MUMBAI: In a big boost to their hopes of winning their do-or-die encounter against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday night, TOI has learnt that the Delhi Capitals will have dashing opener Prithvi Shaw, who was hospitalised earlier this month due to typhoid, returning to the XI for the crucial match.
With 14 points in 13 games, DC are at the fifth spot, and need to beat MI to overtake Royal Challengers Bangalore, who finished with 16 points, to go through to the playoffs.
"With Shae returning to the opening spot, Sarfaraz Khan, who opened in the game against Punjab Kings (he smashed 32 off 16 balls), will go back into the middle-order. Shaw will open with David Warner," a source told this paper.
Shaw, who was down with fever and was admitted to the hospital, last played on May 1 against Lucknow Super Giants, and has missed the team's last four games. He had shared an Instagram post from his hospital bed, saying he was hopeful of coming back soon, and the youngster recovered well after being severely ill. The 22-year-old has scored 259 runs in nine games@28.77 at a strike rate of 159.87, with two fifties, while forging an explosive opening partnership with Australia's star David Warner.
Having taken 12 points after 12 games, DC, currently placed fifth, need to win both their remaining matches to harbour hopes of a playoff berth. "When they play their next game against the Punjab Kings on Monday evening, Shaw is very likely to be available. After pondering over whether they should replace him or continue with him, the Capitals have opted for the latter," a source told this paper.
