Master versus the apprentice in the season opener for CSK and DC

The tide has shifted. Up until the 2020 season, Chennai Super Kings were the dominating party over their Delhi counterparts, winning 15 out of their 21 games against them. In 2020, Delhi Capitals turned the tables, beating MS Dhoni’s men both times in the league stage. One season’s record should not take precedence over a sample size of more than 20 games but such was CSK’s crash last year that the dynamics of this rivalry has changed. 

CSK will aim at a revival and unlike their much debated match strategy of leaving things till too late, they would like to get started with it as soon as possible. DC will take the field to continue the good work they have been doing for a couple of seasons. 

What adds to the spectacle is the MS Dhoni versus Rishabh Pant contest, not just as batsman or wicket-keeper, but as the leader of their respective side. It is the master versus the apprentice who now seems ready to step into his shoes at the international level and currently challenges him in the all important curtain raiser. “I'll apply my own experience and the learnings from MS Dhoni, and try to do something different against CSK," said Pant about the much-anticipated event. 

The Challenges

However, Pant has his challenges ahead of the opening game. DC will be without Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the heart and soul of their pace attack. The South African duo is serving their 7-day quarantine period and is yet to start practicing with the squad despite having arrived on April 5. On top of it, Axar Patel will also skip the first game after testing positive for Covid-19. DC can swap him with Amit Mishra’s leg-spin but Axar’s absence will affect their batting depth. It is pretty much a different DC side which will take on CSK to kick-off their campaign.

For CSK, the challenge lies in employing their age old tactic of a spin-heavy bowling attack. Whether it is for India or CSK, Dhoni has always appeared more comfortable leading spin loaded bowling line-ups than their pace variants. Playing no home games in Chennai will confront CSK on their adaptability on neutral venues. 

DC were one of the better sides in tackling spin last year in terms of strike-rate (131.3, joint second best in the season). The presence of left-handers - Shikhar Dhawan, Pant himself and possibly Shimron Hetmyer also sits well for DC to tackle CSK spinners, especially Ravindra Jadeja. 

The Contest

Both Deepak Chahar and Prithvi Shaw were big let-downs for CSK and DC respectively. Chahar, expected to strike early with the ball picked only seven wickets in 14 games while Shaw averaged only 6.1 in his last eight games. Shaw has revived himself with a stunning white-ball leg in domestic cricket. Chahar, however, hasn’t regained that touch yet. He averages 52.6 in the Powerplay for his seven wickets in 19 T20 games since IPL 2020. 

A new season brings new fortunes sometimes and Chahar might feel more confident against Shaw. No bowler has dismissed Shaw more times in IPL than Chahar. 

Getting Shaw early can also throw the cat amongst the pigeons for DC who don’t have their regular number 3 batsman - Shreyas Iyer. 

With Rabada, Nortje and Lungi Ngidi skipping this game, both sides don’t have an acclaimed attack for the death overs. For DC, Marcus Stoinis alongside Pant will aim to take advantage of the lack of death bowlers in CSK. Stoinis found himself a bit alone in the department last year but with Pant’s rejuvenated form, DC are better equipped to take advantage of this phase. CSK will look at Jadeja who had his best batting year in IPL last season - average 46.4, strike-rate 171.8.

Probable XIs

Playing XIs in the first games are always interesting as it gives a peek into a team’s approach for the rest of the season. It, however, won’t be the case with DC who will play without three of their first choice players and this game is all about filling those spots. CSK, on the other hand, have a number of combinations at their disposal. Which one do they proceed with depends solely on MS Dhoni’s mind - one of the hardest cricketers to read. 

CSK - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir

DC - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Lukman Meriwala