It is not often that Chennai Super Kings enters a match in its backyard as the underdog. The five-time champion boasts the best home record (69.86%) in the competition. However, after an indifferent start to its IPL-18 campaign with reverses in its last two outings, the heat is well and truly on Super Kings when it takes on Delhi Capitals in an afternoon fixture at the MAC Stadium on Saturday.
The Men in Yellow have quite a few headaches and need to find solutions quickly. Beyond the uncertainty surrounding the injured skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s availability, CSK has areas of concern, particularly the minimal returns in the PowerPlay which proved vital in the end.
Top-order woes
Rahul Tripathi’s failure to provide starts is a big worry, though batting coach Michael Hussey backed the opener to come good. The team might be tempted to bring in Devon Conway to bolster the batting department. The host also needs to sharpen its bowling in the PowerPlay.
On the other hand, a confident Capitals outfit will look to continue its sizzling start. The Axar Patel-led side has most of its bases covered. Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs form an explosive top-order while Mitchell Starc, fresh from a five-for in the previous encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, can be lethal upfront.
Crucially, DC also has a potent spin duo — Axar and Kuldeep Yadav — which can be a handful on a surface that usually aids the tweakers.
The Delhi franchise has tasted success only twice against CSK at Chepauk and will feel it has a bright chance of recording its first win here since 2010.
Published – April 04, 2025 11:24 pm IST
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