Channai super kings vs Delhi capitals c2nd IPL T20 CRICKET match,,
Vs
Chennai Super Kings Delhi Capitals
Starts at 7:30 PM local time
. The opening game of IPL 2021 was a clash between two current behemoths of Indian cricket. The 2nd encounter, meanwhile, traverses a slightly different path. To put things into context, it pits the future of Indian cricket aka Rishabh Pant against a cricketer that has defined an entire generation – MS Dhoni.
Unsurprisingly, the contest is also one between two contrasting cricketing ideologies, for the Chennai Super Kings represent the archetypal poker player, while the Capitals are the harbingers of the more vogue crash, bang, wallop mentality. To that end then, there is hardly anything that can go wrong, especially considering the first match offers both sides a chance to assess how far they’ve come since last season. Or, for one of the two, an opportunity to ascertain how much they’ve fallen.
Thus, if only these narratives are taken into account, the tussle on the 10th of April promises to be the ideal advertisement for the IPL. Yet, that is perhaps, only the most basic of expectations from the game. After all, MS Dhoni is back in town again, isn’t he? Speaking of the wicket-keeper, he has had quite a bit of time to think about where things went wrong in the UAE,
when CSK failed to qualify for the play-offs for the first time in their history. Consequently, one can expect the Yellow Army to roar back into contention, not just because they rarely repeat the same mistakes twice, but also because it could just be MS Dhoni’s Last Dance.
On that front, they’ve seemingly plugged the gaps that were exposed in 2020. Last time out, a lack of an off-spinner meant that CSK were slightly hamstrung. This time though, with the likes of Krishnappa Gowtham and Moeen Ali in the fold, they might have a lot more variety. Additionally, Sam Curran and Shardul Thakur come into the tournament high on confidence, meaning that the pair, at least in tandem, might be able to become a part of the much-vaunted CSK core.
Elsewhere, Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina, who missed the last IPL for personal reasons, have the chance to remind the world that their abilities aren’t on the wane. Similarly, Faf du Plessis would be eager to prove that he remains a top-quality option in .T20 cricket. And, if that isn’t enough, Ravindra Jadeja would also be chomping at the bit to reaffirm his status as one of the premier all-rounders in the sport.
Thus, at least on paper, CSK seem to have most bases covered. Not just because of their versatility, but also because most teams can only dream of having the pedigree they boast. Yet, in the Capitals, they will face a foe that is looking to replicate CSK’s dominance – something that seems poetic considering Rishabh Pant, often considered MS Dhoni’s heir incarnate, has been installed at the helm. As far as Pant is concerned, he comes into the tournament having firmly announced his arrival on the international stage, across formats. Hence, one feels his performances could only go northward, considering the IPL has always been his stomping ground.
Apart from the Capitals skipper, they also have the luxury of having Anrich Nortje, Chris Woakes, Kagiso Rabada, Marcus Stoinis, Sam Billings, Shimron Hetmyer and Steve Smith. Though one might not fancy selecting only four of the aforementioned individuals, it is a healthy selection headache to have. However, much like supreme IPL sides of the past, Delhi posses an exceptional complement of Indian players – cricketers that are rich in experience, while also being able to blend it with the modern-day belligerence.
Though Prithvi Shaw endured a slightly barren patch in 2020, he seems primed to head the Capitals’ charge, especially after a record-breaking domestic season behind him. Ravichandran Ashwin, too, has something to prove if he hopes to be a part of India’s T20 World Cup squad. Shikhar Dhawan, meanwhile, would be itching to nudge himself ahead in the Indian opening pecking order. Thus, even despite the absence of Shreyas Iyer, the Capitals look primed to mount another sustained title assault.
To that end, they might even want to begin their campaign with a resounding victory against CSK, for it would not only lay down a considerable marker, but fire a warning shot that last season was not a flash in the pan. As for MS Dhoni’s men, they would know that opening games can often be ‘false dawns’, although they might not really mind a victory against a fellow title competitor. Consequently, the contest seems to have all the ingredients to simmer beautifully before ultimately exploding. ,,
And, when MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant cross paths, the gloriousness of the spectacle only increases manifold. That it also comes in the backdrop of MS Dhoni’s last season (probably) and Rishabh Pant’s first campaign as captain, only adds to the theatre. 7.30 PM IST on the 10th of April can’t come soon enough then, can it?
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