*CSK VS DC PREVIEW-MATCH 55*
*A GOLDEN CHANCE FOR CSK TO SEAL THE DEAL:*
Chennai stand at 13 points and another victory from here could be the final stamp to their position this season. 15 points after 12 games is remarkable and the MSD led outfit have a golden chance to make their dream real and get the fifth trophy home. Their batting has clicked, the relatively inexperienced pace bowling has also been managed superbly by the mastermind of Dhoni and spinners taking control in the middle has impacted every team’s hopes negatively. However, with DC on the charge and the urge to stage a late comeback, they could prove to be a hurdle into CSK’s dream.
*CSK PROBABLE XI:*
Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(c)(wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Maheesh Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande
I have become an incredible fan of Rahane’s renewed T20 batting, being a mix of aggression and smart stroke play. He has taken the oppositions for a spin and has not taken the defensive route. While he has managed to dominate pacers this season, his record vs Ishant Sharma, the veteran right arm fast bowler has been average. A fiesty contest could be on the cards if these two come up against one another tonight.
David Warner has shown remarkable improvement against spin in the last few games but CSK’s spin attack is formidable and is difficult to breach past. The likes of Jadeja, Moeen and Theekshana are in themselves a big danger and the DC batting lineup could be under incredible pressure specially with the need to win all games from here on.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Ambati Rayudu as impact substitute when CSK chase. Pathriana could play a similar role when they bat first.
*DC PROBABLE XI:*
David Warner(c), Phil Salt(wk), Mitchell Marsh, Manish Pandey, Rilee Roussow, Axar Patel, Aman Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed
Nortje missing out is going to be big miss, specially against CSK who boast of an excellent batting lineup that is full of power hitters and strokemakers. Though Khaleel adds that left arm angle to the table, he tends to be an expensive bet on most occasions. An improved performance from the left armer should boost their (DC) confidence against a star studded Chennai.
Phil Salt and Mitch Marsh who were instrumental in Delhi’s chase last game of about 180 runs, could take a toll of CSK’s inexperienced bowling group. However putting them under pressure would be tough to nail specially with MSD at the command of things. If these two get going, it’s going to be a tough ask to crack the code to beat them at their own peril, as the two have enough potential to turn the game in Delhi’s favour.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Lalit Yadav could play the role of an impact player as he adds that extra spin option and improves batting depth. Expect Roussow to play this role when DC chase.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR CSK:*
Highest run getter- Devon Conway/Ajinkya Rahane
Highest wicket taker- Ravindr Jadeja/Tushar Deshpande
*FOR DC:*
Highest run getter- Mitch Marsh/Axar Patel
Highest wicket taker- Kuldeep Yadav/Ishant Sharma
*FOR THE GAME:*
CSK to win this game but I would love to see a DC win to spice up the points table and make this tournament even more intense.