CSK vs DC IPL 2019 preview: Delhi, Chennai battle for top two finish

With eight wins in 12 games both Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals have booked a place in the play-offs. But both teams will be eager to finish in the top two which gives them the extra cushion to qualify for the finals.

The CSK vs DC clash at Chennai on Wednesday can also be a trailer of what to expect in the playoffs in IPL 2019.

Team News:

MS Dhoni looks good to make a comeback in the playing XI which means Rayudu won’t be donning the wicket-keeper’s gloves.

The major factor for both teams though is the date of departure of South African players. The Proteas players will be returning back to South Africa for their World Cup preparations so it will be interesting to see how Delhi cope up with Rabada’s absence while Chennai will miss du Plesis’ and Tahir’s services.

As the #AnbuDen gears up for the last home game of the league stage… #WhistlePodu #Yellove ?? pic.twitter.com/mn6rJj1q9g

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 29, 2019

Form Guide: 

Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer are going strength to strength but Delhi will want Prithvi Shaw to get some more runs while the middle-order can be expected to step up.

The bowling has revolved around Rabada so far but Delhi needs to find an answer to what happens when he leaves.

Chennai meanwhile need to get their batting unit sorted out as Dhoni cannot be the messiah every time. The bowling though is at the top with Chahar and Bhajji doing well.

We are through to the playoffs but our tigers are hungry for more! ?

Three wins on the trot, but the training never stops. We're ready for our next challenge ?#ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/hjnA5rKscM

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 30, 2019

Key Numbers:

• In head to head battles, CSK has won 13 matches while DC has won six games.

• CSK’s dominance is especially severe in the recent times. They have won nine of the last 11 matches played between the two teams.

Players in focus:

With 383 runs in 12 innings, Shreyas Iyer has marshalled Delhi’s top-order effectively with Dhawan. Iyer has scored two fifties in his three innings and is looking in ominous touch. It will be interesting to see how he handles CSK’s slow bowlers.

A jaw-dropping average of 104.66 and a strike rate of 137.11 has made MS Dhoni CSK’s most valuable batsmen in IPL season 12. The CSK skipper has three fifties in seven innings and has been sensational in death overs. His match-up against Rabada will be an exciting endeavour.