The top clubs are often cementing their positions at this point in the season and preparing for a run in the playoffs. Michael Hussey was eager to clarify that his team was not pursuing that line of discussion at all because IPL 2023 has proven to be the antithesis of such ideas. However, Chennai Super Kings can make out a small gap between themselves and the pursuing group. They will think they can keep, and perhaps even increase, the daylight to the congestion right behind since two of their three remaining games are scheduled to be played at home.
The victory over the Mumbai Indians came at the perfect time, as MS Dhoni acknowledged. Not only did it give the team the aforementioned breathing room, but it also stopped a bizarre run of three games without a victory. It seems that specific game also assisted in cleaning the dust off a few other arrowheads in their quiver. Deepak Chahar discovered his PowerPlay’s effectiveness to support the team’s middle-overs acumen as well as the final-second thrust from Pathirana.
Delhi Capitals, however, are also a team that doesn’t have to look back too much, considering how their form has gradually declined as the league’s playoffs have approached. After the recent victory over RCB, Ricky Ponting said in the locker room, “Our cricket is definitely improving.” They’ve won four of their previous five games after suffering five straight losses, and with an all-foreign top-four, they seem to have found the batting vigor that had been missing for so long. In keeping with the cliché, the outcome of this game is unlikely to be determined by the points table. That much we have already learned from this season.
When: May 10, 19:30 IST, Chennai Super Kings vs. Delhi Capitals, IPL 2023
Where: Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium
What to anticipate: After several days of showers, sweltering evening conditions in the city. On April 27, CSK last participated in a night game. On April 21, Chennai last hosted a night game. Therefore, prompt re-calibrations are required. MS Dhoni wanted to bat first against the Mumbai Indians, but the rest of the brain trust decided against it. This time, chasing may turn out to be the more popular option.
Head-to-head: CSK 17–10 DC. A well-known name from the class of 2023 appeared in Chennai’s 91-run victory over Delhi the previous year: Devon Conway. In Navi Mumbai, CSK easily defended 208 runs on the strength of his 49-ball 87.
Team Overview
Chennai Super Kings
Ben Stokes met all fitness requirements and was thus suitable for selection, according to Hussey. On the day before the game, he also took part in a protracted batting practice. However, at this point, he is only likely to replace Moeen Ali, and CSK is unlikely to make that switch for this match against a Capitals club that has lost the most wickets to spin this season (30 at ER 7.43) and has three important left-handers in the top-six.
Matchups & Tactics:
Ishant Sharma has typically been a difficult opponent for Ajinkya Rahane in the IPL, despite this season’s incredible strike rate of 235.85. Rahane has only scored 49 runs and has been out of the game twice off of 48 Ishant deliveries.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c&wk), Deepak Chahar, Mahesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Tushar Deshpande comprise the probable starting XI. (Ambati Rayudu, Impact Sub)
Delhi Capitals
Prior to the RCB camp, Anrich Nortje took a flight back home due to a personal emergency. He is still unable to participate in this match in Chennai.
Matchups & Tactics:
This season, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been disqualified four times for wrist spinning. Therefore, if Gaikwad bats out of the PowerPlay, Kuldeep Yadav will be an obvious match-up selection. Conway, who has a strike rate of 203.85 against left-arm spinners this season without getting bowled once, will be a challenge for DC. Shivam Dube, who has a strike rate of 165.33 against spin, is another option.
David Warner (captain), Phil Salt (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Marsh, Rilee Rossouw, Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Aman Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, and Khaleel Ahmed make up the probable XI (Impact Sub: Lalit Yadav).
Were you aware?
- Delhi has lost six straight games since defeating CSK at Chepauk in 2010.
- Despite having a reduced home advantage this season, CSK is still the only side to have more wins at home than losses (Won: 3, Lost: 2).
- The most wickets Mitchell Marsh has taken in a T20 tournament or series are the nine he has taken in the IPL 2023. He has also taken the most wickets for DC this year.
