IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Choose Batting After Winning Toss; Madhav and Rizvi Step In for Capitals

In Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), India, on May 8 (ANI report): Captain Shreyas Iyer from the Punjab Kings chose to bat first after winning the coin toss during their match against the Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) as part of the 18th season of the IPL.

The coin flip was postponed for over an hour because of rainfall and subsequently a damp outfield in Dharamshala. During the scheduled toss period, some precipitation could be seen even with the protective covers in place.

Punjab is soaring at the third position, whereas Delhi finds itself out of the playoff spots in the fifth place. DC started strong with four consecutive wins but then struggled to maintain this form, recording only two more victories in their next six matches.

After managing only 133 runs when batting first against the Sunrisers in Hyderabad, they barely escaped with a loss in their earlier match. Despite trying out six different opening partnerships, none of these combinations have proven particularly effective for Delhi as they approach this crucial stage of the competition.

Delhi opted to release their in-form uncapped all-rounder, Vipraj Nigam, replacing him with a fast-bowling all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh named Madhav Tiwari. Additionally, Delhi let go of underperforming batsman Karun Nair in favor ofSameer Rizvi.

Conversely, Punjab Kings come into this match following two consecutive victories. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab secured a dominant 37-run win against Lucknow Super Giants at the same ground. They are close to being the first team to secure a spot in the playoffs; should they triumph in this game, they will rise to the top of the standings and clinch their place in the next round.

Following their victory in the coin toss, Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer elaborated on why they chose to bat first: “Given the condition of the pitch, we decided to open our innings upfront. Our supporters seem pleased with this choice. Historically, within the IPL, those who perform well and secure wins tend to bring home the title—this serves as significant motivation for us. Currently, everyone’s morale is quite high. Ensuring everything falls into place perfectly becomes crucial now; sticking to established routines will be key here. For today’s match, we’re retaining our usual batting lineup.”

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel mentioned that his preference was to start with bowling. He stated at the coin toss, “Given the conditions, we intended to begin by fielding due to the weather. The pitch looks consistent throughout. This is a lengthy competition, so maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. In place of Vipaj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari joins the team.”

The playing eleven for Punjab Kings includes: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer as captain (c), Josh Inglis who will be wicket-keeper (w), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Arshdeep Singh.

Impact Substitutes for Punjab Kings: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur

Delhi Capitals (Starting Eleven): Faf du Plessis, Abhishek Porel (wk), K.L. Rahul, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T. Natarajan

The Delhi Capitals’ impact substitutes include Ashutosh Sharma, Jake Fraser McGurk, Mukesh Kumar, Vipraj Nigam, and Tripurna Vijay. (ANI)