CSK vs DC: Dhoni brings in Dube for injured Jadeja; Pant hands debut cap to ex-RCB wicketkeeper-batter

SportsTak

Delhi Capitals (DC) take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as Rishabh Pant-led side won the toss and opted to bowl first in their IPL clash on Sunday (May 8).

 

As far as playing XIs are concerned, CSK brought in Shivam Dube in injured Ravindra Jadeja's place while DC made two changes in their side – KS Bharat made debut for the franchise and Axar Patel returned in place of Mandeep and Lalit Yadav respectively. 

 

"We would have bowled first looking at our combination. But toss is not in our control. We had a bad season earlier but we made the most of it. It really helped us. When there are a forward changes after a big auction, sometimes you need to see what is the best combination. Jaddu is not fit and Dube comes in," CSK skipper MS Dhoni said before the match.

 

"I think wicket is on the decent side. We want to chase. The season has been up and down. We are focussing on the positives. It is going to be a good match. I have learnt a lot from him (MS). Let's see how I execute them. Two changes for us. KS Bharat and Axar come in for Mandeep and Lalit Yadav," DC captain Rishabh Pant said.

 

DC are currently placed fifth in the 10-team standings with 10 points from as many games after their 21-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last match.

 

Defending champions CSK, on the other hand, are mathematically still there in the tournament although their chances of making it to the play-offs are almost non-existent.

 

Pitch report

"One side the boundary is 64 meters and the other is massive, 78 meters. I don't think the guys will be thinking sixes that way and will target the shorter side. There was a lot more grass last week but that's not to say the wicket is not going to be a belter. However, it may be a little bit slower and a bit spin orientated. Couple of weeks back there was dew but not so much last week. It is indecisive for us. Is it going to be indecisive for the captains? We will wait and see," Kevin Pietersen analyses the pitch.

 

Delhi Capitals' Playing XI:

David Warner, Srikar Bharat, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Rovman Powell, Axar Patel, Ripal Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Anrich Nortje.

 

Chennai Super Kings' Playing XI:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni(w/c), Shivam Dube, Dwayne Bravo, Maheesh Theekshana, Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary.