Delhi Capitals missed Kagiso Rabada in the match against Chennai, says skipper Shreyas Iyer

Match no 50 of Indian Premier League (IPL) saw the top two teams on the points table battle it out at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s quick innings in the death overs, plus the impact of the home spinners, led the yellow army to a massive 80-run win over Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 180, the Capitals were reduced to 99 within 17 overs, courtesy Imran Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja.

Delhi’s star bowler Kagiso Rabada, who is also the current purple cap holder, was rested for this game as a precautionary measure after complaining of back pain. His absence in the game created a huge impact as none of the visiting bowlers could stop MS Dhoni’s onslaught as a finisher. Captain Shreyas Iyer in the post-match conference highlighted the same, saying the Rabada’s absence made quite a difference to the game.

“We know what ability he (Rabada) has, especially in the death over. For sure we were missing him in this game. He had a stiff back and it is good that he took rest,” Iyer, who was made the captain last year after Gautam Gambhir relinquished captaincy, said.

With 25 wickets, Rabada is the leading wicket-taker of the season so far, while Tahir is second on the list with 21 wickets. The bowler has been so crucial to Delhi this season, and will be as crucial to South Africa in the World Cup, that Cricket South Africa (CSA) has asked for a complete scan of the pacer’s back, and upon results will decide if he should continue till the end of IPL or return home.

Chennai are back on top of the points table

Meanwhile, Dhoni, who smashed 21 runs in the last over bowled by Trent Boult, made a huge difference to the result of the first innings. His 44* off 22, along with two brilliant stumpings – of Shreyas Iyer and Chris Morris, won him the man of the match award. The skipper’s form also augurs well for Team India’s chances in the World Cup. Following the result of this game, Chennai are back on the top of the points table, while Delhi, with as many points but lesser net run-rate, are second.

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