Mumbai: After a horrendous campaign last season Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ready to get their campaign underway against Delhi Capitals on Saturday (April 10). Rishabh Pant will square off against his master Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a battle of aces at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Chennai, the three time winners will have the service Suresh Raina who is back in the yellow house bolstering their batting lineup, which ran out of options last time around. Besides Faf du Plessis, the only consistent performer, their ageing squad was unable to hold momentum in crucial resulting in disappointing season finishing seventh. Dhoni will look for revival of his form with the willow. CSK pocketed the likes of Moeen Ali and Robin Uthappa in the auction hoping add more solidity. Youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad showed great promise last season while the likes Mitchell Santner and Sam Curran can prove useful on the wicket of Mumbai. The absence Lungi Ngidi’s absence can haunt them as he is probably the only genuine seamer beside Deepak Chahar.
Its whistle time of the year #SuperFam . The clash against the Capitals awaits. Aaaramikalangala?#CSKvDC #IPL2021 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/DLK5vdDoC6
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 10, 2021
On the contrary Delhi have a better all-round side in their ranks. They had their best ever campaign last season finishing as runners. The absence of stellar name like Shreyas Iyer meant Pant given the opportunity to lead the lead side. It will be interesting to see how he handles the responsibility and whether if it makes changes to batting style. Prithvi Shaw’s return to the form in the recently concluded domestic season is breath of fresh air for the side. The likes of Axar Patel and Marcus Stoinis will be a vital cog for the long season bringing in utility. Although they have a well balanced squad, the inclusion of a certain Steve Smith will be one to watch out for. Besides him, Chris Woakes and Tom Curran can add options to seaming options especially considering the absence of the duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje who are busy serving their quarantine period.
