We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Toss hasn’t played a major factor in determining the outcome over the last five matches. In the same duration, the average first and second innings score at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy has been 158 and 154 respectively.
Also read:
Mumbai vs Kolkata Fantasy Cricket Tips
Teams
Probable XI for Chennai: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway*, Moeen Ali*, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwaine Pretorius*, Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theekshana*
Probable XI for Delhi: David Warner*, Mandeep Singh/Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh*, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Lalit Yadav, Rovman Powell*, Ripal Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Anrich Nortje*
Power Players
After an initial stutter in this edition, Ruturaj Gaikwad has managed to turn around his fortunes in the best way possible. His first five innings read 17, 16, 1, 1, and 0. His last five innings read 28, 99, 30, 0, and 73.
Through his innings of 56 and 85*, Devon Conway has demonstrated how one can score at a brisk rate without playing a shot in anger. His ability to play the ball on its merit and find gaps augurs well for Chennai and fantasy players.
Given the form David Warner is in, Chennai will be desperate to get rid of him before he begins to cut loose. Barring Maheesh Theekshana, the defending champions lack an attacking bowler and that may encourage the Aussie dynamo to go hell for leather.
Smart Picks
Although Anrich Nortje was a bit expensive in his return game, he managed to get rid of Kane Williamson. Delhi will rely on him to pick early wickets with the new ball.
Rovman Powell was dropped twice in his innings of 67 against Hyderabad. That said, his six-hitting ability makes him a useful pick in fantasy leagues. Remember, every boundary scored will generate a bonus point on the My11Circle platform.
Moeen Ali too made a decent comeback after failing to impress in the initial few games. He picked 2 crucial wickets and also scored a brisk 34 against Hyderabad. He could bat at No.3 and also bowl in the powerplay.
Since the Chennai new ball attack lacks potency, they might turn to Maheesh Theekshana in the powerplay. Incidentally, his best figures (4 for 33) for the season came at the DY Patil Stadium.
Khaleel Ahmed seems to be carrying a golden arm. Although he got lucky on a few occasions early on in the competition, his accuracy has improved over the past few matches. In 7 outings, he has bagged 14 wickets.
As per the reports, Prithvi Shaw missed the last match as he was unwell. However, if he makes it to the playing 11 against Chennai, fantasy players could get handsomely rewarded. In his last five innings against Chennai, he averages 42.8, including the highest score of 72.
If Mukesh Choudhary doesn’t pick wickets in the powerplay, he pretty much becomes a wasted resource. His ability to swing the ball early on has often kept him amongst the wickets in this competition.
Fantasy Flops
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round struggles perhaps best describe Chennai’s gloom and doom this season. He has gone wicketless in 7 out of 10 games and has only managed to add 116 runs, which includes 5 single-digit figures.
Match Preview
Delhi have everything to play for as they are still in the hunt for the playoffs. After beating the formidable Hyderabad side in their previous encounter, Delhi will be confident of putting on yet another impressive performance.
On the other hand, Chennai are placed No.9 in the points table with only three wins in 10 games. Although the defending champions are out of the playoffs, they will be determined to restore some pride going forward.
Time: 8 May, 7.30 PM IST