IPL 2019, Match 1, CSK vs RCB: 3 things the fans would be looking forward to

It is that time of the year again- when the IPL takes over and catches the eye of everybody’s attention. People will automatically switch their allegiances from their respective nations to one of the franchises.

They support the teams based on cities or their favourite players. It’s a carnival-like atmosphere in stadiums and has most of India hooked on the TV screens for its sheer entertainment quality. This tournament is the perfect mix of pulsating T20 cricket coupled with the presence of famous celebrities.

Indian Premier League has been the platform that has given many countries some fine talent. The very fact that playing in front of packed stadiums, with and against the best talents from the world adds tremendous value to a youngster looking to make his way to the national side.

After a hiatus of two years, Chennai Super Kings(CSK) returned to the IPL last year and proved all their critics wrong by going on to win the title. A team filled with ageing players, proved that class is permanent and age is just a number.

So with VIVO IPL 2019 starting from today i.e. March 23, 2019, with the Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chepauk stadium, here’s looking at 3 things the fans are eagerly looking forward to.

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#1. The battle between the aggression of Virat Kohli vs the calm MSD

Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni

The first game of this year’s IPL sees MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings(CSK) take on Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB). An emotional battle and matchup await the fans of both the teams.

What makes this contest even more interesting is that Virat Kohli as a captain has achieved a lot for India so far, but his captaincy stint with RCB has been far from ideal. RCB hasn’t won a single IPL title as yet. The closest they came was in the 2016 season.

CSK, on the other hand, clocked back lost time last season. They took all the love and support of their fans and put on a show for them to remember. A team that was not given that much of a chance ahead of their return after a gap of two years, proved everybody wrong as they overpowered the strong and formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad(SRH) to lift their third IPL title.

What everyone would be eagerly waiting for is the battle between the captains. Virat Kohli’s brand of aggression up against the calm and composed MSD. Kohli has had a tough time for RCB with the team just not having the firepower in the bowling department.

Kohli has often used MSD’s strategic acumen when both play for India. Some felt that was why India lost the ODI series against Australia recently, as the current India skipper wasn’t that proactive and was completely reactive. How will these two sides fare against each other? More importantly, how will RCB cope in Chepauk?

#2. The return of ABD, “Mr 360” for RCB

ABD, 'Mr 360'

AB de Villiers dropped a bombshell last year when he announced his retirement from all forms of the game. A cricketer who redefined the way modern day batsmen think and execute their game, is loved by one and all.

He thankfully hasn’t given up on playing franchise T20 cricket across the globe. He looked in fine touch in the MSL and also in the PSL prior to the IPL 2019. As a cricketer and batsman, he is in reasonably good touch.

But the fact that is wherever he goes in India during the IPL, he is greeted with chants of AB, AB, AB, AB! That for sure will ensure he puts on a show for RCB’s fans and everyone else watching the IPL.

ABD is a complete entertainer and he sure will do just that- entertain when he steps out at the Chepauk later on today.

#3. The homecoming of Chennai’s favourite son MSD to Chepauk

MSD returns to Chepauk

The kind of unconditional love and support for Chennai Super Kings receive is incomparable in IPL history. No franchise has been able to create such a strong and loyal fan base over the years. This is predominantly got to do with ‘Thala’ MS Dhoni leading CSK all these years.

CSK and MSD have become so used to each other that when MSD played for the Pune franchise for two years, he was hardly a force to reckon with. But the MSD rolled back time and produced the goods in IPL 2018 to spearhead CSK’s title win-both as a captain and batsman.

With CSK set to play their home games at the Chepauk Stadium this year, the craze for their home games is going to be beyond crazy. Just to put into picture, a practice session involving MSD saw the full Chepauk stadium occupied!

Everyone is looking forward to seeing jam-packed crowds who will go all the way to celebrate the homecoming of their favourite son MSD and their team CSK.