Upbeat Delhi Capitals aim for a hat-trick as CSK fret over Gaikwad injury
Upbeat Delhi Capitals aim for a hat-trick as CSK fret over Gaikwad injury
Blog Article
CSK have won one and lost two games so far, while DC are unbeaten after two matches
Big picture: All eyes on the Chepauk pitch
Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have emerged as the early front-runners in IPL 2025, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have struggled to find their rhythm so far. After suffering their biggest-ever defeat at Chepauk, in terms of runs, against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last Friday, and a narrow loss away from home against Rajasthan Royals (RR), CSK will be hoping to turn things around with the advantage of home conditions this Saturday. With captain Ruturaj Gaikwad still uncertain due to injury, MS Dhoni is expected to step in as the captain if Gaikwad isn't fit to play.
Following CSK’s 50-run defeat to RCB, head coach Stephen Fleming was seen conversing with the pitch curator, accompanied by a member of the groundstaff. Later, at the press conference, Fleming voiced his dissatisfaction with the nature of the pitches at Chepauk over the past two years. Despite expecting favorable conditions for spinners, CSK had packed their squad with slower bowlers, only to find that the pitches weren’t offering the expected assistance.
After three matches, CSK are still in search of their optimal playing combination. Rahul Tripathi has been struggling at the top of the order, while Vijay Shankar, who replaced Deepak Hooda in Guwahati, also failed to make a significant impact with the bat. Jamie Overton, usually an old-ball specialist, was given the new ball but conceded 30 runs in his two powerplay overs.
As for DC, they are in much better shape, having recruited seasoned specialists who have seamlessly integrated with the younger talents. Faf du Plessis continues to defy age at 40, while Mitchell Starc has made an immediate impact this season, taking eight wickets in two games at an impressive average of 9.62 and an economy rate of 10.04. Rookies Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma have also quickly found their feet, contributing with match-winning performances.
Even if Chepauk offers a turning pitch, DC have the resources to exploit it, with captain Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Nigam ready to challenge CSK. They seem poised to break their 15-year winless streak at Chepauk, with their last victory over CSK at the venue coming back in 2010, when their current coach, Hemang Badani, was part of the CSK squad as a player. After transitioning to coaching, Badani led Chepauk Super Gillies to multiple titles in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), catching the IPL's attention. Could this be a triumphant homecoming for Badani?
Team news and likely XIIs - Will Gaikwad be fit?
If Gaikwad isn't fit for Saturday's game, CSK may bring in Devon Conway at the top of the order and replace Jamie Overton with a local seamer.
Chennai Super Kings: 1. Devon Conway, 2. Rahul Tripathi, 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)/Rachin Ravindra, 4. Shivam Dube, 5. Vijay Shankar, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Jamie Overton/Anshul Kamboj, 8. MS Dhoni (wk), 9. R. Ashwin, 10. Khaleel Ahmed, 11. Noor Ahmad, 12. Matheesha Pathirana.
DC are unlikely to alter their winning combination unless T. Natarajan has fully recovered from his shoulder injury. On the eve of this game, Kuldeep Yadav mentioned that Natarajan’s availability is uncertain, though he may be fit for DC’s upcoming clash against RCB in Bengaluru on April 10.
Delhi Capitals: 1. Faf du Plessis, 2. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3. Abhishek Porel (wk), 4. KL Rahul, 5. Axar Patel (capt), 6. Tristan Stubbs, 7. Ashutosh Sharma, 8. Vipraj Nigam, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Mitchell Starc, 11. Mukesh Kumar, 12. Mohit Sharma/T. Natarajan.
Big question
Conway may no longer be New Zealand's first-choice opener in white-ball cricket, but he has remained a constant presence for CSK, Joburg Super Kings (JSK), and Texas Super Kings (TSK). There might be a strong case for CSK to have Conway open, whether or not Gaikwad is fit.
In the spotlight: Khaleel Ahmed and Faf du Plessis
Khaleel Ahmed's swing has been one of the few bright spots for CSK in an otherwise tough start to the season. He has consistently moved the new ball both ways, appearing to be an upgrade over Deepak Chahar with the ball. However, there is a significant contrast in his performance in night versus day matches. Since 2023, in the first six overs of night fixtures, he has taken 11 wickets in 22 innings at an average of 32.18 and an economy rate of 7.37. In day fixtures, his numbers drop to just two wickets in five innings, with an average of 64 and an economy rate of 11.63.
Faf du Plessis, one of CSK's most respected overseas stalwarts, will face them at Chepauk. At 40, he continues to dominate powerplays, patrol the key areas in the outfield, and bring leadership to franchises around the world. His remarkable longevity in T20 cricket shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to excel with DC and their affiliate franchise, Southern Brave, in The Hundred.
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Pitch and conditions
The Chepauk pitch remains something of a mystery, with Fleming even stating that there is "no home advantage" for CSK. A hot and humid afternoon is expected for the only day game in Chennai this season.
Key Stats: Gaikwad on the brink of 5000 T20 runs
CSK have the lowest run rate (7.27) and the worst economy rate (10.22) among all ten teams in the powerplay in IPL 2025.
Matheesha Pathirana has dismissed Tristan Stubbs in four innings, conceding just 19 runs off 22 balls in T20 cricket.
Keep an eye on Jake Fraser-McGurk vs Khaleel. Since IPL 2024, the Australian opener has scored 72 runs off 35 balls against left-arm seamers at a strike rate of over 205, while being dismissed three times.
Three of the oldest players in IPL 2025 – MS Dhoni (43), Faf du Plessis (40), and R. Ashwin (38) – will be in action on Saturday.
Gaikwad is just ten runs away from 5000 T20 runs. If he plays and reaches the milestone on Saturday in his 143rd innings, he will become the joint-fastest Indian to do so, alongside KL Rahul. Chris Gayle achieved the feat in 132 innings.
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Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while CSK face a challenging start to IPL 2025, they still have key players like Dhoni, du Plessis, and Ashwin who bring valuable experience to the table. The team will need to address their powerplay struggles and find a winning combination, especially with Gaikwad’s fitness in question. Meanwhile, DC look strong, with a balanced squad and an opportunity to break their long-standing jinx at Chepauk. Saturday’s match promises to be an exciting clash, with several individual matchups worth watching, and it could set the tone for the rest of the season for both teams.
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