IPL 2021, Qualifier 1: CSK wins toss, opts to field vs DC in Dubai

Chennai Super Kings take on Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The match that was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, will see one of the two teams emerge as the first finalist of this year’s season. DC finished the league at top of the table, while CSK finished in second place.

“We will bowl. Whatever games we have played so far, the guys felt there was a bit of help for the seamers initially, it’s a tough wicket, but it could get better later on. We try to keep it simple, irrespective of any game. We analyse our shortcomings and it has helped us,” CSK captain MS Dhoni said after winning the toss.

When asked by Ian Bishop about the team changes, Dhoni said that they will be playing with the same eleven.

Meanwhile, DC captain Rishabh Pant said that they were fine with the toss but pointed out that they, too, wanted to bowl first.

“Slightly nervous, but it’s part and parcel of the game,” Pant said about leading the team in the IPL play-offs.

About the team change, for DC, Ripal Patel makes way for Tom Curran, who will be making his debut for the franchise.

“When you win games, the confidence level is high, but we’ll not take the match lightly,” Pant at the toss.

Stat attack:

At 24 years and six days, Rishabh Pant is the youngest ever to lead a side in IPL Play-offs.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is the second oldest captain in IPL Play-offs behind Rahul Dravid (in 2013).

Playing XI (from):

Delhi Capitals: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Shreyas Iyer, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Tom Curran, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood