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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have experienced a dramatic turnaround in their IPL 2024 campaign. After a dismal start with five losses in their first six games, RCB's chances looked bleak. However, under the guidance of Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, they've managed to claw their way back into contention. Heading into their 14th match, RCB's improbable quest for the playoffs has become increasingly possible, with both batting and bowling units firing in harmony.
For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the narrative is equally compelling. The seasoned team, known for their big-match pedigree, is eyeing a spot in the final-four for the 13th time in 15 seasons. With legendary figures like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, CSK's experience could prove crucial in this high-stakes encounter.
Scenarios for RCB
RCB need to secure a convincing victory to enhance their Net Run Rate (NRR) and bolster their playoff chances:
- If batting first: RCB must win by at least 18 runs. For example, if they score 200, they need to restrict CSK to 182 or less.
- If batting second: Should CSK set a target of 200, RCB will need to chase it down with 11 or more balls to spare.
In a truncated game, the equations will adjust proportionately. For instance, chasing 75 in a five-over match would require RCB to finish in 3.1 overs or less.
What to Expect
The match is set to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where rain is a significant concern with an 80% chance of showers around match start time. The ground's sub-surface aeration should facilitate quick restarts, ensuring minimal disruption.
Head to Head
- RCB: 10 wins
- CSK: 21 wins
CSK have dominated the recent contests, winning five of the last six matches against RCB. The Super Kings have a formidable record, second only to Mumbai Indians' 23 wins against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Team Watch
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Injuries/Availability: Will Jacks and Reece Topley are unavailable, having returned for World Cup preparations. Glenn Maxwell is expected to return to the XI.
- Tactics & Matchups: Yash Dayal has been effective in the PowerPlay, posing a significant threat to CSK's top order, especially Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra, who have struggled against left-arm seamers.
Probable XI:
1. Virat Kohli
2. Faf du Plessis (c)
3. Rajat Patidar
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Cameron Green
6. Mahipal Lomror
7. Dinesh Karthik (wk)
8. Swapnil Singh
9. Karn Sharma
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Mohammed Siraj
Impact Sub: Vijaykumar Vyshak / Yash Dayal
Chennai Super Kings
- Injuries/Availability: Matheesha Pathirana and Deepak Chahar are out with hamstring injuries. Mustafizur Rahman and Moeen Ali have left for international duties.
- Tactics & Matchups: Ravindra Jadeja has an excellent record against key RCB batters, dismissing Glenn Maxwell six times, and Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik three times each.
Probable XI:
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
2. Rachin Ravindra
3. Daryl Mitchell
4. Shivam Dube
5. Ravindra Jadeja
6. MS Dhoni (wk)
7. Shardul Thakur
8. Tushar Deshpande
9. Mitchell Santner / Richard Gleeson
10. Simarjeet Singh
11. Maheesh Theekshana
Impact Sub: Sameer Rizvi
Key Stats
- RCB's Mixed Season: RCB are among the few teams to have sequences of both five consecutive wins and losses in the same season.
- Shivam Dube vs RCB: Shivam Dube averages 113.50 against RCB, with scores of 46, 95, 52, and 34 in his last four innings.
- RCB's Spin Strength: This season, RCB's spinners have taken 20 wickets at a strike rate of 20.3, outperforming CSK's spinners who have managed 13 wickets at a strike rate of 34.6.
