The Chennai Super Kings are ready to take on the Delhi Capitals in Match 67 of IPL 2023. CSK is among the four teams who are fighting for the remaining playoff spots. However, unlike RCB and MI, the team has an odd number of points, which has boosted their qualification chances to 97%.
The only way CSK does not proceed is if they lose to DC while RCB, LSG, and MI all win their respective games with a good margin. Although the probability of that happening is low, IPL 2023 has proved that anything can happen.
On the other hand, IPL 2023 has brought only troubles for DC. The team is placed 9th with 10 points in 13 matches. The Delhi Capitals will enter the match with nothing to lose, which can make things scary for CSK.
All RCB, MI, and LSG fans will follow the cricket match, rooting for DC to win and ruin CSK’s NRR.
Importance of Defeating DC
As stated, the possibility of CSK not qualifying will only open if they lose to DC. Thus, it is obvious why the team would not want to leave their qualification in the hands of their competitors.
The team has secured 15 points in 13 matches with a net run rate of +0.381. A win against the Capitals will secure CSK a qualification with GT. Securing the second spot means the team will have two chances at reaching the finals, even if they lose to GT.
Moreover, the momentum gained by securing the second spot can help CSK overcome the dominating GT. On paper, DC does not hold a candle to CSK in IPL 2023. The team has only won 5 games till now, doing better than SRH only.
However, a team with nothing to lose can spell trouble for even someone like CSK. That is why the Dhoni-led squad will aim to register a comfortable win to boost their morale.
Key players and strategies
The only player in the DC lineup that can ruin CSK’s plan is David Warner. The captain has scored 430 runs in IPL 2023, meaning CSK will target the player from the start.
Getting Warner out will make CSK’s task much easier. The team will certainly deploy Deshpande and Chahar against the opener. Deshpande is the leading wicket-taker for CSK, contesting for the Purple Cap with 19 wickets this season.
During the middle overs, Rossouw and Marsh will have to deal with Jadeja, who has struck 16 wickets in IPL 2023.
Conversely, the Delhi Capitals will have their hands full with CSK’s batting lineup. Conway and Gaikwad are the first names DC would want to remove from the ground as early as possible.
The in-form Rahane and explosive Shivam Dube will also pose severe concerns in front of DC’s bowling attack. On the bowling front, Pathirana will be expected to send yorkers and slower ones for CSK.
DC’s Challenge
David Warner has emerged as the only saving grace for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023. The player has scored 430 runs as an opener with no real assistance from the middle order.
That is why the players remain one of the most popular fantasy picks among fans. Even against the likes of CSK, Warner will remain the first choice of most players on the top cricket betting sites.
Other than Warner, DC has added Mitchell Marsh and Rilee Rossouw, who are renowned for their power-hitting. However, the players will have to face Jadeja and Pathirana during the middle overs.
DC will rely on Warner to stay on the crease for around 8 overs to provide a decent foundation. From there, the team can build the innings accordingly. The team can try to attack Chahar during the powerplay and Moeen Ali during the middle overs, as they are the weakest link in CSK’s bowling.
Fan Expectations and Excitement
The cricket match between CSK and DC will be played in Delhi. However, Dhoni’s fandom has not left a single match to overwhelm the home crowd.
Thus, the fans will be attending the match to see MSD perform on the frontline. Even more, the team is getting support to win the entire competition to pay Dhoni homage since it can be his last IPL.
A win here will boost CSK’s chances of reaching the finals significantly. Getting one-sided crowd support has helped CSK put pressure on the opposition multiple times. The same is expected to take place against DC as well. The support will also be amplified, given the importance of the match for CSK.
In Conclusion
The Delhi Capitals will enter Match 67 of IPL 2023 with nothing to lose. On the other hand, CSK only has one way to ruin their qualification scenario, and it starts with them losing to DC. While DC beating CSK is a tough pill to swallow, rarer things have happened in IPL before. Thus, the Chennai squad will try to give their all against the home team to secure their playoff spot. As a cricket fan, it is imperative to watch the match play out, as this might be the last time Dhoni puts on the CSK colors.