Delhi Capitals seek top-order stability against in-form MI
The spotlight will firmly be on Delhi Capitals’ top order when they square off against a confident Mumbai Indians in their first home fixture of the IPL 2026 season here on Saturday.
DC, who shuffled as many as seven opening combinations last year, had hoped for greater stability this season, but early signs suggest the issue persists.
Chasing a modest 142 against Lucknow Super Giants in their opener, the Capitals’ top order crumbled swiftly, with KL Rahul falling for a first-ball duck, while Nitish Rana, and Pathum Nissanka departed in quick succession, leaving the side tottering at 26 for four.
What followed, however, was a display of composure and maturity by 22-year-old impact substitute Sameer Rizvi, who struck an unbeaten half-century.
Combining with the experienced Tristan Stubbs, the duo scripted a six-wicket victory with an unbroken stand that rescued DC.
While Rizvi’s fearless strokeplay stood out, the vulnerability at the top is a concern, particularly against a Mumbai attack marshalled by the redoubtable Jasprit Bumrah.
Still in pursuit of their elusive maiden IPL title, the Capitals will be eager to see greater stability at the top. They have the option of turning to either Abishek Porel, who displayed flashes of brilliance last season or the, mercurial Prithvi Shaw who struggles with consistency.
In contrast, DC’s bowling unit looked far more assured even in the absence of Australian quick Mitchell Starc, who remains unavailable.
South African pacer Lungi Ngidi continues to astutely use slower deliveries and T Natarajan, who has spent considerable time on sidelines due to injury, chipped in with a three-wicket haul against LSG, while Mukesh Kumar was economical.
