DC vs CSK, Qualifier 1 at Dubai, IPL, Oct 10 2021 - Ball by Ball Commentary

As the seasons progress, the IPL is turning into a tournament where all teams fight it out to get a right to play Chennai Super Kings in the final. Their 9th final in 12 seasons of the IPL (they were not part of two seasons). And the players who weren't succeeding in their team are now blooming too. They can relax for five days and watch the next few games as they prepare to meet the second finalist. But nothing of that sort for me and you: tomorrow it's the eliminator. Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore: loser goes home, winner meets Delhi Capitals. See you then.

10pm Time for the presentation.

MS Dhoni: "My innings was a crucial one. Delhi has a very good bowling attack. They exploited the conditions well, so we knew it would be tough. I've not done a lot in the tournament, so wanted to look for the ball and see what the bowler can do. I was batting well in the nets. But wasn't thinking too much, if you think too much while batting then you mess your plans up. Shardul has done decent batting, as has Deepak. He/they are allowed to go for the shots from first ball unlike other top-order batters. Robin enjoys batting at the top but Moeen has been excellent at No. 3. But we have created a situation where either of them could bat at No. 3 depending on the situation and the opposition. Whenever Ruturaj and I have a chat, its a simple chat. Want to know what he was thinking. Its good to see how well he has improved. He is someone willing to bat 20 overs. Last season was the first time we didnt qualify into playoffs. But we wanted to just make use of the 3-4 games left last season, and a lot of our batters made use of that. That is the reason why we have come back strongly this season.

Player of the Match Ruturaj Gaikwad (70): "I try to stay neutral. Every game is new so need to start afresh, need to start new. The powerplay was the crucial stage, the wicket was holding a little bit. Robin batted really well, took on bowlers. It got easier for me to stay there till the end. At times you have to take the odd risk. You have to take it one over at a time, so that required rate doesnt go up too much. Want to stay humble."

notMSD: "So what about MoM? Robbie should get the MoM but I think they will give it to Rutu!" -- Echo your sentiment.

Uthappa after the fifty: "Feeling grateful and happy to be able to contribute. Today is my son's fourth birthday... We knew we had to get to a good start. There is nothing serious with that injury. There is four days to go, so should be good. There were when there were doubts [whether he would play or not]. You listen to a lot of chatter that is happening outside. I just felt I would be able to contribute. This is one of the most secure franchises going around. That only makes a player give that much back to the franchise. The final is going to be interesting. Just wanted to say to everyone out there: let's be kind."

srib: "How much will capitals rue 4 dot balls in their final 7 deliveries. Could have easily been an extra 8-10 runs"

Pant after that close loss: "Obviously it is very disappointing, and I can't have enough words to describe how we are feeling. [Decision for the last over?] I thought Tom bowled beautifully throughout the match, and so I thought better to use him for the last over. The score was decent, and they got off to a flier. That was the main difference. We are going to rectify our mistakes, learn from it and hopefully, we can move on and play the final."

Parvesh: "Impact innings from Dhoni after a long time. What a time to get it! "

sravan: "The secret sauce to CSK's victory is at least one of the openers playing through for about 15 overs."

9.46pm So Dhoni - after Gaikwad and Uthappa - ensures Super Kings hunt down a formidable score. Final No. 9 for them in IPL. Valiant effort from Capitals - and take nothing away from Iyer's brilliance in the field - but they fall short. Super Kings win against Capitals after four losses in a row.

4 from 3 now, as Dhoni fixes his gloves.

Ahsan Butt: "Thalaaaaa!"

9 from 4...

Shonit: "Dhoni and Jadeja together in a chase always takes me back to Manchester"

Curran on a hat-trick, mind you. He got Thakur off his last ball. Over the wicket to Dhoni.

Jadeja in now, but Dhoni on strike.

Curran to his England team-mate Moeen. Around the wicket.

13 off 6. Phew!

Over the wicket to Dhoni

Dhoni in before Jadeja. But will be off strike.

Win probability is now 27% for Super Kings now after that wicket.

Saurabh: "Cricinfo predictor is behaving like a seesaw...." --- But isn't the match behaving the same way too?

24 from 12...

Sathish: "CSK did not make most of that Avesh Khan over. Not Tom Curran will be the only bowler they can go hard at "

Nortje to finish off.

This is getting tasty now. Who are you rooting for?