New Delhi: The last of the round robin match of the 2016 Indian Premier League will pit two perennial under-achievers Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore against each other.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

With two places left for grabs for the all-important play-off spots, today's match at Raipur is a virtual knock out between these two teams.


Let's have a look at five players who can help their respective teams to the knock-outs.


But to make things in the perspective, let's see what the teams need to do first.


A win for either team will assure a last-four spot. But RCB, with a better net run-rate (+0.930, best of all teams), can still still go through even after a defeat, if Sunrisers Hyderabad beats Kolkata Knight Riders in the first match today.


However, there's no such luxury for Delhi, which has a negative net run rate (-0.102).


And here are the five players to look out for:


1. Virat Kohli (RCB): The skipper is in his zone, and one which we have not seen in our living memory. Consider the following stats, and there's will be no argument against the 27-year-old batsman.


13 innings, 865 runs off 558 balls faces, at an improbable average of 86.50. Four centuries and five fifties, with the help of 72 fours and 36 sixes.


The chances of Kohli not performing is highly unlikely. On current form, he the man. And his team needs him today, no matter what.


2. Shane Watson (RCB): In a star-studded batting line-up, the presence of a genuine, world-class all-rounder gives that much-needed balance. Watson, at 34, still comes with a reputation of big hitter, and a wicket-taker.


The retired Aussie great hasn't had got enough chance to showcase his batting exploits, but he has been impressive in the middle-overs for Bangalore.


Expect him to come good in this do-or-die match. His fortunes will be directly linked to that of RCB's beat to make play-offs.


3. Zaheer Khan (DD): This has been a stand-out season for the former India pacer. Post international retirement, he was in the wilderness.


But as the captain of a youthful Delhi side, the 37-year-old has become a different beast altogether. Zaheer loves to put himself in the line of fire, and this facet of his has given the team a reason to fight.


So far, he's been doing great. In fact, that added responsibility of leading the team has revived individual performances.


His leadership and his four overs today will decide Delhi's season.


4. Quinton de Kock (DD): The South African wicket-keeper batsman is one the best talents today. He started the tournament with bang, but failed to keep the momentum.


If he gives a good start today, Delhi can hope to challenge the batting might of Bangalore. Here. it's pertinent that his lone IPL century came against Kohli's side.


5. Karun Nair (DD): He is a class act. His unbeaten 83 against Sunrisers Hyderabad was evident to that fact. And he's got starts, in majority of outing this season.


The right-handed batsman from Jodhpur will be hungry for more runs, and must be hoping to justify the tag of one of India's best talent.


With an unpredictable and unsettled sets of openers, Delhi will rely on Nair's ability to pace the innings in the middle-overs, before that late onslaught.