IPL 2021, DC vs CSK Preview: Who would prevail in the battle for the top spot?

By Ayush Gupta | First Published Oct 3, 2021, 3:04 PM IST

Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings have sealed their playoffs berth in IPL 2021. As the two clash on Monday in Dubai, it would be a battle for the top spot. Here is the match preview.

The 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) has nearly reached its business-end phase, with the league stages coming to an end. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) would take on former champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 50 at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday. On the same note, we present the match preview.

Current form
DC is placed second, having won nine off 12 matches, with 18 points. CSK, too, has similar numbers, while it is its net run rate that puts it above DC. Although both the sides are specific for a top-two finish, it would be interesting to see who emerges as the leader, as a win in this tie would nearly determine it.

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Team composition
As for the sides, DC has a balanced team across departments, while its stars and capped players are equally distributed, making it one of the very entrenched sides of the competition. It is undoubtedly the team to beat for its all-round display of efficient gameplay.

CSK, on the other hand, is reasonably substantial on its bowling. As for its batting line-up, it has been laudable this season, having suffered heavily last season. Despite the loss in the previous game to Rajasthan Royals (RR), the focus would come to top players like Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, and skipper MS Dhoni, as this match won't be taken lightly.

ALSO READ: IPL 2021, RR vs CSK: Social media erupts as youngsters rule, while Rajasthan trumps Chennai by 7 wickets

Injury concerns: None of the sides has any injury concerns ahead of the tie.

Head-to-head
The two sides have clashed on 24 situations, with CSK possessing a lead of 15-9. Of the three United Arab Emirates (UAE) matches, DC has a charge of 2-1, while their only game in Dubai saw DC triumph.

ALSO READ: IPL 2021, RR vs CSK: Records galore as Jaiswal-Dube help Rajasthan outplay Chennai by 7 wickets

Weather and pitch report
The Dubai weather would be somewhat hot, with an expected temperature of 34 degrees and 59% humidity, with some scattered thunderstorms. The track would play moderately, with assistance for both batters and bowlers. Winning the toss could prompt the side to bowl first, keeping in mind the dew factor.

Probable XI
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steven Smith, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje/Tom Curran.
CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, KM Asif/Deepak Chahar and Josh Hazlewood.

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Fantasy XI
Batters: Dhawan (vc), du Plessis (c), Gaikwad- Dhawan and du Plessis are in fine form and would surely give an explosive start, making them deputy and skipper, respectively, while Gaikwad too would play a top role in the top-order, thanks to his effective form.
Wicketkeeper: Pant- He is the only man in form in this department.
All-rounders: Jadeja, Moeen, Lalit- Jadeja has been nailing it in both departments. While Moeen is doing the same with the bat, Lalit is in form with the ball.
Bowlers: Avesh, Rabada, Thakur, T Curran- An all-out pace attack, as the four pacers would be deadly.

Match details
Date and day: October 4, 2021 (Monday)
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar

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