IPL 2021: CSK vs DC – Match 2, How can Delhi Capitals get off to a winning start by beating Chennai Super Kings?

IPL 2021: CSK vs DC – Match 2, How can Delhi Capitals get off to a winning start by beating Chennai Super Kings?

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals (DC) have seen a resurgence ever since head coach Ricky Ponting took over. The first season did not go as planned as the side did not reach the playoff. However, the side finished 3rd in 2019 before finishing 2nd in 2020. The fans as well as Ponting himself have called for this gradual progression to end with a title in 2021. Only time will tell if it does happen, but the signs do point at DC being one of the chief contenders for the title.

DC will be led by Rishabh Pant this year due to a shoulder injury to regular skipper Shreyas Iyer. Pant’s first assignment will see him go up against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by the iconic MS Dhoni. With the Men in Yellow looking to begin their season on a winning note as well, this could be a closely contested match between the two sides.

On that note, we take a look at how Delhi Capitals can defeat the Chennai Super Kings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waQXv1SGA-M

IPL 2021: CSK vs DC – Key for DC #1: Build pressure by keeping things tight in the middle overs

Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin

Chennai Super Kings are usually a side that leave themselves with quite a bit of work to do at the death. The side looks to lay down a steady platform for a final flourish at the death. With the likes of MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in the line-up, it would be difficult to keep them from scoring quick runs at the death.

This is why the middle overs will become crucial. Not allowing the usually conservative CSK to take singles and doubles during this time might open up an opportunity to take wickets which would in turn help in curbing the final flourish. This is where the spinners and especially Ravichandran Ashwin would be crucial.

IPL 2021: CSK vs DC – Key for DC #2: Finish strongly at the death

Marcus Stoinis
Marcus Stoinis

Delhi Capitals have an excellent top-order consisting mostly of Indian batters. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane (and Steve Smith if he plays) will be tasked with coming good in the Powerplay and middle overs (as well as the death if they remain unbeaten). It is the next two slots which would be crucial for DC as they would be expected to provide the finishing touches along with skipper Rishabh Pant.

Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer would thus, be key for DC in helping provide a blazing finish. In the absence of Axar Patel, they wouldn’t have much support from the lower-order either, leading to a lot resting on them.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Chennai Super Kings sign Jason Behrendorff as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement

Also Read: IPL 2021: ‘Rishabh Pant has the right blend to be a successful cricketer,’ believes Brett Lee