IPL 6: Match 24 - DD vs CSK - Chennai Super Kings Preview

Teams – Delhi Daredevils vs Chennai Super Kings

Venue – Feroze Shah Kotla Delhi

Time – 8:00 PM IST

After a humbling loss to PWI in their previous encounter, CSK travel to Delhi where they’ll meet the table-laggers – Delhi Daredevils. Although DD has had a worse start to their campaign than they could’ve imagined, CSK will not be taking them lightly.

Death bowling and opening batting are the biggest headaches for CSK now. They have relied on Bravo, Nannes and Morris to bowl the last 5 overs. The pattern is predictable with Bravo bowling the 16th and 18th, Morris bowling the 17th and Nannes and Morris sharing the responsibilities for the remaining two overs in the last 3 matches. The trio has leaked a total of 103 runs in the last 5 overs of the last two matches alone. Dhoni should consider bowling Jadeja or Ashwin in the death overs too. Jadeja’s accuracy and Ashwin’s variations combined with their lack of pace will come handy in those key overs.

CSK has also suffered from lacklustre starts to their innings in the last two games – losing quick wickets and scoring at a snail’s pace. While they won their game against RCB, the loss at the hands of PWI goes to show the risk a poor start exposes the middle order to. Getting the selection right will be the first step to combat the problem. The experiment to play Albie Morkel as a pure batsman in the middle order didn’t pay off and Hussey can be expected to partner Vijay again at the top of the order. They are a talented and experienced pair and deserve an extended run.

Unlike the match against PWI, where Dhoni wanted to ‘try a few things’, CSK should play this match with their best XI. If they can get either of the two problems sorted out, they will be hard to beat for a DD side which is already low on confidence.

Players to watch out for:

Suresh Raina – He would be feeling the pressure of his lack of contributions already. It will be interesting to see how he responds. Historically, he has always played a key innings when CSK needed it the most. Although his team is not in that desperate phase yet, he definitely is.

Subramaniam Badrinath - In a star-studded line-up, he might still be a nebula, but he has proved his worth in the side. He has played the role of an anchor occupying one end, while the hitters can score quickly from the other.

MS Dhoni – His captaincy will be closely monitored. Team selection and using the bowlers well will form key components of the plan. Of course, he will also be required to step up and clear the ropes towards the end of the innings.

X-Factor:

Dwayne Bravo – He plays one the most crucial roles in the side. Not only does he bowl at the death, he also comes in during the latter part of the innings when CSK are batting. He has the ability to turn a game around with either his batting or bowling skills.

Strategy:

The defeat against PWI notwithstanding, CSK’s biggest strength is their middle order. They would be looking to bowl first so that their bowlers can bowl without a lot of pressure against the Daredevils whose batting has been under-performing this season. The pressure can be later absorbed by CSK’s strong middle order while chasing.