Royal Challengers Bangalore are one of the best team in Indian Premier League, however, they have never won the tournament. Some biggest names in their yet they couldn’t complete off the assignment, this time around, things can change because they are playing a good cricket.
Kohli vs CSK: 979 runs at an average of 39.16 with 9 fifties.
Dhoni vs RCB: 838 runs at an average of 39.90 & strike rate of 140.84
Chennai Super Kings are five time champions. They won back to back titles in 2018 and 2019. At both occasions, Faf Du Plessis was CSK’s opener who will be leading RCB against his ex team.
Royal Challengers Bangalore High On Spirit
Royal Challengers Bangalore have a strong batting line-up, so far no disturbance in their batting line-up as the top order has been upto the game in all matches.
Virat Kohli has 214 runs to his name, Faf Du Plessis has 197, so the openers are going strong. Glenn Maxwell has found his mojo, he just comes and attacks. Dinesh Karthik hasn’t looked in good touch, a couple of ducks and average days behind the wicket has been the story so far.
This is a big opportunity for Karthik to make an impact. Shahbaz Nadeem showed maturity against Delhi Capitals, and the down the order, both Wanindu Hasaranga and Wayne Parnell are considered as all rounders who can bat.
Local boy Vijaykumar Vyshak bowled like a pro against DC, Siraj was as threatening as possible in early overs. So, RCB has plenty of bowling options upto their sleeves now. They can rotate them all through and use Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga in the middle overs.
Chennai Super Kings Hit By Injuries
No Sisanda Magala, no Ben Stokes, MS Dhoni struggling with knee. CSK will need a lot of reflection on how to manage these injuries and slot in best players.
Matheesha Pathirana could make his way in for Magala but if CSK gets to chase, it is likely that they will go with Dwaine Pretorius. He can bat too which will come handy at Chinnaswamy.
Ravindra Jadeja has been so good with the ball, being economical and wicket taker. CSK heavily relies on their spinners because their fast bowling cartel is pretty inexperienced.
Shivam Dube will need to play a big role, he has been backed by the team despite his struggle against spinners. However, there is one man who will be watched keenly today, MS Dhoni, his numbers against RCB are incredibly impressive.
MS Dhoni at Chinnaswamy stadium in IPL: 65(30), 70*(40), 51*(20), 24(10), 49*(28), 13(13), 9(8), 28(25), 70*(34), 84*(48). 463 runs at an Average of 92.6 & Strike Rate of 180.86 with 5 fifties from 10 innings.
RCB vs CSK: Pitch Report & Stats
Chennai Super Kings have won 20 our of 30 matches in IPL, that is simply outstanding, tells who is dominating who in this league. While chasing, CSK has won the match 11 out of 15 times.
In the last 5 head to head matches, CSK has won the match 4 times. only time they lost was at MCA last year which was their worse tournament.
Ravindra Jadeja has 18 career IPL wickets against RCB. For the latter, Harshal Patel has picked 12 wickets against CSK. So, there will be some concerns in CSK dugout on how to play Harshal.
The pitch at Chinnaswamy is custom made for chasing, nothing is impossible to chase here. Not even 200 is safe for any team, and especially when two best teams are coming head to head.