DC vs CSK Match Prediction: Who will win today's IPL 2023 match?
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) really shouldn't be in this position in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), but they are. The four-time champions will need to beat the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday, May 20, to assure themselves of a playoff spot.
If the Men in Yellow come up short in a game they really should be winning, like they did at home against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they could be ousted from the top four if a few other results pan out a certain way. As things stand, the Super Kings should be able to qualify for the playoffs, but IPL 2023 has been a highly unpredictable tournament.
Another thing at stake is a spot in the top two. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on KKR in the evening game, and CSK's chances will hinge heavily on that game. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) are in the hunt as well, making for a nail-biting conclusion to the league stage of the competition.
CSK and DC met only a week ago at Chepauk, where the home side registered a comfortable win on the back of small contributions from several players. MS Dhoni and Co. are bound to put out a similar side at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, which could be to their liking.
IPL 2023, DC vs CSK Match Prediction: MS Dhoni's men look to avoid final blips
![MS Dhoni [right] might need to bat above Ravindra Jadeja [left] in the order](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/2b241-16844429942253-1920.jpg?w=500)
Much of CSK's success in IPL 2023 has been down to Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad's consistency at the top of the order. While Conway has carried on and made big scores, Gaikwad has been restricted to small knocks and is without a half-century in his last 11 matches this season.
Can Khaleel Ahmed and Ishant Sharma produce an early breakthrough or two? Axar Patel proved to be a serious threat at Chepauk, and the left-arm spinner could be introduced into the attack early once again.
CSK's bowling lineup will face a tough challenge as well. David Warner can never be counted out, while Rilee Rossouw sparked into life in DC's previous game. Even without Mitchell Marsh, who missed the last game with an injury, the Capitals have enough firepower in their top order to upset the four-time champions.
However, Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande have been bowling well of late, and the Chennai spinners are bound to be effective as well. A couple of early wickets, combined with a classic spin choke in the middle overs, could take CSK to a season-defining win.
The pressure is certainly on the Super Kings, who simply need to win on Saturday. DC are in a better position and can play with freedom, so they cannot be counted out at any cost.
While a close game is on the cards, CSK might be the slight favorites on paper. They have a better outfit and just need to hold their nerve in this crunch game.
Prediction: CSK to win Match 67 of IPL 2023.