected to bowl first against the Punjab Kings in match 59 of the IPL 2023. However, the team sheet revealed a surprising omission as the name of South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was conspicuously absent from the Punjab Kings squad.
“We would have bowled too but we are batting first, so looking forward to it. I guess, we’re adapting to the conditions nicely, we’re playing some good cricket and we’re not finishing well sometimes. It is beautiful that they are putting up good performances. They are young and maturing and those are great signs. We have got one change – Raza comes back in and Rajapaksa misses out.”, said Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan after losing the toss.
Why is Kagiso Rabada not playing against the Delhi Capitals today?
This unexpected decision stems from Rabada’s underwhelming performance this season. In his four appearances so far, the talented paceman has managed to claim just five wickets, while conceding runs at a concerning economy rate of 9.75. Consequently, the team management decided to give Rabada a break, allowing him to regroup and rediscover his form.
In a move that has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, the Punjab Kings have instead opted to field the promising Nathan Ellis as their impact substitute for the crucial clash. Ellis, who was acquired by the franchise for a mere Rs. 75 Lacs, has proven to be a valuable asset throughout the season. With an impressive tally of ten wickets from seven games, Ellis has showcased his skills while maintaining an admirable economy rate of 8.96.
Ellis’ inclusion in the team suggests a strategic approach from the Punjab Kings, banking on his ability to make an impact during the second innings when they take the field to defend their target. The decision to place faith in the young Australian pacer highlights the franchise’s commitment to adaptability and maximizing their resources for a favorable outcome in this high-stakes encounter.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
