IPL 2019, Match 5, DC vs CSK: 3 things the fans would be eagerly waiting for 

Cricket fraternity is divided into two after yesterday's dismissal of Jos Buttler by Ravichandran Ashwin. Although what Ashwin did is legally allowed, it certainly did diminish the quality of the match. It was a solid game of T20 cricket which sadly will be remembered only for this controversial dismissal.

After Chris Gayle took the RR bowlers to the cleaners, a late assault by Sarfaraz Khan helped KXIP post 184 runs on the board. Everything seemed to be going fine with RR as they coasted to 72-0 in 8 overs. Then Ashwin got the better of his opposition captain, Ajinkya Rahane and from there the momentum shifted.

It was a close encounter which went till the 20th over. But what happened with Jos Buttler is certainly not right. However, one has to let go of the past and look forward to the remaining games.

In tonight's clash at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, hosts Delhi Capitals take on Chennai Super Kings. Both teams are coming off convincing victories. While CSK's bowling derailed RCB's batting lineup in the opening match of the season, DC were clinical against a strong MI team.

One can expect fireworks and a close contest when these two sides take on each other in a pitch that should offer something for the batsmen and bowlers. Here's looking at why everyone would be eagerly looking forward to tonight's match:

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#1. Can Rishabh Pant continue on his belligerent attacking ways?

Rishabh Pant

Among the key takeaways from the MI vs DC encounter, was the return to form for Yuvraj Singh and most importantly, the continuation of Rishabh Pant's outstanding form for Delhi Capitals. He was in marauding form in the match against Mumbai Indians.

The platform was set for him to come in and display his attacking stroke play and he didn't let anyone down. He could trust the bounce and pace at the Wankhede stadium and he used it to his advantage.

Everyone will be waiting to see if Pant can repeat his heroics against a CSK bowling attack whose spinners are in high spirits after the first game. Pant tonked seven sixes against MI. Can he continue with this rich vein of form that yielded 78 of 27 balls? Or will MSD's CSK have some tricks up their sleeve too keep a check on him? Certainly, a mouthwatering clash is on the cards.

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#2. The matchup between the captains would be an interesting one

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni was in his elements in the tournament opener against RCB. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, he came into his own. On a pitch that offered tremendous amount of spin, he rotated his spinners to good effect.

Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja didn't let down their skipper and completely decimated RCB. It is the understanding of the pitch conditions and what is expected on that day which holds MSD in a better position compared to Shreyas Iyer.

Just from a leadership perspective, fans would be eager to see how a fairly inexperienced captain in Shreyas Iyer handles the pressure of maintaining the winning momentum and also leading DC on their home ground against a team which is captained by an experienced captain and smart tactacian in MS Dhoni.

#3. Can CSK's spin trio continue on their merry run?

Harbhajan Singh

On a pitch that offered tremendous turn, CSK's spin trio of Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja came to the party. Harbhajan set up the game perfectly with his incisive spell removing Virat Kohli and AB Devilliers.

Tahir and Jadeja continued from where Hrabhajan left and ensured that RCB never were able to put on a partnership that could help them pose a threatening total. With them playing at the Kotla tonight , people would be looking forward to seeing if the spin trio can continue with their form.

They will be up against the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant. So this battle of CSK's spinners against DC's batsmen will be certainly an interesting one.

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