CSK ready for big battle


Chennai: After winning their opening matches of the IPL 2019, CSK and Delhi Capitals will face each other at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi tomorrow.

The winner will go on to top the table. Last night, the new-look Delhi Capitals led by Shreyas Iyer came up with a clinical performance to defeat mighty Mumbai Indians. They managed a 37 run win thanks to Rishabh Pant’s 27 ball 78. There was good news as their seamers Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets each.

CSK who played Royal Challengers the other night in Chepauk bundled out the visitors for 70. Their spinners came to the party with veterans Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir picking up three wickets each and  CSK has slow bowlers including Jadeja, Suresh Raina and Jadhav to add to their strength.

However skipper Dhoni would want their star opener Shane Watson to get going. He was dismissed for nought having faced 10 balls against Bangalore. As far as CSK’s batting is concerned, there is Rayudu opening with Watson. He is known for his lusty hitting in the previous edition of IPL. And with Raina coming at three, they have plenty of options in the form of Jadhav, Dhoni, Bravo and Jadeja in the middle.

Their pace bowling is a cause of concern especially after Ngidi withdrew after an injury. Both Chahar and Thakur looks flat. Dhoni at one point has to opt for Mohit Sharma.

Remember CSK put RCB in to bat on Saturday. They bundled them out in 17.1 overs for 70 with veteran Harbhajan (3 for 20) accounting for Kohli, Moeen Ali and de Villiers. CSK made heavy weather of the small target. They lost three wickets and pottered around before getting across the line in 17.4 overs.