Delhi Capitals are hosting the Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi for Match 59 of IPL 2023. Winning the toss, Delhi Capitals’ skipper David Warner elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the home conditions and restrict the Punjab Kings to a manageable total. However, the absence of Nortje, with his fiery pace and accuracy, is expected to be sorely felt by the Delhi franchise in this crucial match.
“We will have a bowl. It is going to be a slow, low surface, it is not going to change much. There might be some dew later on. The last game was not a good one but winning 4 out of 5 was quite good. The boys have come out with a lot of freedom and a clear mind. The crowd has come out and supported us.”, DC’s captain David Warner said after winning the toss.
Why is Anrich Nortje not playing against Punjab Kings today?
Delhi Capitals’ hopes of a triumphant campaign in the ongoing IPL 2023 have suffered a significant blow with the unexpected departure of their prime fast bowler, Anrich Nortje. The South African pacer, who has been in stellar form this season, had to return to his home country due to a personal emergency. As a result, Nortje was unavailable for selection in the crucial encounter against the Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
In Nortje’s absence, Delhi Capitals made a strategic change to their squad, bringing in an extra batter, Riley Rossouw, to maximize their options in the available foreign slot. This decision surprised fans who were eagerly anticipating the debut of Rovman Powell, but the team management opted to go with the experienced Rossouw instead.
Nortje had been a key player for Delhi Capitals throughout the season, making notable contributions with his consistent wicket-taking ability. In the eight matches he played, the South African paceman had claimed seven wickets at an economy rate of 8.91. His raw pace and accuracy often posed a significant challenge for opposition batsmen, making him a vital asset for the Delhi franchise.
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