As the IPL 2023 season progresses, the top teams are consolidating their positions for a playoffs run. However, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is not pursuing that line of conversation as they believe this season is an antithesis to such notions. CSK has a tiny chasm between themselves and the chasing pack, which they intend to maintain, maybe even extend with two of their three remaining games to be played at home. CSK’s victory against Mumbai Indians created breathing room and helped arrest a three-game sequence without a win.
In their upcoming game on May 10, 19:30 IST, against Delhi Capitals, CSK will be playing two of their three remaining games at home, which they hope to win. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, after taking five straight losses, has won four of their last five games, with an all-foreign top-four, and seems to have discovered the batting oomph that had been missing for so long.
CSK has a head-to-head record of 17-10 against DC, with their 91-run win over Delhi last year featuring Devon Conway, who has been a significant contributor to the team in the 2023 season. Chennai last hosted a night game on April 21, so quick re-calibrations will be needed for the upcoming night game against DC.
In terms of weather, it is expected to be a sultry evening after a few days of showers in the city. CSK’s skipper, MS Dhoni, wanted to bat first against Mumbai Indians but was outvoted by the rest of the brains trust. Chasing could once more become the more unanimous choice this time around.
CSK’s probable XI includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c&wk), Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Tushar Deshpande. Ambati Rayudu is the impact sub. Ben Stokes is available for selection but is only likely to replace Moeen Ali. CSK is unlikely to make that swap against a DC team that has lost most wickets to spin this season (30 at ER 7.43) and with three key left-handers in the top-six.
DC’s probable XI includes David Warner (c), Phil Salt (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Rilee Rossouw, Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Aman Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, and Khaleel Ahmed. Lalit Yadav is the impact sub. Anrich Nortje remains unavailable for this clash in Chennai due to personal reasons.
In the last game against Mumbai Indians, CSK’s Deepak Chahar found his PowerPlay efficacy to supplement the team’s middle-overs smarts, and Matheesha Pathirana provided thrust at the death. For DC, Kuldeep Yadav will be an obvious match-up option against Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been dismissed four times this season to wrist spin. Shivam Dube also has a strike-rate of 165.33 against spin.
In conclusion, the match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals is expected to be an exciting encounter as both teams have been performing well in recent games. The weather forecast predicts a sultry evening, and with a few showers expected, quick re-calibrations will be needed. CSK will look to extend their daylight to the logjam right behind, while DC will aim to continue their winning form.
