The experience of CSK takes on the youthfully exuberant Capitals for the Best to Perform Mumbai Indians from the IPL Final.
James Buttler thinks Delhi could upset the applecart…
Chennai Super Kings v Delhi Capitals
Friday May 10, 15:00
Live BT Sport and Star Gold (Sky channel 729)
Perhaps CSK’s senior men got anything left in the tank?
At the beginning of IPL 2019 I expressed a concern that CSK, despite being packaged with quality, were getting a bit long in the tooth. They were incredible during the opening rounds this year as they swept aside the Royal Challengers and Delhi with notable screens.
But my fear which some old legs may weaken has not been unfounded as the tournament progresses. The top order batting has been inconsistent with Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, and Kedar Jadhav all failing to find their very best form, whilst Faf du Plessis never seens away from an accident lay-off. Chennai’s top order failed miserably in Qualifier 1 from Mumbai, lumbering to 32 for three at the end of the powerplay overs.
The last amount of 131 for four was well inside Mumbai’s compass despite some habitual lusty blows from MS Dhoni. Even CSK’s captain and talisman was struggling with injury this year. Not that you would understand it as he’s blasted 405 runs in an unbelievable average of 133. When he finally retires CSK have enormous shoes to fill.
Chennai head within this Fight game with no Kedar Jadhav (shoulder) and it is likely that Murali Vijay will deputise. As skipper, Dhoni has been blessed with a spin bowling attack with Imran Tahir (23 wickets) effective at altering any match. Deepak Chahar (17 wickets) has spearheaded the seam attack. The lack of speed in the Vizag pitch must play into their hands, but they need a larger team functionality than they offered up against Mumbai if they are supposed to make a rematch at the final.
Capitals young guns firing ahead of the biggest test
Compared to CSK, Delhi Capitals possess a side packed with young talent who have risen to the challenge. The rebrand does appear to have cleared the franchise of previous failures as they make the Play=Offs for the very first time in seven seasons. They head in the Chennai struggle in confident mood after already posting their impressive season to date.
Shikhar Dhawan (503 runs) has returned to Delhi and additional much needed expertise on peak of the batting order. With youthful skipper Shreyas Iyer (450) and the slippery talent of Rishabh Pant (450) also shooting from the middle-order they’ve got a reputation of being superb chasers. And don’t forget Prithvi Shaw, one of those stars of India’s future, has scored 350 runs in the contest so far. They might be young but they possess a big-stage mentality.
The reduction of South African Kagiso Rabada has so far not been a problem, but any facet would overlook a 25-wicket quick bowler of the pedigree. Ishant Sharma seems to have filled the breach and Keemo Paul is a child to look out for. The tight win against Sunrisers on Wednesday is yet another boost for Delhi’s belief since they take their youthful exuberance to attempt to oust CSK, the maximum followed side from the competition.
If Delhi bat moment they’re a fantastic playFive out of the seven matches played in Visakhapatnam happen to be won by the team batting second, therefore the throw could be critical, especially if it results in CSK batting . Delhi have been excellent chasing in IPL 2019 and I’d quite fancy them to cause an upset if they field first.
CSK direct the head-to-head listing with Delhi by 14-6, but that’s a stat I’m tempted to ignore as this is a different Delhi. This season CSK won the Delhi match by six wickets and won the return game by 80 runs. History is against me, but I fancy Delhi to win this match and at 2.08 really are a fantastic cost, especially if batting second.
It’s got to become Dhoni
If taking a punt on CSK’s best batsman, MS Dhoni is the guy. He’s outscored all of his mature batsmen this season, is never shy of a challenge and he’s made it his mission to haul CSK as far as he possibly can. That is why Chennai fans love the guy and why I really like the massive 6/1 on him top scoring . It is the value wager and has every opportunity.
Skipper Shreyas to glow for DC
There are more choices in the Capitals batting marketplace. I have already mentioned that their top order has enjoyed a trenendous IPL so much and you may be forgiven for taking Shikhar Dhawan, Privthi Shaw or Rishabh Pant to high score. But I am a sucker for the larger cost and that’s why my stake goes on captain Shreyas Iyer in the bigger cost of 4/1.
Man of the Match markets really are excellent Price
And for my final wager of IPL 2019, I’m picking three Man of the Match contenders at reasonable prices. All three of sport changers and if it it turns out to function as the day we land a nice punt. My collections are Imran Tahir at 11/1, powerhouse Sherfane Rutherford 20/1 and Dwayne Bravo 11/1. Just half-stakes performs here.
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Thanks for after my IPL 2019 hints. It has been a great tournament and we’ve made some cash. We stand to land a little more of my start-of-tournament tip of Mumbai Indians to lift the trophy comes great too.