IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra picks his ideal playing XIs for DC vs CSK match

The first Qualifier of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played on 10th October 2021 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This clash will be played at Dubai.

And, former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has picked his ideal playing XIs of both sides for this contest. Chopra feels that it is a fantastic sign for the Rishabh Pant-led side that both their openers, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan are back amongst the runs.

Chopra feels that Rishabh Pant has not been amongst the runs in the UAE leg of the IPL, and Shimron Hetmyer has also not been on fire. Chopra also added that Marcus Stoinis has been away from the game for a while as well. Chopra did not suggest any changes to be made to the Delhi Capitals playing XI.

Aakash Chopra picks his ideal CSK playing XI for the clash against DC

Aakash Chopra feels that the likes of Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu have not made meaningful contributions for the CSK side with the willow in IPL Phase 2, and Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa have not been amongst the runs as well.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also added that Ravindra Jadeja should bat a little higher up the order for CSK. The 44-year-old feels that ‘Lord’ Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja could be the game changers for the MS Dhoni-led Chennai side, while Rishabh Pant should play an innings that will be remembered for posterity in the first qualifier for DC.

The Delhi Capitals (DC) finished at first place in the 2021 IPL points table at the end of the league stages, while the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finished at the second spot.

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted DC Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant (c and wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shimron Hetmyer, Ripal Patel/Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted CSK Playing XI: Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c and wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood