CSK Vs RCB, Match Preview
CSK and RCB were among the top sides in the first leg, but had contrasting starts to the second. Chennai put up a dogged performance to fight back and win against Mumbai, while Bangalore were completely dominated by Kolkata. The defeat was one of their heaviest, and will sting for a while. They lost Ab De Villiers and Virat Kohli for low scores, and the batting crumbled with ease.
The fixture brings Dhoni and Kohli together, as they take each other on as captains for one of the final few times. Chennai struggled with the bat in the first game, but their batting depth, and Gaikwad’s brilliance helped them get to a decent score. RCB on the other hand, will have to take a look at their combination. They have Tim David on the bench, who is in magnificent form. They could look to bring him in as a finisher, and ease the burden on the top-order. Doing so however, will prompt a change in combination.
CSK Vs RCB, Team News
Sam Curran is done with his quarantine, and might slot back in the side. It is unclear about who sits out, and will be a tough choice to make. Ambati Rayudu retired hurt against Mumbai, but scans showed no broken bones. In case he is still unavailable, Uthappa could come in. Curran however, may come in for Josh or Bravo.
Royal Challengers could go with a similar eleven if they feel their batting failure is a one-off occasion. They have Tim David, who could come in for Hasaranga. In case of such a change, Rajat Patidar may also find a spot. In case they need another all-rounder, they have Shahbaz Ahmed.
CSK Vs RCB, Predicted XI
Chennai Super Kings: 1 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2 Moeen Ali, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 MS Dhoni (capt, wk), 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Shardul Thakur, 10 Deepak Chahar, 11 Josh Hazlewood
Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 Devdutt Padikkal, 3 KS Bharat (wk), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 AB de Villiers, 6 Sachin Baby, 7 Kyle Jamieson, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal
CSK Vs RCB, Players to Watch out for
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina was completely exposed by Trent Boult. He faced one over, and struggled with the bouncer. His long-time issue of a frozen footwork came into play, and disturbed him. He has struggled in the IPL, and could be under pressure to score some runs. Over the years, his runs have been very crucial for CSK, and he has been the backbone of the side. With six games to go, CSK will be hoping he comes good, and provides the impetus he usually does in the powerplay.
Ab De Villiers
Ab De Villiers only plays in the IPL at the moment, and isn’t a regular member of too many franchise tournaments. His lack of Cricket came into play as he was bowled by a beautiful yorker in the first game of the second leg. He is still a World Class batter, and will be eager to fightback against the Chennai Super Kings.
CSK Vs RCB, Pitch and Conditions
Last season, Sharjah produced some high scoring games in the first half of the season. The small boundaries helped batters smash massive sixers, and 200 was a regular score. The pitch is going to be fresh again, prompting some more big scores. With explosive batters on both sides, some fiery Cricket is on the horizon. Bowling first will be preferrable, as runs come rather easy, and knowing the target will make the task easier.
The ground had dew in some of the games last seasons, and it won’t be a surprise if dew makes an appearance this time as well.
