Suresh Raina rolled back the years with his beautiful yet brutal assault as Chennai Super Kings finished on 188/6 in their opening encounter against last year's finalists Delhi Capitals. Raina smashed 54 of 36 after the three time champions were down in the dumps at 7 for 2. It all began with a counter attack by Moeen Ali who took R. Ashwin to the cleaners. However, the Tamil Nadu spinner had the laugh as he dismissed the Englishmen in the same over.
Post, Ali's dismissal, Rayudu and Raina joined hands for a crucial partnership. However, it was MS Dhoni who looked out of touch as captain cool was dismissed for a duck by rookie Avesh Khan. In the end some late hitting by Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja ensured, CSK end with a big score. The duo put on a 50 run partnership in mere 26 balls. Earlier, Delhi Capitals won the toss and have opted to field in the second game at Wankhede in Mumbai. Steve Smith was not named in Delhi squad, while allrounders Tom Curran and Chris Woakes were handed their debuts. Chennai also handed a debut to Moeen Ali, who was named in the playing XI. The Super Kings had a season to forget a few months back in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Saddled with unfamiliar conditions, age finally seemed to have taken its toll on the franchise.
