The stage is set for the biggest T20 tournament- Indian Premier League 2019 and the opening match will be played between the teams of two of India's biggest stars Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) and Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) on March 23.
The teaser of the opening match is out and the two heavyweights Dhoni and Kohli shared the screen space before the clash at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
In the video, Kohli and Dhoni are seen standing on the roof of a building surrounded by their fans on the road with both players had a cup of tea in their hand. The megastars of Indian team took digs at each other in a funny banter in which Dhoni told Kohli "don't be late" ahead of the action-packed match between their teams.
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings are one of the most successful teams in IPL teams with three trophies in their cabinet. Last year (2018) CSK made a comeback in IPL after two-year suspension after alleged involvement in match-fixing, but they return with their core team and lift the trophy for the record third time.
While on the other side, despite the strongest T20 team on the papers, RCB have struggled throughout the IPL history. They were the runner-ups three times (2009, 2011 and 2016) but still, RCB are one of the most inconsistent sides of the tournament.
With players like AB de Villiers, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis and Shivam Dube, RCB are more balanced this year with a mixture of young and experienced players in the squad.
Earlier, Kohli wants Indian players to go into the IPL and enjoy themselves before the showpiece event.
"What we spoke in the dressing room was go and enjoy in the IPL these two months. Must enjoy ourselves and play because we enjoy the game.
"Being on the road for so long does take a toll, but when there is a long season, you can reflect on it.
"I think it has been a hectic season, but we are proud of how we have played. Guys have come around and shown character.
"All of us deserve to go into the IPL and enjoy ourselves. Everything will be taken over by the World Cup when it comes to the tournament," said Kohli.
