IPL 2019, Match 3: MI vs DC - Three reasons why the fans would be excited about this clash

Indian Premier League can be a harsh tournament if you don't get your bases covered. A franchise like Delhi Capitals (previously Delhi Daredevils) would know that for a fact. They have had some fine talent in their ranks but just haven't been able to put up a team performance on a consistent basis.

The amalgamation of youngsters from India playing with the best talent from across the globe is what makes IPL so popular and loved. It's that aspect which DD had failed to completely master. There have been some individual sparks of brilliance - Rishabh Pant's 678 runs in IPL 2018 a classic example.

It takes a team performance to sustain and thrive in such a competition. That is something MI have managed to rather well. The champions in the 2017 edition had a rough last year but would be looking to come back and deliver for their fans.

Here's looking at the three major reasons why fans would be hooked on to this clash to be played at the Wankhede Stadium.

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#1 The pitch at the Wankhede promises to provide a high scoring thriller

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The bounce on the pitch at the Wankhede Stadium has been very true and has always given audiences and fans complete worth for their money. One can bank on the pitch and outfield to expect a high scoring thriller.

There is something in for the bowlers especially spinners as the tournament moves on, but usually, there's a complete value for shots and batsmen can go with their instinct and attack the bowlers.

After the opener of the VIVO IPL 2019, proving to be a damp squib where CSK's spinners steamrolled RCB, everyone is hoping that the pitch and outfield at the Wankhede stays as it has been over the years and that the viewers and the spectators can get to see a high scoring thriller.

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#2 The Pandya brothers will be in action

Hardik Pandya, The X Factor for MI

Among the strong points for MI is the fact that they have two extremely talented and gifted T20 players and allrounders in their squad. Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya rose to fame and have made it to the national team based on their consistent performances for MI.

With the World Cup coming up, everyone would be eagerly interested to see how many games Hardik plays in this year's IPL. He is coming off an injury and the last thing Indian fans would want is for him to aggravate that while playing for MI.

But goes without saying that Rohit Sharma would use both the Pandya brothers at crucial junctures. Krunal is very critical to Rohit's plans as he brings him on in the power play overs. He also used him at the death overs and with the absence of Lasith Malinga, Krunal's role increases.

And assuming Hardik is fit and can bowl four overs, he is certainly an added asset for MI. Both the brothers are excellent fielders and safe catchers, Hardik's attacking batting is the X-factor. If he gets going he can demolish the opposition.

It would be thrilling to see both the Pandya brothers in action against Delhi Capitals later on tonight.

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#3 Shreyas Iyer's captaincy and batting for a new franchise

In a quest to redeem their fortunes, Delhi Daredevils have renamed themselves and are called Delhi Capitals now. Coached by Ricky Ponting and captained by Shreyas Iyer, they clearly are looking for a fresh start.

They have talent in their squad in the form of Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Chris Morris, Trent Boult, and Kagiso Rabada. But that has been the case with DD earlier as well, They had some fine players but weren't able to come together as a team often enough.

Under the talented Iyer, DC have clearly decided to bank talent over experience. He has been in red hot form in the domestic circuit and would look to carry that form into the IPL.

With competition for spots very tough and the fact that India is still looking to find a permanent solution for the No. 4 position for the World Cup, a solid and definitive season for DC might interest the selectors to go with him.

Everyone would be eagerly looking forward to see how the captaincy of DC would impact Iyer the batsman in this season of the IPL.

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