The highly anticipated clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is expected to be a thriller. However, what has heightened the drama surrounding the game is the forecast of rain.
RCB, with their fairytale resurgent run, will face the might of five-time champions CSK and the unpredictable weather conditions when they meet in a do-or-die match to determine the fourth and final team for the IPL playoffs. With Thursday’s washout in Hyderabad, Sunrisers Hyderabad joined Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals as the three confirmed teams for the playoffs. Now, the race is between CSK and RCB for the last spot.
CSK, the defending champions, start as favorites with 13 points and a net run-rate of 0.528, compared to RCB’s 12 points and a net run-rate of 0.387. CSK has a better head-to-head record against RCB at the venue, having lost only once in eight matches.
The forecast of rain adds another layer of uncertainty to the match. A washout would favor CSK, sending them through to the playoffs, while RCB would need to win by at least 18 runs or chase the target with about 11 balls to spare to secure their spot.
Despite the odds, RCB is the most in-form team in the tournament’s final stretch, having secured five straight wins after a six-match losing streak. Captain Virat Kohli, holding the Orange Cap, has been in phenomenal form with three fifties in his last five innings.
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The team will rely on Kohli’s stellar performances, while hoping for a comeback from skipper Faf du Plessis, who has had single-digit scores in his last two outings. In the middle order, Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green have shown promising form, supported by Mahipal Lomror and Dinesh Karthik.
RCB’s bowling attack, led by Yash Dayal, has been effective this season. Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj, Green, and Swapnil Singh face a challenging task ahead, especially considering the batting-friendly conditions of the Chinnaswamy track.
For CSK, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been the top run-scorer this season and is expected to provide a solid start alongside fellow opener Rachin Ravindra. The team will also rely on Daryl Mitchell to strengthen the top order, while hoping for Shivam Dube to rediscover his rhythm.
In the bowling department, Simarjeet Singh and Tushar Deshpande have stepped up in the absence of key bowlers like Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana, and Deepak Chahar. The presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni adds inspiration to the team, although his role might be limited due to nagging injury concerns.
Overall, the RCB vs CSK match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting for a spot in the playoffs amidst the uncertainty of rain. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle as these two cricketing giants clash on the field.
Source – sports.ndtv
