WHAT’S AT STAKE:
DC: Delhi Capitals would like to sit comfortable at the top spot and ensure that they go into the first qualifier high on confidence. They have the same points as their opponent but are behind on net run rate.
CSK: Chennai Super Kings are currently on the top of points table. The loss against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a high-scoring game may have made them a bit vulnerable, showing that they desperately need Dwayne Bravo in the side.
In the absence of injured Marcus Stoinis, DC have missed the service of a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder. Steve Smith has not been impressive in the top order and the coach Ricky Ponting may look to give Sam Billings a chance. Billings can accelerate after a good start from openers or rebuild by stitching game-changing partnerships with the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, something Smith has not done for Capitals.
DC’s bowling unit has been outstanding. They have the perfect blend of an Indian fast bowler along with two express fast bowlers in Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada. Spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin have been doing their job well too. The only problem has been depth in their batting unit, especially when chasing good scores as Shimron Hetmyer has not been the most dependent finisher.
For CSK, their top order has been excellent. Ruturaj Gaikwad hit his maiden IPL century in the previous game and Faf du Plessis has been consistent too. The problem with CSK’s batting lies with their middle order. Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina and skipper MS Dhoni have barely scored runs. In case their openers fail, CSK’s batting will be dependent too much on Moeen Ali. On the other hand, their finishers Ravindra Jadeja and Bravo have played their role with authority. A big positive for CSK is that they bat deep which keeps them in the game even if they lose wickets in clusters.
In the bowling department, they can do away with Sam Curran who has been terribly expensive without any wicket against his name in second phase of the season. CSK have plenty of options to choose from including Jason Behrendorff and Lungi Ngidi. The two bowlers can’t bat and CSK can promote Shardul Thakur up the order.
