Current scenario
The IPL’s 50th match will showcase a high-octane battle between table-toppers Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. Both teams will be seeking to gain a psychological advantage over the other by securing first place in the points table.
The Delhi Capitals will be hoping to put their past demons behind them and beat CSK this time, especially after losing to them three times (including in a knockout) in 2019. Following that, CSK has won all three times, including the first half of the 2021 season.
The last time CSK played they suffered a third loss this season, even though they’ve grown into a powerful side that understands as they are testing their bench strength.
Players to watch out for
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who recently scored his first IPL century, has been the breakout performer of the season. Gaikwad had a phenomenal average of 50.80 in his 508 runs. His performance has relieved the pressure on MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, who now have different responsibilities to play down the order.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar had a terrific start to the season but has slowed down in recent games. He’s amassed 462 runs at a respectable 42.00 average. Shikhar will be trying to reclaim his form in the IPL’s final stages. He’ll also be carrying a grudge on his shoulder following his omission from the World Cup squad.
What can we expect
Delhi Capital will be high on confidence after their win over defending champions, backed by their former captain, could be just what the Capitals need as the tournament nears its conclusion. On Saturday, we saw a thriller between Mumbai and Delhi but it was Shreyas Iyer who was the difference between the teams as he withstood the storm and capitalized on the key moments This team already boasts a fantastic opening duo and a strong bowling attack.
Chennai will also try to retain its dominance over Delhi. Despite losing to Rajasthan Royals, Super Kings learned a vital lesson. They’ll know how to respond to opposition offense now, as the Rajasthan middle order did against them.
Probable playing 11
Delhi Capitals
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steve Smith, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan
Chennai Superkings
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Josh Hazlewood, Sam Curran, Deepak Chahar