IPL 2021: Dawid Malan makes IPL debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Delhi Capitals (DC)

After a sustained period on the bench, England left-hand batsman Dawid Malan finally got the nod for his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in Punjab Kings (PBKS) colours this Sunday (May 2). Malan has replaced the struggling Nicholas Pooran for PBKS’ seventh match of the IPL 2021 in Ahmedabad against last year’s runners-up Delhi Capitals […]
 
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IPL 2021: Dawid Malan makes IPL debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Delhi Capitals (DC)

After a sustained period on the bench, England left-hand batsman Dawid Malan finally got the nod for his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in Punjab Kings (PBKS) colours this Sunday (May 2).

Malan has replaced the struggling Nicholas Pooran for PBKS’ seventh match of the IPL 2021 in Ahmedabad against last year’s runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC).

Dawid Malan was bought for this year’s edition of the IPL by Punjab franchise in the mini-auction in February following a base prize bid of INR 1.50 crores.

PBKS confirmed Dawid Malan’s inclusion in their playing XI for the DC encounter via their official Twitter handle, saying, “The news that should break the internet today: Dawid Malan makes his debut in red and gold!”

Dawid Malan makes IPL debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Delhi Capitals (DC)

Dawid Malan earned IPL recognition on the back of his consistent performances for England in the T20 internationals. The 33-year-old has made 1,003 runs from his 24 T20Is for the three lions at an average of 50.15 and strike-rate of 144.31 – a fantastic record that shows he has been able to retain his explosive ways without compromising on the consistency.

IPL 2021: Dawid Malan makes IPL debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Delhi Capitals (DC)

Dawid Malan has a fantastic international T20 record to his name.

Dawid Malan is also currently the No.1 batsman in the ICC T20I rankings, a position he had been in a close contest for with Pakistan’s modern-day batting great Babar Azam.

Dawid Malan walks into a rejigged PBKS’ playing XI for the DC encounter after recent experience of playing in India. He was part of the England white-ball touring party that visited for 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs in March before the IPL 2021.

Malan will be raring to go against DC as he looks to strengthen his case for a regular place in the PBKS top six and also potentially book his ticket in England’s squad for the T20 World Cup later in the year.

Just ahead of the game against DC, PBKS lost their captain and first-choice opening batsman, KL Rahul, who has been diagnosed with acute appendicitis and could be out for the remainder of the ongoing IPL. In Rahul’s place, fellow opener Mayank Agarwal has been given the captaincy duties on an interim basis.