In the knockout phase of IPL though, where fortunes could soar or go smashed in a matter of two or three matches, where leadership makes the difference. Both teams would be keen enough to win this game and book a ticket for the finale.

Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings will have to keep that in mind when they lock horns for the third time in IPL 2021 in Qualifier I, the first match of the play-offs round, at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Going by recent form, though, it’s the Capitals who are better placed than the Super Kings, who lost their last three league matches. 

Of the three venues, the wicket in Dubai does inspire the quicks a little more compared to the ones in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Both Delhi and the Super Kings comprise in their line-ups quicks capable of having an impact on the game. Spearheading the Delhi attack, Anrich Nortje has delivered in almost every game, either by taking wickets or by strangulating the opposition batters with his impeccable line and length and variation of pace. The Capitals have young Avesh Khan and there’s Kagiso Rabada, who’s always a game-changer. Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood and Shardul Thakur will be keeping the Super Kings in competition. 

Momentum, mindset and rhythm are all integral parts of the game, being paramount to the outcome of a contest. Both teams would be keen enough to win this game and book a ticket for the final, though not everything would be over for the losing side as it will again get one last chance in Qualifier II to try. Along with that, the players selected for the T20 world cup would also be concerned about keeping themselves sharp.