Three defeats at three different venues have left CSK with plenty to ponder. Both batting and bowling units have struggled, and a significant improvement is needed if they are to stay competitive.
Selection concerns and key absences
The absence of Dewald Brevis has disrupted the team’s balance, though the explosive batter is expected to return from injury against Delhi. However, there remains no clarity on MS Dhoni, who is yet to feature this season due to a calf strain.
With the top order misfiring, the onus will be on Samson and Gaikwad to provide a solid start before the situation worsens.
Middle order and bowling under scanner
In the middle order, Kartik Sharma needs to step up, while Prashant Veer has shown promise in the lower order. Sarfaraz Khan has been the lone bright spot with consistent performances and will look to continue his form.
CSK’s bowling has been equally concerning. They conceded 250 runs against RCB — a total far beyond reach. Apart from Khaleel Ahmed, the rest of the attack went for over 12 runs per over.
Chepauk test awaits
This will be the second match of the season at Chepauk, where Punjab Kings comfortably chased down 210 earlier this month, raising further concerns for the hosts.
Delhi Capitals aim to bounce back
Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel, will also be eager to respond after a heartbreaking one-run loss to Gujarat Titans.
The moment involving David Miller — who refused a single on the penultimate ball — may linger externally, but inside the camp, the focus will be on regrouping. Still, the missed opportunity could weigh on the batter.
Bowling and top-order questions for DC
Pacer Mukesh Kumar will look to bounce back after conceding 55 runs in four overs, especially with the new ball.
In the absence of Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi has impressed with his control and economy.
Among the batters, KL Rahul found some rhythm after a couple of failures, leaving Nitish Rana as the only top-order batter yet to make a significant impact.
This clash could well come down to which struggling unit — CSK’s bowling or DC’s top order — finds answers first.
Squads:
Delhi Capitals Squad: KL Rahul(w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel(c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi Dar, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair, Mitchell Starc, Kyle Jamieson, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prithvi Shaw, Tripurana Vijay, Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Madhav Tiwari
Chennai Super Kings Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh, MS Dhoni, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Urvil Patel, Aman Khan, Dewald Brevis, Zakary Foulkes
