IPL 2020, DC vs CSK, Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings Face-Off: Anrich Nortje vs Ambati Rayudu

In Anrich Nortje and Ambati Rayudu, we have two of the more understated people of IPL 2020. Rayudu has learned that it does not work to show angst against the Indian cricket board and players and has opted to go and score runs and not speak put of turn. Nortje, on his part, really doesn't say much but his eyes communicate enough for the batsmen not to take too many liberties. Many batsmen have found this out at their expense. So, any meeting between these two on Saturday could be quite the face-off, with neither particularly given to stepping back.

Rayudu has identical scores of 42 in the last two games, one win and a loss for CSK. What make this important is that somehow the Chennai Super Kings opening pair of Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis is beginning to fade, especially the South African. Lower down, MS Dhoni is not finding his range. So that makes Rayudu's success critical.

He has scored 198 runs from six matches with a strike rate of 121.51, not a tearaway but at least he gets the runs on the board.

Nortje has complemented his South African compatriot Kagiso Rabada admirably. Nortje was an unknown commodity in Indian cricket circles till now, but evidently someone in the DC management did a good job of selecting him.

He bowls really fast and has 10 wickets from eight matches at an economy of 7.34, possibly making it one of best IPL debut seasons (he missed out in 2019 due to injury after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders).

But he has still to deliver and ensure that Delhi Capitals stay on top, or at least as close to it as possible.

Note: All stats courtesy iplt20.com

Topics mentioned in this article

Chennai Super Kings Delhi Capitals Anrich Nortje Ambati Rayudu IPL 2020 Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings, Match 34 Cricket