IPL 2020, DC vs CSK preview: Can Dhoni and Co maintain winning momentum against dominant Capitals?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings may have got a much-needed win in their last game but a stern test awaits as they face a dominant Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League on Thursday.

Dhoni’s men put in a solid all-round performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad and they would aim to continue in the same vein as they battle to salvage the season.

Conditions to suit CSK?

Whether it was promoting Sam Curran to the opener’s slot or finishing pacer Deepak Chahar’s quota upfront while using seven bowlers, every move seemed to work against SRH.

Dhoni used leg spinner Piyush Chawla for only one over and that too as late as the 16th over, leaving it largely on Ravindra Jadeja and Karn Sharma, but CSK are likely to continue with three spinners considering that the Sharjah wickets are now getting slower.

That spinners hold the key in Sharjah was evident in the last two games where RCB and Kings XI Punjab’s slow bowlers were instrumental in their respective team’s wins.

The three-time champions will look to build on the win over SRH as the league phase moves towards the business end.

Capitals’ bowling strength

However, they are up against a team that is high on confidence and well-served by the South African pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, who bowled a 156.2 kmph delivery during his spell against Rajasthan Royals.

Add Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel to the mix and DC have a rather impressive bowling unit. Pacer Tushar Deshpande, who made a memorable debut in the win over the Royals on Wednesday, adds teeth to the attack and it will be interesting to see how he follows up that performance.

The Capitals would be a tad worried about the fitness of skipper Shreyas Iyer, who hurt his left shoulder in the previous game. The 25-year-old has been in good form with the bat and has led well too.

If Iyer is ruled out of Saturday’s match, DC will be deprived of a solid middle-order batsman which would be a blow for a side already missing the services of Rishabh Pant, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Delhi will rely on Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan and Marcus Stoinis, who all have runs under their belt, to take responsibility against the Super Kings.

Match starts at 1930 IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports network and Disney+Hotstar

(With PTI inputs)