IPL 2020: Match 34: Delhi Capitals Vs Chennai Super Kings: DC Predicted XI

Delhi Capitals hold the top spot in the IPL 2020 points table after they beat Rajasthan Royals by 13 runs in Dubai. Despite some injury concerns at the helm, Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack remains a constant threat, capable of defending any totals and taking any match deep. Hence, they remain one of the favourites to win the tournament.

The Capitals will face the Chennai Super Kings, who are also an unpredictable franchise, trying their best to remain in contention for a playoffs spot. Not only will the Delhi Capitals begin as favourites, but will also take confidence from beating Chennai the first time. The Capitals have also won their two matches Sharjah thus far while the Super Kings have lost their only one.

We take a look at Delhi Capitals’ predicted XI ahead of their IPL 2020 game against Chennai Super Kings:

Prithvi Shaw:

Prithvi Shaw perished for a first-ball duck as Jofra Archer rearranged his stumps with a corker of delivery. Nevertheless, Prithvi Shaw’s form has been excellent and provided electrifying starts at the top. So far, the right-handed batsman has 202 runs in eight games at a strike rate of 149.63.

Shikhar Dhawan:

Shikhar Dhawan top-scored with 57 against the Rajasthan Royals in Dubai. Shikhar Dhawan found himself under pressure as he witnessed Jofra Archer dismissing Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw within the powerplay. Nevertheless, the southpaw did not rest and scored 57 off 33 deliveries, sharing a stand of 85 with Shreyas Iyer.

Ajinkya Rahane:

Ajinkya Rahane is expected to retain his place for a couple more games in place of Rishabh Pant, who is out injured. Ajinkya Rahane has been a liability so far for the Delhi Capitals, having managed no telling scores in the two games.

Shreyas Iyer (C):

Shreyas Iyer was the other half-centurion against Rajasthan Royals as the skipper mustered 53 off 43 deliveries to rescue his side from a precarious position. The 25-year old smashed three fours and two sixes and added 85 for the second wicket along with Shikhar Dhawan. He also suffered a shoulder injury while fielding; however, is expected to play.

Marcus Stoinis:

Marcus Stoinis has been impressive in IPL 2020, playing the finisher’s role for the Delhi Capitals. Against the Rajasthan Royals, Marcus Stoinis did not find any room for the bowlers as he managed to find the fence only once in his 19-ball 18. He will fancy the short boundaries in Sharjah against the Super Kings.

Alex Carey (wk):

Alex Carey tried to get the boundaries in the backend as well; however, the pace in the pitch restricted his hitting against the Rajasthan Royals. Nevertheless, the keeper-batsman hit one six off Jofra Archer in his 13-ball 14 before Jaydev Unadkat snapped his wicket.

Axar Patel:

Axar Patel got hit for his first two sixes in the tournament that came off Sanju Samson’s bat. Nevertheless, the left-arm spinner had Samson’s number and effected a run-out that dismissed Riyan Parag cheaply. With the bat, Axar Patel hit a valuable boundary in the final over that took Delhi past 160.

Ravichandran Ashwin:

Ravichandran Ashwin delivered another tidy spell of bowling against Rajasthan Royals, accounting for Steve Smith. Ravichandran Ashwin came back in the 17th over and gave away only two runs that increased the pressure on the Royals’ batsmen. He finished with figures of 4-0-17-1.

Tushar Deshpande:

Tushar Deshpande made his debut against the Rajasthan Royals and was one of the key factors behind Delhi Capitals’ victory. Tushar Deshpande claimed the wicket of Ben Stokes when Rajasthan were running away with the game rapidly. In the 20th over, the seamer removed Shreyas Gopal while also defending 22 runs successfully.

Kagiso Rabada:

Kagiso Rabada has increased his tally of wickets to 18 and head and shoulders above his rivals for the purple cap. Against the Rajasthan Royals, Kagiso Rabada was the most economical bowler as he grabbed figures of 4-0-28-1, dismissing Jofra Archer.

Anrich Nortje:

Anrich Nortje earned the man of the match award against the Rajasthan Royals for his spell of 4-0-33-2. Anrich Nortje’s fiery spell of bowling included the wickets of Jos Buttler and Robin Uthappa, rearranging their stumps. The 26-year old would be looking forward to the challenge of playing in the shorter boundaries in Sharjah, a venue in which he has done exceedingly well.

Also Read: IPL 2020 Match 34: Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings: CSK Predicted XI