IPL 2020: CSK vs DC Game Plan 1- Are CSK bowlers losing their powerplay hold?

CSK vs DC – The sixth match of the IPL 2020 tournament between the blockbuster teams, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, could all be about match-ups. We take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the sixth game of IPL 2020.

CSK vs DC – CSK and powerplays

Since their comeback in the IPL in 2018, Chennai Super Kings have been the best performing team in the league. One of the main reasons behind their success has been their top-class bowling in the powerplay phase. In the past two years, CSK’s bowling average and strike rate were the best and were marginally behind SRH in the terms of economy. 

Deepak Chahar – who has consistently delivered the goods – has been their go-to bowler in this phase. Chahar has the required skill set to be a successful powerplay bower: he is consistent with his line and length and can move the ball upfront. In the powerplay in IPL 2018-19, he averaged about 24 and conceded runs at an economy of 7.34. 

However, in the IPL 2020 so far, CSK have not been up to the mark in this phase. In the two games, the CSK bowlers have been averaging 35 and have an economy of 8.75. Whilst Sam Curran has done well in the powerplay, other pacers – Deepak and Ngidi – have struggled.

Whilst Ngidi might not bowl in the powerplay a lot, the onus is on Chahar to partner Curran well. Chahar has bowled just 30 balls in the powerplay so far and it will be unfair to judge him so early. However, one thing which has not worked for the medium-pacer is bowling short of length. Bowling such seven deliveries, he has conceded 17 runs. He should try and bowl on the full-length – to find swing in the air – and on the good length. 

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However, on the good length, he should be reluctant to bowl on the leg stump line. Off-stump and outside off-stump should work for Chahar against Delhi Capitals. Curran has bowled as many as 16 balls on the good-length which were not in the leg-stump line; for Chahar, the number of such deliveries falls to 11. It should be noted that Chahar has bowled one extra over in comparison to Curran.

CSK vs DC – Game Plan – Prithvi Shaw’s record vs Deepak Chahar

Chahar has an excellent record against the Delhi Capitals’ openers and it could be a major influencer in the CSK vs DC fixture. Both the batsmen find it tough to play the moving ball, and if there is assistance, the Capitals could be in some trouble. Shaw has got out against Chahar in every match they have met each other. On the other hand, Dhawan scores at a very slow rate against Chahar. The other pacer – Sam Curran – adds variety with his left-arm angle which is likely to only increase the troubles of DC openers. 

ALSO READ: CSK vs DC – Game Plan 2 – Iyer and the CSK jinx and Game Plan 3 – DC need a leg-spinner

It seems that the number three batsman will be key for DC. Hence, if Shimron Hetmyer plays at No. 3, he, as well, is not a great player of the moving ball. If Iyer is promoted to No. 3 – in their previous meeting, Iyer hammered Chahar – Chahar might not have it easy.