IPL: Arjun Tendulkar not even on LSG bench despite four pacers in playing XI vs DC
Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bowl as Delhi Capitals faced Lucknow Super Giants on a fresh pitch. Delhi fielded a balanced XI with Rahul, Miller and Kuldeep, while LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, relied on Markram, Marsh and a strong pace attack, setting up an even contest.
NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL clash on Wednesday, banking on early assistance from a fresh pitch. With both teams fielding strong XIs, the contest promises a balanced battle between bat and ball. However, a notable omission was Arjun Tendulkar, who found no place in either the playing XI or the bench.
The son of Sachin Tendulkar had been traded to LSG ahead of the mini auction but remains on the sidelines. Axar explained the decision of bowling first, adding, “We will bowl first. First match, fresh wicket, it's a red solid wicket and might help in the first 6 overs.
Data says a lot of matches are won by the team batting first, but we thought it's the first game and we will bowl. ” He also confirmed Delhi’s overseas combination, adding, “Nissanka, Miller, Stubbs and Lungi Ngidi, our four overseas players. ” Delhi Capitals’ playing XI features KL Rahul behind the stumps, alongside Pathum Nissanka and Nitish Rana at the top.
Axar leads the side with all-round responsibilities, supported by power-hitters David Miller and Tristan Stubbs in the middle order. Their bowling attack includes Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar and Ngidi, giving them variety across pace and spin. Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, opted for a strong overseas core featuring Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran and Anrich Nortje.