Each match in this season has been amazing in its own way, feels Viv Richards

This season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been one of the best in recent times. There have been numerous close games and a number of them going right down to the final over. Also, the top three teams on the points table are very close to each other not only in terms of points but also their net run-rate. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) lead the table with 12 points but have played an extra game while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) follow SRH closely with 10 points. West Indian legend Viv Richards opined that this IPL has been a great one and also felt that CSK and DD are evenly matched but the ‘Men in Yellow’, with their experience, have executed their plans better. 

“The eleventh edition of the IPL hasn't failed to impress in terms of entertainment as well as talent. Each match has been amazing in its own way. Chennai Super Kings, who are currently the most consistent team, take on the Delhi Daredevils, who seem to be struggling to find their groove. On paper, both have great teams, but the execution on the field is where the difference lies. Delhi is a team that rides on young talent that are looking to prove themselves game after game, whereas the Chennai team is filled with experienced players,” Viv Richards wrote in his column for TOI. 

Chennai Super Kings have an experienced squad and their batting has pulled them through in almost every game. They have been able to find a new hero in almost every match. Richards said that the top-order has been brilliant for CSK but with the way Mumbai beat Chennai shows the unpredictable nature of the T20 format. 

“With a strong top-order which guarantees runs in every game, CSK have what it takes to set up or chase down the biggest of totals that may seem close to impossible. Watching the Mumbai Indians step up against Chennai just reminded cricket lovers that anything can happen in T20 cricket with even the best having an off day,” the 66-year-old wrote. 

“Suresh Raina improved his stance of being the IPL specialist by scoring yet another half century this season. Allrounders like Jadeja and Bravo, who come in and know how to make a difference with the bat and ball, along with a captain as cool as Dhoni, who can finish any game in style; Chennai certainly have what it takes to be the best of the best,” Richards added. 

Meanwhile, Delhi Daredevils have changed their skipper mid-way through the season as Gautam Gambhir stepped down from the post after a series of disappointing results and disappointing form with the bat. Shreyas Iyer was named the new captain and his captaincy tenure began on a bright note as DD won their second game of the season with Iyer leading from the front with a blistering 93. Meanwhile, Prithvi Shaw has also impressed in the couple of games he’s played so far. 

“Delhi, on the other hand, found their feet during their clash against Kolkata with the two youngsters, Shreyas Iyer, who led the team from the front to their highest total of the season and India’s U19 World Cup winning captain, Prithvi Shaw, putting on a show for the Delhi fans on their road to redemption. Trent Boult’s perfect swing bowling has been on track to make him the most successful bowler thus far and it has rightfully earned him the Purple Cap.”

“One could argue but, Gautam Gambhir's stepping down as captain has made the team realize that it’s now or never and the tournament is not over yet. It will be interesting to see what tricks Shreyas Iyer has up his sleeve to battle the might of Dhoni and his side,” the former West Indian skipper wrote. 

Chennai Super Kings take on Delhi Daredevils in Pune today (April 30).