De Villiers expects a tight clash between DC and CSK in the second qualifier later tonight.
Delhi Capitals have had a hugely impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) season this year. After years of mediocre performances and bottom-four finishes in the IPL, a rechristened Delhi-franchise qualified for the play-offs this year and will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a place in the final.
Fans and experts alike have praised Delhi Capitals, and the latest name to add to the list of their admirers is Royal Challengers Bangalore’s star, AB De Villiers. The South African batsman, who has played for the Delhi-franchise before, said that investing in youth has rewarded Delhi Capitals immensely.
“Delhi Capitals have been gaining momentum. No fewer than 14 of their 24-man squad are under 26 years old but expertly guided by Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly. Their investment in youth has been rewarded,” De Villiers told TOI.
“Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant have led their batting brilliantly, and it was Pant whose big-hitting took DC over the line in their eliminator against SRH.”
The duo will have a significant role to play in the qualifier tonight, as the side takes on Dhoni’s men at ACA-VDCA Stadium in Vishakhapatnam.
“It is a classic clash between youth and experience, between the fiery youngsters of DC and ice-cold veterans of CSK,” the South African batsman said about the game.
Delhi Capitals defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator of IPL 2019 on Wednesday. CSK, who finished second in the league table, lost to Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier.
While DC are yet to play in the final of the tournament in their history, MS Dhoni and his side will aim for a record eighth final appearance in the Indian Premier League.
