Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals: Can Capitals get two valuable points for playoffs

Though Chennai Super Kings are all out but could change the fate of other teams by winning from here.

Delhi Capitals have experienced a mixed season with five wins of ten matches. Though they have an excellent positive run rate, they can't afford a loss as it will considerably hurt their chances for playoffs. David Warner and Rovman Powell are in hot form and are hitting the ball well. They have a decent bowling unit, though they might face a bit of a challenging time with slow pitches. With Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav in attack, they seem to be more favourites to win. The team will look forward to the inclusion of Prithvi Shaw as he plays a vital anchoring role with David Warner.

On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings, too, have certain players in surreal form. With MS Dhoni-led CSK playing with three spinners on a slow pitch, their bowling attack looks stronger. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway are making a solid opening pair to give lower order a less taxing time. They are currently in the second last spot with three wins in 10 games and will be taking on the Capitals after suffering defeat in their previous clash.

Players to watch out for

Batters: Devon Conway and David Warner

Openers of both these teams are in red hot form and are playing good knocks for their teams. Devon Conway has come as a big plus and has scored 144 runs in just three games. David Warner is in destructive form and will be keen to contribute to the team's performance. He's carrying an impressive strike rate of 156.82.

Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana and Khaleel Ahmed

Maheesh Theekshana has been a revelation for CSK and has been consistent with his bowling performance. He has picked 11 wickets in seven games and is the trump card for the skipper. Khaleel Ahmed has played six innings and scalped 11 wickets with an economy of 7.92. He's one of those players who gets the team the crucial breakthroughs and will look to do so today. 

Stats to keep an eye on

• Delhi Capitals' have a powerplay run rate of 9.41, which is the best among all sides of this IPL.
• In the past, MS Dhoni has struggled against wrist spinners but has a favourable head-to-head record against Kuldeep Yadav in the IPL: 46 off 28 balls at a strike rate of almost 165.
• They have faced each other 26 times in IPL history, and Chennai Super Kings enjoy an edge with 16 wins, whereas Delhi Capitals have won just 10. 

It is the first meeting of the two sides in this year's league, and that too is one of the most crucial games for both. It will be interesting to see who emerges at the top with high stakes and mounting pressure.