Let’s not overlook the significant question: Could this mark the end of MS Dhoni’s IPL journey if CSK doesn’t make it?
Overview
Historically, CSK has dominated RCB, winning most of their IPL encounters. RCB has only won one out of their last five meetings and just 31% of all matches against CSK. So, maybe not . But this time, there’s a lot at stake – it’s a virtual quarter-final. RCB is in great form with five consecutive wins, while CSK’s performance has been inconsistent. For CSK, the path to the playoffs is simpler: just win or hope for rain in Bengaluru, which isn’t unlikely. RCB, on the other hand, needs to win decisively. For example, if they score 200, they must win by 18 runs or chase the target with about 11 balls to spare to secure a spot in the top four.
Sentimentally, this match carries extra weight. Could this be the last on-field encounter between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli? Might it be Dhoni’s final game for CSK? Even CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey doesn’t know for sure.
While Dhoni and Kohli might grab the headlines, there are other intriguing subplots. The two top spin-hitters this season, Shivam Dube for CSK and Rajat Patidar for RCB, will face off. Additionally, the performance of Indian fast bowlers, who have been crucial in recent wins for both teams, will be pivotal. Although M Chinnaswamy Stadium is known to favor batsmen, the match might hinge on which team’s pace bowlers perform better.
Regarding the venue, RCB has won their last two matches at Chinnaswamy after struggling earlier in the season. CSK has only won two out of their six away games. For CSK to succeed at Chinnaswamy, their batting lineup needs to perform cohesively.
Team Updates and Key Players Strategy
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) : RCB is likely to bring back Glenn Maxwell, replacing Will Jacks, who has left for England duty. Rajat Patidar will probably swap in for Yash Dayal or Swapnil Singh as the impact player.
Expected Playing XII:
- Virat Kohli
- Faf du Plessis (captain)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Rajat Patidar
- Mahipal Lomror
- Cameron Green
- Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper)
- Yash Dayal
- Karn Sharma
- Mohammed Siraj
- Lockie Ferguson
- Swapnil Singh
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) With Moeen Ali leaving, Mitchell Santner is likely to join the XI. Ruturaj Gaikwad will resume his role as the opener alongside Rachin Ravindra. In the last game, Daryl Mitchell was substituted during the chase for Sameer Rizvi, who batted at No. 7. Considering Rahane’s poor form and Moeen’s absence, CSK might start with Rizvi and place Mitchell at No. 3.
Expected Playing XII:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sameer Rizvi
- MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper)
- Mitchell Santner
- Shardul Thakur
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Tushar Deshpande
- Simarjeet Singh
Recent Track Record
Royal Challengers Bangalore [RCB] :[ W , W , W , W , W]
Chennai Super Kings [CSK] :[ W , L , W , L , W]
In the limelight
Faf du Plessis has had a mixed season with the bat. Despite hitting three fifties, his overall consistency has been lacking, with 367 runs at an average of 28.23 in 13 matches. His performance in the powerplay has notably dropped, averaging just 27 this year compared to an impressive 120 last year. However, his strike rate has improved recently, hitting 205 in the last seven games compared to 140 in the first six. RCB will be looking for a significant contribution from their captain in this crucial match, complementing the efforts of orange cap-holder Virat Kohli.
Shivam Dube started the season strong, earning a place in India’s T20 World Cup squad. However, his form has declined since then. After scoring consecutive ducks against Punjab Kings, he managed only 21 and 18 in his next two matches. Initially, he was dominating spinners, but in three of the last four games, he got out while trying to attack them. CSK will be hoping for a return to form from Dube as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Pitch Conditions and Statistics
It was cloudy all day in Bengaluru on Friday, and there’s a 78% chance of rain on Saturday, with possible thunderstorms and evening showers. The average first-innings score at this venue this season is 193. The pitch, which had no grass a day before the game, is expected to be a high-scoring one.
Important Stats:
- Virat Kohli’s Powerplay Performance: Kohli has significantly improved his powerplay performance, striking at 193 with an average of 98.50 in the last seven matches, compared to a strike rate of 131 and an average of 62 in the first six matches.
- MS Dhoni vs. RCB: Dhoni has a stellar record against RCB, scoring 413 runs at an average of 82.6 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, his highest against any IPL team.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Consistency: Gaikwad averages 71 this season, the best for an opener in IPL 2024.
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