Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals Predictions: DC can move to the middle of the table with a win

Playing in their twelfth game of the season Chennai Super Kings will welcome Delhi Capitals in the 55th game of the season at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 10th May. DC can move to the middle of the table. Who will win this game?

The Chennai Super Kings suffered a couple of unfavourable results before their last game, which they won in style against their arch-rivals, the Mumbai Indians, by 6 wickets. This victory moved them up to the second spot in the rankings, and a win in the next match would almost guarantee their place in the playoffs.

Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad will once again be relied upon to provide a good start for the team. They have both been consistent throughout the season and are the team's top two run-scorers. Gaikwad has added a power game to his repertoire, which has taken his batting to a whole new level, and he is expected to become a regular opener for India soon.

CSK's middle order is also strong, with Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane in good form. Dhoni has used both players effectively, with Dube hitting sixes against spin, and Rahane taking on fast bowlers while the ball is still hard. Ambati Rayudu has struggled a bit, while MS Dhoni has had limited opportunities to showcase his skills as he bats towards the bottom of the order. Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali add depth to the batting.

CSK has reinvented itself as a strong batting team and prefers flat tracks, like the ones Chepauk had earlier in IPL 2023. The seamers did an excellent job of containing the in-form Mumbai batting line-up in the last match and will be looking to repeat their performance. Tushar Deshpande, who is the joint-highest wicket-taker of the season with 19 wickets, received good support from Matheesha Pathirana, who is developing into a good death bowler.

Deepak Chahar is expected to start the attack with the new ball, while Jadeja and Moeen Ali will bowl during the middle overs. The weather is expected to be warm and humid, which could result in some dew later in the match.

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

The Delhi Capitals started the season poorly, but have managed to turn things around with four wins in their last five matches. However, they are still at the bottom of the points table and need to win to stay in contention for the playoffs.

Although David Warner is the main batsman in the Delhi Capitals' lineup, Phil Salt and Aman Hakim Khan have contributed important runs in recent matches, easing some of the pressure on Warner. Warner played with freedom in the previous game and it would be great to see him continue that way, as he trusts the players around him.

Salt is a proven match-winner, but his performance can be unpredictable. Rilee Rossouw and Mitch Marsh were fluent in the last game, but the pitch in Chepauk could be challenging, especially against spinners.

The Capitals have two talented all-rounders in Mitchell Marsh and Axar Patel, who has been impressive with the bat this season, adding depth to the batting lineup. Patel's bowling will also be crucial in this match.

Anrich Nortje and Mukesh Kumar have bowled well in patches, while the experienced Ishant Sharma's return could be vital, especially in the death overs. Nortje has left the IPL due to personal reasons and is unlikely to return.

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel have been economical and have taken a total of 15 wickets. The Delhi Capitals have a well-balanced team and have found the right balance between overseas batters and an Indian-only bowling attack, which could work in their favour

David Warner (c), Philip Salt (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Rilee Rossouw, Manish Pandey, Aman Hakim Khan, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed

The Chepauk Stadium pitch is favourable for batting and has already witnessed some high-scoring games this season. The surface is hard, flat and offers great assistance for the batsmen to play their shots. However, the most recent match played between MI and CSK was relatively challenging to score on initially but later improved in the second half.

The batsmen will need to keep a watchful eye on the length of the ball, as the new ball may occasionally keep low.

The forecast for the match predicts warm and humid weather, with temperatures expected to remain above 30 degrees Celsius. Chennai have made Chepauk their fortress this season and this will be the same scenario in this game.