CSK Had Earlier Won The Opener Of IPL 2020 Against Mumbai:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) convincingly defeated the defending champion Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2020 opener, but the Sanju Samson Special for Rajasthan Royals was brought back to earth. Samson and Captain Steve Smith had brought the otherwise disciplined CSK bowling line-up to the cleaners.
Faf du Plessis had his team close the goal with a whirlwind knock, but it wasn’t enough. CSK had just two days to regroup and is now going to be up against another good batting line-up. Delhi Capitals, however, looked out of sorts in their previous match against Kings XI Punjab, and were saved only by some faded brain decisions from the opposition players.
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS
1. Faf du Plessis
The South African may have turned 36 this year, but he still has ample punch in his batting. The former captain of Proteas was the leader of CSK this season, and his squad is looking for more of the same.
In the search against the Indians of Mumbai, Du Plessis kept one end up as Ambati Rayudu let loose, remaining undefeated on 58 out of 44 balls to get CSK across the line. Against Rajasthan Royals, with CSK chasing 217 runs to win, Du Plessis split 72 out of 37 balls, including four and seven six. If South Africa can reproduce the knock, we’re in Dubai for some fireworks.
2. MS Dhoni
The captain of the CSK came in for a stick from a quarter for not getting off, despite finishing 29 out of 17 balls, which included three sixes in the final over. His strike-rate was the third-best in the CSK team during the defeat, but Dhoni has yet to be used to this trivial criticism.
The CSK skipper, however, has lowered the order in both of the games that CSK has played so far. And let’s hope it changes in the match against Delhi Capitals, giving Dhoni enough time to get a sighter before he can get away.
3. Sam Curran
Most thought the Englishman was only a backup for the wounded Dwayne Bravo. But Sam Curran was just brilliant in the CSK yellow. The English all-rounder made a match-changing contribution with the bat in the IPL 2020 opener to add to its figures 1/28 off 4 overs against the Mumbai Indians.
He followed it up with three wickets against Rajasthan Royals and another cameo with a bat, making it important for CSK ‘s cause to move forward. Lungi Ngidi has been way below par and CSK would rely even more on Curran to get the job done against Delhi.
DELHI CAPITALS
1. Shreyas Iyer
The Delhi captain looked in good touch against Kings XI Punjab before his innings was cut short by Mohammed Shami. He was the second highest-run getter for his team in that match, scoring 39 off 32 balls.
Delhi, however, will need more from its skipper, especially against tough opposition like Chennai Super Kings. Iyer needs to make his start count and score big this season.
2. Rishabh Pant
The wicket keeper-batsman, too, had looked strong and helped to stabilise the innings of Delhi Capitals after the early defeats. He’s shown patience and he’s shouted to stick it out in challenging situations.
However, just when it looked like he was going to cut loose, he was sent packing the impressive Ravi Bishnoi for 31. Pant like Iyer, he’s got to score big if Delhi is going to go far this season.
3. Marcus Stoinis
The Australian all-rounder was the hero of the Delhi Capitals vs. Kings XI Punjab. He shattered 53 whirlwinds from just 21 balls, taking two buckets as well.
The two wickets Stoinis took in the last round of the match, first dismissing the well-set Mayank Agarwal and then Chris Jordan off the final ball to take the Super Over game. Delhi is going to want more of the same from the Australian.
