As the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League gets underway with a blockbuster encounter between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chennai’s famous M.A. Chidambaram stadium, the focus will be on CSK’s new captain, Rituraj Gaikwad, in the opening game.
In what was a familiar sight on the pitch, visiting captain Faf du Plessis, this time for the Royal Challengers, won the toss and chose to bat first on a wicket that looked like a howler for CSK. In a heart-warming moment, du Plessis joined former CSK opening partner Gaikwad for the toss, this time as opposing captain.
Looking forward to his return to the Chidambaram stadium, du Plessis vowed to spring a surprise against the experienced CSK side.
There are Ssome new faces to the teams, with both RCB and CSK going in with all their same big names. For RCB, du Plessis and Kohli team up in the opening pair, with Kohli making his return to action following the recent birth of his son.
Gaikwad has been tagged to lead out the CSK side as the new captain. In addition, Conway and Pathirana missed out through injuries, while Rachin and Mitchell came into the squad. Gaikwad mentioned how the pitch looks a dry one, with a good hard surface, which will be the same in the second innings as well. With a fantastic mix of overseas and local talent on the side, with newcomer Sameer Rizvi also making his debut for CSK.
Feel privledged. But I want to try and be in my shoes, not fill anybody’s shoes. (On captaincy) I got to know last week, but Mahi bhai hinted at it last year. Everyone is experienced here, sadly we are missing Conway and Pathirana. We’ve got Rachin and Mitchell coming in though this year so they should fit in well. Looks like a good pitch, a hard surface that should hold up well for the second innings. Four overseas – Mitchell, Rachin, Fizz and Theekshana. The domestic player Sameer Rizvi is making his debut as well.
