A place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final awaits as the experienced Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on a formidable Delhi Capitals (DC) in the first Qualifier at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. 

In their two meeting in the group stage this season, skipper Rishabh Pant triumped over his mentor Mahendra Singh Dhoni on both occassions – a seven wicket-win powered by the openers in the second match of the season and one by three wickets in the UAE leg.

Delhi, who finished as runners up last year in the UAE, will look to get the job done this time around and lift their maiden IPL title. 

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CSK, on the other hand, bounced back in style after missing out on the playoffs last year for the first time in their illustrous history. Apart from 11 top four finishes from 12 seasons, Dhoni’s side have also played a record eight finals and will look to reach the showpiece a ninth time for a shot at their fourth title.

The Chennai outfit were the first to book their playoffs berth, but there are signs of concern as three losses on the bounce denied them a first-placed finish and nearly allowed the Royal Challengers Bangalore to overtake them in second. 

But Dhoni’s philosophy, of relying on tried and tested individuals who are battle-hardened, paid off this season and will pose a major threat to the title aspiring Capitals.  The former Indian skipper has always relied on the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo and Faf du Plessis.

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These are players who have been there and done that. People who can control phases and win pressure situations which more often than not results in victories. Throw in that mix an emerging talent like Ruturaj Gaikwad and you have a batting line-up that can deliver in any condition.  

Meanwhile, Delhi do boast of a strong batting lineup but despite their 10 wins, it hasn’t exactly inspired confidence of highest level. Prithvi Shaw (401 runs) and Shikhar Dhawan (544 runs) have had their share of starts but in the UAE leg, they haven’t exactly dominated.

Skipper Pant (362 runs) has been scratchy at best and Marcus Stoinis’ absence due to injury did affect their balance as they lack big-hitters at the death save Shimron Hetmyer.

DC’s strength has been their bowling attack — Avesh Khan (22 wickets), Axar Patel (15 wickets), Kagiso Rabada (13 wickets) and Anrich Nortje, who has taken nine wickets but an economy rate of 5.59 over six games.