"It’s MS Dhoni versus Virat Kohli, isn’t it?" - Sanjay Manjrekar talks about the IPL 2024 opener

The schedule of the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been announced as MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the season opener on March 22. IPL  2024 is ready to commence on March 22 and the first match is CSK vs RCB which is one of the greatest superstar rivalries of all time MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, the two heroes of Indian cricket will face each other in the inaugural clash of the IPL 2024.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has said that the defending champions should play the first match of the season and he believes that ideally the last season’s final should be the opening game in the new season. However, the first match between two superstar teams will provide the much-needed hype at the start of the season as the fan base of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are in huge numbers and it will be a great battle between the two superstars.

“I think the champions should play the first match, and CSK deservingly are in the first game. Ideally, it should have been last year’s finalist who should have played against them but I think there is a good reason to have this opener,” said Sanjay Manjrekar about the IPL opener on Star Sports. The opening clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore will be played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

MS Dhoni to play his last season in the IPL

“What you are seeing now is a clash of the superstars, more than the franchises, it’s Dhoni versus Virat, isn’t it?” added Manjrekar. It is expected to be the last season of the IPL for MS Dhoni. He has been leading the Chennai Super Kings since the start of the first season in 2008 and has led them to five IPL titles with the last one coming in 2023 where they defeated Gujarat Titans.

The IPL 2024 has an added importance this season because of the ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to commence on June 1, just a few days after the conclusion of the IPL. Due to the T20 World Cup, many players have taken part in the IPL this season because of the T20 factor involved. CSK and RCB have a plethora of stars in the lineup and both will clash against each other in a riveting encounter between the two sides in the season opener.

Chennai Super Kings have won the IPL title five times whereas Royal Challengers Bangalore are yet to win a title in the competition. It will be a great battle between two of the most popular and beloved cricketers in India MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in the season opener on March 22. The IPL 2024 is another opportunity for RCB to end their wait for an IPL trophy and they will be hoping to win the title this year. The Bangalore-based franchise will be led by former South African skipper Faf du Plessis whereas Virat Kohli can also be seen leading the side in his absence.