IPL 2023 | Predicted Playing XIs for DC vs CSK

image-lhuianwsCSK are on the verge of qualifying for playoffs (AP Photo)

In one of the closest playoffs qualification seasons ever in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Delhi Capitals (DC) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 67 of the 2023 edition at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. DC are already out of the tournament, having won five and lost eight, while Chennai sits on the brink of playoffs winning seven, losing five, and one ending in no result.

A win for the MS Dhoni-led side would ensure their qualification into the next round, however, a loss will see them depend on other results for a place in the top four. 

David Warner and Co. will hope to finish the season in winning fashion and provide the franchise fans smiles, in what has been a forgettable journey, and also avenge their earlier defeat. 

Keeping everything in mind, let's have a look at the playing XI that could take the field on Saturday evening for respective clubs.


Delhi Capitals (DC)

Openers 

David Warner and Prithvi Shaw

Out of favour Prithvi Shaw finally came his own in his comeback match against Punjab Kings. The Mumbai-born slammed an aggressive 54, that shut his critics down. David Warner, despite being amongst the runs, hasn't looked fluid and has found it difficult to up the ante when need be.

However, with Shaw coming back in form, the destructive duo will look to finish the season with a bang and redeem themselves.


Middle-Order

Philip Salt, Rilee Rossouw, Axar Patel, Aman Hakim Khan, Yash Dhull

Both Philip Salt and Rilee Rossouw have been DC's backbone in the second half of the season. While Salt has slammed 215 runs, Rossouw has struck 209 runs, making them a lethal force.

The young Indian batters have been the drawback for DC, with all talent young or old failing to maintain their command in critical situations.

Only Axar Patel has been amongst the runs for the side down the order, while others have contributed here and there. Yash Dhull and Aman Hakim Khan would like to round off the season with some runs under their belt. 


Bowlers

Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed

Ishant Sharma has poured all his experience into the IPL this season and has been a catalyst for DC's good run lately. Sharma has picked 10 wickets and is on equal tally with Kuldeep Yadav (10), who has played five more matches. 

Yadav has been phenomenal this season as well, hardly giving an inch to the opposition batters, while Patel has been snarred wickets on the other end.

Khaleel Ahmed has been on the higher side but has in parts been effective in bowling attacking lines, much like Anrich Nortje. 


Predicted XI for Delhi Capitals

David Warner (c), Prithvi Shaw, Philip Salt (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Axar Patel, Aman Hakim Khan, Yash Dhull, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, and Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Players: Mukesh Kumar, Abishek Porel, Ripal Patel, Praveen Dubey, Sarfaraz Khan


Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Openers

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway

Ruturaj and Devon Conway had an excellent start to the season, however, both have seen a dip in form, which has somewhat hampered CSK's surge into the playoffs. 

Both Conway and Gaikwad have managed to score 498 and 425 runs, respectively, and will look to hit form again.

They will want to make their starts count and seek their side through into the playoffs. 


Middle-Order

Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni

Another worrying factor in the second half for CSK has been their underperforming middle order. Apart from Shivam Dube, the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Amabati Rayudu, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja have struggled to carry out their role properly with the bat.

Jadeja has been tremendous with the ball, and needs to emulate his form with the bat as well. 

The over-reliance on MS Dhoni to provide lusty blows in the backend of the innings will not work every time. 


Bowlers

Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana

The introduction of Deepak Chahar has added more sting to CSK's attack. Chahar with the swing managed to provide his side with early breakthroughs, after which the spinners come into play.

Matheesha Pathirana with his death-over bowling has played a perfect foil to Chahar, who does the job with the new ball. Tushar Deshpande despite leaking runs, has managed to claim wickets at key moments and is the CSK's leading wicket-taker (19) so far. 


Predicted XI for Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk & c), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, and Matheesha Pathirana

Impact Players: Maheesh Theekshana, Nishant Sindhu, Subhranshu Senapati, Shaik Rasheed, Akash Singh