Group stages are done and we are down to the final 4 teams: Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore & Kolkata Knight Riders. There are 50% chances of a new team winning the title this time. Delhi Capitals will lock horns against Chennai Super Kings in their bid to win the first IPL whereas Virat Kohli’s RCB will face Kolkata in an eliminator.
Looking at the first qualifier which is scheduled to be played on Sunday where Delhi Capitals are up against the mighty CSK. We know how good CSK are when it comes to these games. They bring their game to the fore when it matters the most. They have been here, have done that in the past. They have won 3 titles and are one of the most successful teams in the competition. It will be not an easy task to get past them whereas Delhi capitals have started roaring since the last year. Last year they missed out on winning their maiden title on the last day when Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai brushed them aside with utmost ease. This year they will be looking to do one better.
Delhi Capitals:
Delhi have hardly put a foot wrong in this tournament. They have been clinical. Avesh Khan is the star of the tournament for them. He has performed in every game except for the last game against Bangalore where he was struck a six on the final ball off the innings as a result of which Delhi Capitals lost the game. Pant has rotated his bowlers so well. It doesn’t seem like he is leading the side for the first time. Their coach Ponting knows how to win tournaments. He has instilled the same self-belief in the guys that they can go a long way.
Chennai Super Kings:
If there’s any team who knows how to handle pressure in tough situations and get out of it safely, it has to be the super kings from Chennai. The Dhoni led outfit has been the most successful side in the competition over the years and have managed to win 3 IPL titles under his leadership. They would look to help Dhoni retire with a 4th title, (If Dhoni wishes to hang his boots after the IPL). Their openers are in the form of their life. Ruturaj Gaikwad has shown so much spark that he has carried the burden of the entire batting unit on his shoulders. Ravindra Jadeja has played many cameos, bowled match winning spells and has been an important member in Dhoni’s team over the years. Dhoni will again look up to him to take them to the finals.
Players to watch out for:
Shreyas Iyer:
Shreyas Iyer looked all set to miss the IPL this season going into the first leg, but destiny had planned otherwise. IPL couldn’t continue in May because of covid but when the IPL resumed in September, Iyer was fit enough to take part in the tournament. May be that was the missing part in the puzzle for Delhi Capitals in order to win their maiden IPL title. Now the team looks stronger. Iyer hasn’t performed to the best of his capabilities but he has played some crucial knocks on tough wickets. His knock against Mumbai helped Delhi win a tight game. Shreyas Iyer will be looking to seal down that finals spot today itself. He has a great record against spinners so his battle with Jadeja will be an interesting one.
Shardul Thakur:
The ever dependable Shardul Thakur will be up against some of the very good batters from Delhi this time around. He has that uncanny knack of picking up wickets at regular intervals. Everybody loves to have a guy like him in their squad. Dhoni is pleased to have Thakur to support the likes of Chahar, Hazlewood and Bravo. If Chennai are to advance further, he needs to make a huge impact as Delhi’s top order is firing from all the cylinders. Can Shardul stop the juggernauts? Only time will tell.
Dream 11 team:
