IPL Today Match DC vs LSG: Dream11 prediction, head to head stats, fantasy value, key players, pitch report and ground history of IPL 2024

NEW DELHI: As the struggling Lucknow Super Giants prepare to face the equally desperate Delhi Capitals in a pivotal match on Tuesday in New Delhi, the spotlight will be on skipper KL Rahul as they attempt to cling to their slim chances of reaching the IPL playoffs. Following LSG's humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad last Wednesday, Rahul was publicly reprimanded by team owner Sanjiv Goenka, fueling speculation about his future as captain.
Rumours are rife that Rahul might step down as captain or play the remaining two matches before leaving LSG.In either case, the Indian batsman will aim to respond with his bat to seal the deal. Rahul's lacklustre performance has not only cost him a spot in the Indian T20 team but has also pushed LSG down to seventh place with 12 points, trailing RCB and SRH, who are both outside the top four.
Apart from Rahul, Quinton De Kock's poor form this season has made it difficult for LSG to capitalize on the powerplay, putting pressure on players like Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran, who are not at liberty to play big shots. Despite Pooran and Ayush Badoni's heroics in the previous match, the bowlers performed miserably against the formidable SRH duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who amassed 167 in 9.4 overs, a record by any side.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals will be hoping that the return of skipper Rishabh Pant, who was suspended for one match due to a slow over-rate against Rajasthan Royals, will help them finish on a high note. Against RCB on Sunday night, Delhi, without Pant, paid a heavy price for their sloppy fielding as those misfields and dropped catches came back to haunt them.
Jack Fraser-McGurk has been their most influential batsman, scoring 330 runs at an impressive strike rate of 237.41 from seven games. Runs have also come from Abhishek Porel (269, 156.39), Pant (413, 156.43), and Tristan Stubbs (321, 185.54) this season. In the bowling department, pacers Khaleel Ahmed (16 wickets) and Mukesh Kumar (16 wickets) have provided breakthroughs, while the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav (15) and Axar Patel (10) has shared 25 wickets.
Head to head
In the head-to-head matchups between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), LSG lead by a margin of 3-1. However, Delhi's recent win in the reverse fixture in Lucknow marked a significant breakthrough, as it was their first victory against LSG in three seasons of competition. This victory adds an interesting dynamic to their upcoming clash.
Ground stats
The Arun Jaitley Stadium has hosted a total of 88 IPL matches, with teams winning almost an equal number of matches batting first (41) and second (46). The average first-innings total at the stadium stands at 166.51, with teams scoring at a rate of 8.49 runs per over and losing wickets at an average of 27.43 runs per dismissal. The highest total recorded at the venue was 266/7 by SRH against DC in 2024, while the lowest total was 83/10 by DC against CSK in 2013.
In the last 10 IPL matches held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, teams batting first have dominated, winning all 10 matches. The average first innings score during these matches was 211, with the winning team often posting scores around 227. Teams have typically scored 59 runs on average during the powerplay overs and 54 runs in the death overs, showcasing the stadium's reputation as a high-scoring venue favouring teams setting big targets.
ALSO SEE: IPL Playoffs Prediction Hub
Pitch report
Given the historical data and trends at the Kotla, it's anticipated that the pitch will favour batsmen, setting the stage for a high-scoring encounter. With a track record of producing batting-friendly conditions, teams can expect the ball to come onto the bat nicely, allowing for fluent stroke play and big hits. Batsmen who are able to adapt quickly to the pace and bounce of the surface are likely to thrive, capitalizing on any loose deliveries and making the most of the true bounce.
Fantasy value from pitch report
1) With the Kotla pitch expected to be batting-friendly and conducive to high scores, investing in top-order batsmen who can capitalize on the good batting conditions would be a wise fantasy choice. Look for players with a history of performing well on such pitches and who have the ability to score big runs at a brisk pace.
2) Given the likelihood of a high-scoring game, all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball will be valuable fantasy picks. Look for players who have the ability to make significant contributions with the bat while also chipping in with crucial wickets or economical bowling spells, thereby maximizing their fantasy points potential.
Probable XIs
Delhi Capitals (DC): David Warner, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Rishabh Pant (C, wk), Shai Hope, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed
Impact player: Rasikh Salam
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (C, wk), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Mohsin Khan/Arshin Kulkarni, Yash Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq
Impact player: K Gowtham
Key Players
1) Jake Fraser-McGurk: IPL 2024 stats: 330 runs in 8 matches
In the IPL 2024 season, Jake Fraser-McGurk showcased his batting with an impressive tally of 330 runs in just 8 matches. Known for his explosive stroke play at the top of the order, Fraser-McGurk has emerged as a key player for his team, consistently delivering impactful performances with the bat. His remarkable consistency and ability to score runs in crucial situations made him a valuable asset in the tournament, garnering attention and admiration from fans and pundits alike. (Here is the updated IPL 2024 Orange Cap standings)
2) KL Rahul: IPL 2024 stats: 460 runs in 12 matches
In the IPL 2024 season, KL Rahul proved his mettle as a top-class batsman, amassing a formidable total of 460 runs in 12 matches. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to build innings, Rahul played several crucial knocks for his team, anchoring the batting lineup with his consistent performances. His stellar form and impressive run-scoring ability made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
3) Kuldeep Yadav: IPL 2024 stats: 15 wickets in 10 matches
Kuldeep Yadav showcased his mastery in spin bowling, claiming a total of 15 wickets in 10 matches. Known for his deceptive variations and ability to outfox batsmen, Yadav played a crucial role in providing breakthroughs for his team throughout the tournament. His ability to pick up wickets consistently made him a valuable asset for his side, contributing significantly to their success in the competition. (Here is the updated IPL 2024 Purple Cap standings)
Fantasy team
Wicketkeeper: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (vc), Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant
Batsmen: David Warner, Jake Fraser-McGurk (c), Tristan Stubbs
Allrounders: Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohsin Khan