In a thrilling IPL encounter at Visakhapatnam, Delhi Capitals’ pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Ishant Sharma put up a fierce bowling display against Chennai Super Kings after the latter posted a formidable 191/5 in their 20 overs. The match marked a reunion for MS Dhoni, who walked in to bat for the first time this season at the very ground where he announced his arrival on the international stage nearly two decades ago.
Opting to bat first, Delhi ditched their regular opening pair, demoting Mitchell Marsh and bringing in Prithvi Shaw alongside David Warner. The move paid dividends as Shaw (43 off 27) and Warner (52 off 35) provided a blistering start, amassing 62 runs in the powerplay. Matheesha Pathirana’s brilliance in the field and with the ball then tilted the scales, dismissing the duo and later accounting for Marsh and Tristan Stubbs with searing yorkers. Rishabh Pant’s first fifty of the season (51 off 32) propelled Delhi to a competitive total.
For Chennai, openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra fell cheaply to Khaleel, leaving them reeling at 7/2. Ajinkya Rahane’s 45 off 30 provided some impetus, but the mounting required rate proved too steep for the middle order. With Dhoni finally striding out to bat, longtime Vizag fans were treated to a nostalgic moment, reminiscent of the iconic 148-run knock he played against Pakistan at the same venue in 2005, which announced his arrival on the international stage.
Delhi, still searching for their first win, will be hoping for a change in fortunes at their temporary home ground in Visakhapatnam. Their batting lineup has struggled, with only the opening pair of Warner and Marsh, along with Pant, providing consistent performances. In contrast, Chennai’s batting depth has been a strength, allowing Dhoni the luxury of not batting thus far.
The match promises to be a captivating clash of contrasting fortunes, with Delhi aiming to bounce back and Chennai looking to maintain their winning momentum. And for Dhoni, it could be a poignant farewell to the ground that witnessed the genesis of his legendary career.