'We are considering the game as a knockout match': Kuldeep Yadav ahead of PBKS-DC Clash

With six wins in 12 league matches, Delhi Capitals (DC) are fifth in the points table. However, both the teams need to win their remaining two league matches for a place in the playoffs. In their last outing, the Capitals secured a dominating victory by eight wickets against Rajasthan Royals (RR). 

On May 16 (Monday) at DY Patil Sports Academy, they will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next league game, which will be the penultimate league fixture. Ahead of this fixture, the team's lead spinner Kuldeep Yadav has opened up on the importance of this match. 

Yadav thinks it's a 'do or die' fixture for DC and added that the team has performed well on most occasions but has failed to win crunch moments in some.  

"This is a do-or-die situation for us. We have performed well in the tournament, but we have lost some close games. We have to make sure that we don't repeat the mistakes we have committed in the competition so far," said Yadav. 

The 27-year old reckoned that DC is well prepared and is approaching it as a knockout fixture. However, he feels that along with a start provided by the bowlers and batters, the team needs to gauge the conditions to do well in this game. 

"We have prepared well for our next match. We are considering the game as a knockout match for us. It will be important for us to get off to a good start, whether we bat or bowl first. It'll also be crucial for us to assess the conditions well."

In the end, Yadav termed PBKS as a strong side and hailed them for their 54-run victory over RCB in their last league game. 

"Punjab Kings are a good side. There are a lot of good players in the team. They batted very well in their last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. There's no weak team in T20s. Anybody can put up a big score or take wickets on any given day," concluded Yadav.

This fixture will serve as one of the most critical ones to decide the playoffs, as both the teams have six wins in 12 league matches and will be striving hard to win this game and remain in the hunt for the playoffs.