There is a difference in his captaincy as well

Former India player Ravi Shastri has opined that the IPL 2026 clash between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would be a great contest. He highlighted that CSK have gathered momentum lately, with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s return to form also helping his captaincy.

DC and CSK will square off in the 48th game of IPL 2026 in Delhi on Tuesday, May 5. Both sides have garnered eight points from nine games, with CSK placed a rung higher at sixth on the points table due to their superior net run rate.

During a discussion on JioHotstar, Shastri reckoned that Gaikwad and Sanju Samson’s form should make CSK competitive in their IPL 2026 clash against DC. However, he gave Axar Patel and company a slight edge in Tuesday’s game.

“It will be a mighty contest because the Chennai Super Kings have got a little momentum. Having said that, the Delhi Capitals have been slightly unlucky this season. They have lost many close matches, with little, little mistakes, or else they would have had four more points. Mitchell Starc has returned. So their bowling has gotten strengthened a little,” the former India all-rounder said.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad coming in form makes a huge difference because there is a difference in his captaincy as well. Sanju Samson is in tremendous form. If the top three of any side fires, it means you are in the contest. I would give Delhi the slight upper hand because it’s a home game and because of the team they have. These are extremely important two points,” he added.

Sanju Samson has amassed 315 runs at a strike rate of 167.55 in nine innings in IPL 2026. Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored 245 runs, including unbeaten half-centuries in CSK’s previous two games, at a strike rate of 125.64 in his nine hits.

“Chennai would want to maintain the momentum, but it won’t be easy” – Harbhajan Singh on DC vs CSK IPL 2026 clash

In the same discussion, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh highlighted the significance of Tuesday’s IPL 2026 clash and opined that it won’t be easy for CSK to maintain their winning momentum.

“As Ravi bhai said, these might be the two most crucial points because whichever team loses, their chances of qualifying would become minimal. You have to win every match now. Chennai would want to maintain the momentum, but it won’t be easy,” he said.

The former CSK player gave DC the edge, highlighting that the five-time champions haven’t fired as a unit with bat and bowl.

“Delhi will be a stronger team in Delhi. I feel Delhi have much better bowling options. Chennai have won, but they have won with great difficulty. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma batted well. However, their batting or bowling hasn’t flourished fully as a team,” Harbhajan observed.

However, Harbhajan Singh acknowledged that the Delhi Capitals would have to work hard for the two points. He added that the home team needs to come up with better game plans, pointing out that they couldn’t defend even a 264-run total against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the same venue.