In a massive boost for Delhi Capitals, their vice-captain Faf du Plessis has regained fitness ahead of the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Du Plessis suffered a groin injury and was unavailable for selection for the last few games. He will play against his former franchise at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
"He's available tomorrow from my understanding. He should be available for selection," Jake Fraser-McGurk said on April 26.
Du Plessis' last appearance for DC was against RCB on April 10. As an impact player, he departed for a single-digit score. Earlier, he scored 29 runs against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and followed it up with a half-century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
This will be Du Plessis' first appearance at DC's original homeground. The former South Africa captain's return will mean that Karun Nair may have to sacrifice the opening spot. Abhishek Porel will open alongside th Proteas batter. Nair may bat at no.3 or no.4 depending on the match-ups.
What happened last time DC and RCB locked horns?
The last time DC and RCB took on each other in Bengaluru, the Axar Patel-led side won by six wickets. In the run chase of 164, DC top-order collapsed but Rahul remained unbeaten on 93 off 53 balls to take his team home with 13 balls to spare. He had help from Tristan Stubbs who scored 38 runs from 23 balls.
JFM to return?
Meanwhile, the young Australian opener talked about trusting his process after a disappointing first half with the bat. It is unlikely that he returns for the match against RCB.
"It's not great this year but you can't be too results-based and outcome-based in this game otherwise you just won't get anywhere," the 23-year-old said.
"You've just got to keep trusting the process and keep backing your strengths and trying to strengthen your weaknesses and hopefully one day it turns around and then you kick-start again. That's the game. It's 20-20 cricket," he added.
Currently, DC are placed second on the points table with six wins from eigth games. If they win against RCB, they will reclaim the top spot.