IPL 2018 Preview: Chennai Super Kings aim to clinch top-two place against Delhi Daredevils

Denzil Pinto 19:33 17/05/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • MS Dhoni

    On paper, nothing is riding on this match. Delhi Daredevils are for them, unfortunately assured of finishing the tournament in last place while Chennai Super Kings can look forward to the playoffs once the group stages conclude.

    They sit second in the standings but another win would boost their hopes of finishing in the top two – and a place in next week’s Qualifier 1.

    Here, we look at the key talking points ahead of Friday’s game at Feroz Shah Kotla (6.30pm).

    NO ROOM FOR CHENNAI TO TAKE THEIR FOOT OFF THE GAS

    Chennai Super Kings have shown on many occasions why they have won two successive IPL titles with eight wins in 12 matches this year. They have been consistent and delivered in big games too. Shane Watson seems to have rediscovered the form that made him one of the best all-rounders in the world while Ambati Rayudu is simply making a habit of scoring big runs with a tally of 535 already to his name.

    While form has been the key to their success so far, so too is having a number of experienced players with captain MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo and Suresh Raina all in their ranks. Dhoni continues to lead by example and finishes games in typical style (he is the team’s third highest scorer) while Bravo has claimed nine wickets.

    With the tournament reaching the business end and their players clicking, Super Kings will want to keep the momentum going into the playoffs and seal their place in the top-two with victory on Friday.

    WILL SANDEEP LAMICHHANE KEEP HIS PLACE? 

    The 17-year-old leg-spinner made history on Saturday by becoming the first Nepalese cricketer to play in the IPL against Royal Challengers Bangalore and he didn’t disappoint either with figures of 1-25 on his debut.

    It begs the question whether fans will see more of him again? Given Delhi Daredevils are already out of contention, Lamichhane could well keep his place for the team’s final two games of the season. There’s nothing to lose but just gains for the youngster as playing more against world-class players will only help his confidence and development.

    LIKELY TEAMS: 

    DELHI DAREDEVILS: Prithvi Shaw, Colin Munro, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Amit Mishra, Mohammed Sham, Sandeep Lamichhane, Junior Dala and Trent Boult.

    CHENNAI SUPER KINGS: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Billings, David Willey, Harbajhan Singh, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur.

    Recommended