The second match of IPL 2021 will see three-time champions Chennai Super Kings take on 2020 finalists Delhi Capitals in Mumbai – here’s the preview and playing XI for the CSK v DC clash.

IPL 2021: CSK v DC preview

The second clash of IPL 2021 represents two different, but strong teams in the competition. While CSK boast of matchless consistency until the 2019 edition, DC have found their own in the last two editions.

Three-time champions Chennai Super Kings are likely to rely on experienced and proven players once again. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, will hope new skipper Rishabh Pant follows Shreyas Iyer’s footsteps to brings the best out of their young and dynamic squad.

While DC will look to go one better this year, CSK will be keen to bounce back from their first-ever finish outside the playoff spots. There will be new challenges for the eight teams in action with all games being held at neutral venues.

Team news

Chennai Super Kings – CSK

Josh Hazlewood, one of CSK’s marquee bowlers for IPL 2021, decided to opt out of the tournament last week. Chennai, however, have admitted they’re in no hurry to replace the Australian quick. Since Ravindra Jadeja is returning from a long-term injury, CSK might decide to ease him in.

Delhi Capitals – DC

With regular skipper Iyer ruled out of the tournament, Pant will take the reigns for DC this year. With Axar Patel testing positive for COVID-19, they will miss out on his services for a couple of weeks.

You can follow latest news and updates from the tournament here.

Pitch and weather

Batsmen have enjoyed the flat pitch at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for years. They will be looking to reap those benefits in IPL 2021 as well. The temperatures will be upwards of 30-degree celsius in the first hour of play, but it’s likely to cool down later in the game. The high humidity in Mumbai will make dew a big factor.

CSK v DC preview: Predicted XI

CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur

DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Lalit Yadav, Chris Woakes, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra

Check out the fantasy preview here.

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