The two most dominating teams of IPL 2021, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, will clash in Dubai on Monday.

Both the teams have secured their respective play-offs berths. Given the form the two sides are in, there is every possibility that they will meet again in the business end of the tournament and so the match might also be seen as an opportunity for either team to earn bragging rights.

Their journeys in the UAE phase of the tournament has been quite similar — both have lost just a game each so far. But while Delhi are coming off a good win over defending champions Mumbai Indians, Chennai were stunned in their last game by Rajasthan Royals.

That should not be much of a worry for Chennai though. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have been playing outstanding cricket, particularly their batsmen, and one loss is not enough to break that confidence.

In Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis, Chennai have an in-form opening pair and they will need them to start well against Delhi, who possess probably the best bowling attack of the season.

The balance in the Chennai team is a matter of envy for other teams, though one doubts if they will play their best XI on Monday, and may instead choose to rest a few key players.

Delhi have the same number of points — 18 — as Chennai and have an equally powerful side.

However, Delhi’s batting has seemed a bit jittery in the last two games.

Delhi, coached by the wily Ricky Ponting, will also want their middle order to get runs.