CHENNAI: When in Chennai, you have to beat the Chennai Super Kings at their own game. The teams have learned this the hard way and the scenario will be no different for the Delhi Capitals, who need to win on Wednesday to stay in contention for a playoff spot.
The pitch is likely to be slow and spinners are expected to dominate the roost, meaning DC frontline tweakers Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel need to contend with CSK’s spin troika of Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali and Maheesh Theekshana at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
IPL 2023 SCHEDULE | IPL POINTS TABLE 2023
Kuldeep and Axar have had tepid success with the ball so far in the tournament, picking up eight and seven wickets respectively. But more than layoffs, their ability to slow things down and keep the likes of Shivam DubeDevon Conway E Ruturaj Gaikwad at bay when they come after them will be key.
Considering the conditions they’ll get here, especially if they finish bowling first, visitors might be tempted to include a third spinner in the XI in the form of the 26-year-old offie Lalit Yadav. While Axar’s bowling will be important, his batting role will also be extremely crucial. He is a player who can take on spinners on these surfaces and DC can think about promoting him in the order.
The pitch is likely to be slow and spinners are expected to dominate the roost, meaning DC frontline tweakers Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel need to contend with CSK’s spin troika of Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali and Maheesh Theekshana at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
IPL 2023 SCHEDULE | IPL POINTS TABLE 2023
Kuldeep and Axar have had tepid success with the ball so far in the tournament, picking up eight and seven wickets respectively. But more than layoffs, their ability to slow things down and keep the likes of Shivam DubeDevon Conway E Ruturaj Gaikwad at bay when they come after them will be key.
Considering the conditions they’ll get here, especially if they finish bowling first, visitors might be tempted to include a third spinner in the XI in the form of the 26-year-old offie Lalit Yadav. While Axar’s bowling will be important, his batting role will also be extremely crucial. He is a player who can take on spinners on these surfaces and DC can think about promoting him in the order.
It will be interesting to see if CSK, who will be looking to move closer to a top-two spot, will alter their arsenal in any way if they have to pitch second, when the dew could become a big factor. Batting coach Michael Hussey said team management would definitely think about it.
The home team lacked the services of the all-rounder talisman Ben Stokes for much of the tournament as he was sidelined with a toe injury after playing only the first two games.
Hussey confirmed Stokes are now fit and available for selection, and have not featured in the playing XI in recent games due to the nature of the surface and corresponding squad combination.
Clock IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings take on Delhi Capitals in Chepauk
