Typically, this phase of the IPL sees the top teams solidifying their positions and preparing for a strong run in the Playoffs. However, the 2023 season has defied these expectations, as the tournament has been marked by intense competition and numerous upsets. With many teams neck-and-neck in the standings, the race for a spot in the top four has been unpredictable and exciting. As a result, the final few matches of the league stage are sure to be filled with drama as teams fight tooth and nail for a chance to advance to the knockout stage
Chennai Super Kings:
Chennai Super Kings have a slight advantage over the other teams in the race, and with two out of their three remaining matches to be played at their home ground, they are confident of maintaining or even extending their lead. The win against Mumbai Indians was crucial as it not only gave them some breathing space but also ended a three-game winless streak. This victory also helped some of their players regain their form, such as Deepak Chahar, who performed well in the PowerPlay and Pathirana, who provided the necessary boost at the end of the innings.
Delhi Capitals:
Delhi Capitals do not need to reflect too much on their recent performances, as they have been steadily improving as the league approaches its crucial stage. After suffering five consecutive losses, they have won four out of their last five matches. With an all-foreign top-four in their batting lineup, they seem to have found the missing firepower that had been absent for a long time. "Our cricket is absolutely on the improve," exclaimed Ricky Ponting in the dressing room after their comfortable victory over RCB in the last game.
Probable 11:
Chennai Super Kings:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c&wk), Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande (Impact Sub: Ambati Rayudu)
Delhi Capitals:
David Warner (c), Phil Salt (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Rilee Rossouw, Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Aman Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed (Impact Sub: Lalit Yadav)
Interesting Match Facts :
- Delhi last beat CSK at Chepauk in 2010 and have lost six matches in succession since.
- In a season of diminished home advantage, CSK still are the only team to have won more than they've lost at home (Won: 3, Lost: 2)
- Mitchell Marsh has taken 9 wickets in IPL 2023 - the most he has picked in an T20 tournament/series. He is also DC's leading wicket taker of the season.
Weather and Pitch Report:
What to expect - The weather is humid after a few days of rainfall in the city, and Chennai Super Kings will need to make quick adjustments as they play their first night game since April 27. The team last played a night game at their home ground on April 21, so they will need to adapt to the new conditions. In the previous game against Mumbai Indians, MS Dhoni preferred to bat first, but the rest of the team's management out-voted him. It is possible that in this game, the team may choose to chase once again, as it may be the more popular choice among the team's strategists
Date & Time: 03rd May, 2023 at 7:30 PM IST
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network & Jio Cinema
Dream XI Team:
