[1]Chennai Super Kings have done themselves a huge favour by winning their away game against Rajasthan Royals. S. Anirudha and Albie Morkel would have been showered with compliments after helping their team out of the woods.
Though the victory has not tossed Super Kings out of rough waters just yet, those precious two points have at least provided them a glimpse of land.
Placed fourth on the table with 13 points, Super Kings would do well by winning two of their remaining three matches — an effort that will, in all probability, put them in the knockouts.
However, the defending champions have their task cut out as they host table-toppers Delhi Daredevils at the MAC on Saturday.
The Virender Sehwag-led side has been in rampaging form, more so when it comes to away games — out of the six trips so far, they have lost only to Royal Challengers Bangalore.
If these statistics do not worry MS Dhoni and his men, their opponent’s batting form will. Sehwag, after an average start, came into his own to bat the way only he does — fearless.
Meanwhile, the sight of David Warner walking out to open the innings with his skipper should be sending a chill down their opponent's spine.
The swashbuckling left-hander comes into the game fresh after dismantling Deccan Chargers at their own backyard. It wouldn't take long to identify the winner even if one of these two grenades goes on to explode.
Daredevils’ bowling has been steady if not threatening. Ably led by speedster Morne Morkel, the others have contributed when the chips were down. Morne, with 21 scalps from a dozen outings, is the leading wicket-taker.
Spinners Pawan Negi and Shahbaz Nadeem have churned out impressive spells. It would be interesting to see if Sehwag is tempted to play both left-arm spinners on the Chepauk track.
After registering an easy eight-wicket win in their previous meeting, the visitors hold the upper hand psychologically.
Super Kings have issues to address. Their famed middle-order has been no better than a damp Diwali cracker. Opener M. Vijay should stop taking his slot for granted lest he wants to avoid the axe.
If not for Anirudha and Albie’s rear-guard action, Super Kings would have been cut down to size chasing a modest target against Rajasthan.
The inclusion of Anirudha is a welcome move. Pacer Ben Hilfenhaus’ miserly spell in the previous tie was remarkable, while V. Yo Mahesh also helped himself with his best IPL figures.
More often than not Dhoni's mostly innovative and sometimes not so prudent ideas have paid off. But to have your best bowler — R. Ashwin — introduced in the 17th over was baffling to say the least. Getting just two overs from the quality off-spinner served the team no purpose.
Dhoni needs to throw the snowiest ball to Ashwin to see if he can trouble Delhi’s marauding openers.
All said it is the Super Kings’ power-packed batting line-up that, on most occasions, helps them cross the line. And it is high time they cut the mustard.
KEY PLAYERS
David Warner (Delhi Daredevils)
The pocket-sized dynamite is forever waiting to explode. And once detonated, it shatters the opponents’ morale into smithereens, ask Deccan Chargers.
The Australian, who struck an unbeaten 109 off 54 deliveries against Hyderabad, would look to continue piling the runs against Super Kings. Warner, with his electrifying fielding skills, brings a lot more to the table.
Ben Hilfenhaus (Chennai Super Kings)
After receiving the kind of treatment Hilfenhaus did at the hands of Dwayne Smith in the final over against Mumbai Indians, the Aussie speedster did well to gather himself and come out firing in all cylinders against Rajasthan.
Super Kings would be well-served if Hilfenhaus strikes gold in his first spell removing either one or both the openers.
Links:
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