‘Need to see off first few overs from Avesh, Rabada, Nortje’ – Brian Lara’s advice for Du Plessis, Gaikwad for DCvsCSK Qualifier 1

Former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara has asked Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad to give due respect to Avesh Khan, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje in the powerplay ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Delhi Capitals in the Qualifier 1 of the 2021 IPL on Sunday, October 10 in Dubai.

The opening pair of Gaikwad and Du Plessis has been a major reason behind CSK’s impressive run in the ongoing tournament. While Gaikwad has scored 533 runs with a top score of an unbeaten 101, Du Plessis has notched 546 runs with five half-centuries.

Lara reckoned that DC’s pace-bowling trio is likely to test the CSK openers with short-pitched bowling on a track that has assisted the pacers to a large extent.

They will target the two openers with short deliveries, says Brian Lara

“I feel that Avesh, Nortje and Rabada are doing most of the damage in the powerplay and Chennai could be slightly careful during that phase. They will target the two openers with short deliveries but if Faf and Gaikwad can see off the first few overs, the two could do some serious damage,” Lara was quoted as saying to Cricket.com.

In the IPL 2021 league stage, the Capitals defeated the Super Kings both times. But when it comes to playoffs in the history of the league, CSK have got past DC on both instances.

“Experience is Chennai’s major asset. The two openers are doing the business but they also have the experience of playing these important playoff games and that could come in handy. MS Dhoni and his brains and his thinking are going to come good,” he stated.

Lara also said that the Super Kings shouldn’t bring Suresh Raina back into their playing eleven since DC have a potent fast-bowling attack. However, the southpaw also advised Robin Uthappa to bring all his experience to the fore and put a price tag on his wicket.

“Someone will have to talk to Robin Uthappa but I don’t see Raina coming back against such a solid pace attack. Uthappa though will have to carry on and make sure he continues the momentum. He also needs to put some prize on his wicket,” Lara added.