Delhi Capitals (DC) host the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, May 5. This is going to be an important encounter for both teams.
Chennai and Delhi are placed at No. 6 and 7, respectively. Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai are coming into this clash on the back of a massive win against the Mumbai Indians. They won by eight wickets on the back of half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma, and a brilliant three-for for Anshul Kamboj.
Meanwhile, the Capitals ended their three-match losing streak when they defeated the Rajasthan Royals in their last game. KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka smashed exhilarating half-centuries to help the Capitals chase a 226-run target with seven wickets and five balls to spare.
Here are the potential impact players for both teams in Match 48:
Delhi Capitals (DC):
Karun Nair: Delhi Capitals Karun Nair was set to come in as the Impact Player in the last match, but he wasn’t needed, thanks to the batters who were already in the starting XI.
Auqib Nabi: Auqib Nabi played three matches this season but failed to pick up a wicket. He conceded runs at an economy rate of 13.43.
Abishek Porel: Abishek Porel played just one game, which was the one in which the Delhi Capitals were bowled out for 75 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The southpaw was the top-scorer in that encounter.
Vipraj Nigam: Vipraj Nigam has not been as effective this season. He has lost his place in the side after some indifferent performances. In four matches, he picked up just two wickets.
David Miller: David Miller has lost his place in the side after the management recently took a call on playing two overseas seamers together. After Mitchell Starc’s comeback, and with Lungi Ngidi set to return from an injury, it seems that the experienced batter will have to spend a bit more time on the bench.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
Kartik Sharma: Kartik Sharma took some time to showcase his potential in the IPL. After a few failures, Kartik played a gritty knock in the last game, scoring an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls.
Akeal Hosein: Akeal Hosein played a key role for CSK in the power play. However, it was surprising to see him being dropped from the side in the last game.
Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz Khan has played some whirlwind cameos, but the CSK management would have wanted him to convert the starts into substantial scores.
Matthew Short: The Australian all-rounder has played matches when the Men in Yellow were needing an off-spinner, but has yet to live up to his talent with the bat, his stronger suit.Â
Gurjapneet Singh: Gurjapneet Singh has played five matches so far, picking up three wickets at an average of 46.33 and an economy rate of 9.81.
IPL 2026: CSK’s strongest predicted XI against DC
Expert opinions and strategies:
Home Advantage: Delhi Capitals have the home advantage. However, this will be their first game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since the match against the Royal Challengers, where they were bowled out for 75.
Recent Form: The Super Kings are leading 3-2 against the Capitals in the last five meetings.
Balanced Side: The Super Kings have a slightly more balanced side than the Capitals.
Final Prediction: Considering these factors, CSK may have a slight edge in this contest and could do the double over the Capitals in IPL 2026.
