IPL 2023 MATCH PREVIEW: CSK v DC

We are in the End game. Three teams have already been eliminated, while two others are on the brink of elimination due to their net run rate (NRR) and the specific margin they need to win by. The situation is relatively straightforward for CSK: they must secure a victory in order to secure a spot in the playoffs. However, if both MI and RCB win their final games, CSK will face the risk of being eliminated. Therefore, the upcoming match between LSG and KKR becomes pivotal, as the difference in NRR between LSG and CSK is minimal, and they are tied on points from the same number of games.

Considering the number of injuries CSK faced this season, their squad strength, and their performance in the previous year, there were conflicting sentiments about their potential success this year. However, against all odds, CSK has surpassed everyone's expectations given the challenging circumstances. The key to CSK's triumph can be attributed to their consistent adherence to a tried-and-tested template that has been witnessed over the years. This template involves having a prolific overseas batsman as a run machine at the top, with two middle-order batsmen contributing regularly. Additionally, they rely on an Indian fast bowler who excels in the Powerplay, as well as a formidable death bowler who consistently delivers. Rahane and Dube have displayed exceptional performances in their respective roles. Dube, in particular, has hit more sixes against spinners than any other batsman, while Rahane boasts an impressive strike rate against pace. Tushar Deshpande has emerged as a revelation with the new ball, capably shouldering the responsibility in the absence of Chahar. Pathirana, without a doubt, has been CSK's X factor, and the transition of responsibility from Bravo to Pathirana has been officially acknowledged.

"Glad that I got a wkt off the 1st ball otherwise I would have never completed my quota of 4 overs". These were Axar Patel’s exact words after the match against CSK. This exactly sumps up DC’s campaign this year. Underutilisation of resources is one of the most unsettling aspects of DC’s strategy this season.

DC's season has been disappointing, having suffered five consecutive losses. Nevertheless, their unexpected wins against SRH and GT showcase their potential, and with better strategic choices, they could have secured more than 10 points. To describe their season, the word "dismal" would not be an understatement.

David Warner and Mitchell Marsh have been the major disappointments for their team. Warner's performance this season has been his poorest in terms of strike rate, having managed to hit a handful of sixes so far. Marsh, who has been outstanding in white ball cricket over the past two years and delivered an impressive performance in the BBL and ODI series against India not long ago, has failed to live up to expectations. One game he decided to step up he was on the receiving end in spite of a stupendous performance with both bat and the ball. Yuvraj Singh ( twice) is the only other cricketer to end up on the losing side after scoring 50 and scalping 4 wkts in the same match.

Despite having the game under their control against SRH, the management of Delhi made some questionable decisions by sending Sarfaraz and Priyam Garg ahead of Axar, who has been one of the best batters for the team and has been consistently striking the ball well in the lower order. Additionally, the inclusion of Priyam Garg seemed illogical when the team already had the talented Yash Dhull in their ranks.

Several such decisions made by Delhi's management this season have been not only strange but also lacking any logical reasoning. Consequently, the team now faces the perilous possibility of being awarded the wooden spoon.

Probable Playing XIs

Delhi Capitals

David Warner, Prithvi Shaw Phil Salt, Rilee Rossouw, Aman Hakim Khan, Yash Dhull Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma

Chennai Super Kings

Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Venue

Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

-Average Total batting 1st: 164.8
-Average 1st innings winning total: 180.9
-Highest total: 231/2 - DC vs PBKS, 2011
-Lowest total: 83/10 - DC v CSK, 2013
-Total Match Played: 83
-Batting First Won: 36
-Batting Second Won: 46

Head to Head

Overall: CSK leads by 18-10

Batting 1st: CSK leads by 11-3

Batting 2nd: 7-7

Last 5 matches: CSK leads by 3-2

Most Runs:

MS Dhoni - 634

Suresh Raina - 552

Most wkts:

Ravi Ashwin - 19

Dwayne Bravo - 19

Standings

Delhi: 9th

Chennai: 2nd

Team Form

Delhi: W W L L W

Chennai: L NR W W L

Match Ups (IPL)

Shaw v Chahar: 80 off 64, 6 out

Dhoni v Axar: 75 off 63

Warner v Jadeja: 92 off 55

Warner v Chahar: 55 off 54, 2 out

Axar v Jadeja: 67 off 39

Rahane v Kuldeep: 19 off 27, 2 out

Ruturaj v Nortje: 67 off 36, 2 out

Conway v Kuldeep: 51 off 19

Form Update ( last 5 innings )

Key Players

David Warner

In total, Warner has scored 400+ runs seven consecutive years, and last year he managed 450+ runs at an SR of 150+. But since his comeback from injury in February, he has played just one ODI, and that was obvious from game 1, when he scored a 50, a problem that continued throughout the series. He has been among runs but his SR is nowhere near to the standards he has set. So far he has managed to hit only handful of sixes in the tournament after scoring 400+ runs . Irrespective of his scoring rate, Warner is a bank and should be a blind pick in any Fantasy XI

Axar Patel:

His batting has been a revelation this year in all 3 formats. Bailed India and his franchise out number of times from crunch situations. In addition to that, he has been top of the fantasy points in multiple games with his all round performance

Devon Conway:

He has been CSK's Mr Consistent this season with close to 500 runs. He plays both spin and pace exceptionally well and posseses an amazing head to head record against the likes of Kuldeep.

Ravindra Jadeja:

He was the MoM in the last encounter against DC. Given how the wicket has played out in Delhi this season, he along with Moeen and Theekshana are going to cause few problems to DC's lineup in the middle overs. This has been Jadeja's one of better seasons with the ball. He has picked 16 wkts at an eco of 7.22

Fantasy XI