- Kotla being a small ground will be interesting to see how the spinners operate.
- CSK need to play David Willey instead of Thakur, as he is quick, hard-hitter and a left arm fast bowler always gives an extra option.
- It will be Dhoni's master tactics vs Delhi's aggressive youth
- Delhi's lower middle order needs attention, if Pant gets out early they may have a problem
- CSK's fast bowling lacks bite in the absence of Ngidi
- Team batting second will have a good chance
- This will be the most important game for Delhi at home against the IPL's best side, to test their consistency. A win for them today will go a long way in reassuring them in the tournament
- Delhi's bowling doesn't look as threatening as their batting, they need a genuine leg-spinning match winner - Amit Mishra
- CSK's all top 6 has the ability to carry on the innings and finish the game.
- This should have been the first match of IPL!
- Predicted CSK XI : Watson, Rayudu, Raina, Dhoni, Khedar, Bravo, Santner, Jadeja, Deepak, Harbhajan, Mohit
- Predicted RCB XI : Kohli, Parthiv, Moeen, AB, Hetmyer, Shivam, Sundar, Southee, Uadav, Siraj, Chahal
- CSK line-up : each batter knows their role and are used to it.
- RCB may take a couple of matches to get the batting combination and order right
- Spinners may call the shots at Chepauk, will be a good contest as both the sides have 3 quality spinners. CSK's batters plays spin better than RCB's
- CSK with powerful lower middle order and quite a few finishers in the line-up may be favorites
- If Kohli or AB gets going will be hard to stop at Chepauk
- Dhoni's leadership skills and match awareness gives CSK the edge. Especially his guidance to the spinners
- Kohli will demand more than 100% from his players all the time, which may backfire
- Hetmyer's ability to play and attack spinners will be crucial, if he is stuck, RCB may have a problem in the lower middle order.
