Will CSK see a change of fortunes?

In today’s 7th match of the on-going IPL-2013 in UAE, title-favourites Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on Delhi Capitals (DC), which beat a strong KXIP a few days back in its opening encounter.

CSK opened with a bang, beating defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the inaugural encounter last Saturday but lost to less-fancied Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday. Controversies erupted about Dhoni holding himself back in a tight run-chase though his big-hitting capabilities came to the fore, albeit in vain, in the last over. As of now, MSD appears keen to try out the likes of Sam Curran as pinch-hitters.

CSK’s die-hard fans are hoping that their team would find its winning ways back when it takes on DC in Dubai on Friday. CSK, which is at the fifth place in the points tally with a negative NRR, must be hoping for a big win against DC to set things straight. CSK plays its third match today; no other team has played more than two matches thus far.

Hurt by Raina, Bravo’s absence

As expected, absence of top run-getter Suresh Raina (who pulled out at the last moment) and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo (still nursing a small injury) has hurt CSK badly. As if adding to CSK’s woes, ‘Man of the Match’ against MI Rayudu has also picked up a freak injury. Young Gaikwad, his replacement, goofed-up the chance during the run-chase against RR.

Will MSD go up the order?

Dhoni, considered as the ‘best finisher’ in this format of the game, is coming lower down the order which intrigues critics as well as his fans. Though Curran and Jadeja are capable of hitting, they can hardly match Dhoni’s flamboyance and the calmness he brings to the crease which also rubs on his batting partners. In case CSK is forced to chase a huge total, it would be better for MSD to bat at No.5.

Vijay, who wasted two chances to cement his place in the team, may make way for others today. In-form du Plessis may open with Watson, it is learnt. On the bowling front, Lungi Ngidi hasn’t yet come into his own self and has been leaking runs, especially in the death overs. He may make way for Josh Hazlewood; Shardul Thakur, the ‘knuckle-ball’ specialist, may also get to play today.

Ashwin remains sidelined

Ashwin, India’s premier Test spinner in recent years and a new entry to DC, may not play today as he is still recovering from the shoulder injury. Amit Mishra, the veteran, may replace him. DC’s batting looks competent enough with the likes of Dhawan, Pant, Iyer and Stoinis.

CSK leads

CSK leads 15-6 in head-to-head clashes with DC in the 21 ties between them. CSK shouldn’t, however, take DC lightly as it is a strong team now in batting and bowling. DC may look to keep the winning momentum while CSK looks to arrest it.

Expected XI:

CSK: Watson, du Plessis, Gaikwad, Sam Curran, Kedar Jadhav, Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Piyush Chawla, Hazlewood

DC: Prithvi Shah, Dhawan, Hetmyer, Iyer, Pant, Stoinis, Akshar Patel, Amit Mishra, Rabada, Nortje, Mohit Sharma.