The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to clash with the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18th in the Indian Premier League 2024.
In their previous encounter this season, CSK secured a decisive victory by six wickets.
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RCB has triumphed in their last five matches, boasting two successful defenses. Meanwhile, CSK has won seven out of their 13 matches to date, with their most recent victory being against the Rajasthan Royals by five wickets.
RCB vs CSK: Match Preview
Is the hype around this encounter justified?
Historically, CSK has dominated, with RCB winning only once in their last five meetings and just 31% of their IPL matchups overall.
So, maybe not.
But this time, the stakes are high – it’s essentially a quarter-final. RCB is in stellar form with five consecutive wins, while CSK has been inconsistent. Scenario-wise, it’s easier for CSK to advance: they just need a win or hope for a rainout, which isn’t unlikely given Bengaluru’s weather. RCB, however, must win and by a specific margin – if they score 200, they need to win by 18 runs or chase the target with about 11 balls to spare to make the top four.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) returned home with little hope after a harsh defeat in Mumbai, marking their fifth loss in six games at the start of the season, which seemed to signal the end of their campaign. Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, faced questions about whether the remainder of the tournament was an opportunity to prepare for 2025. Despite acknowledging the team’s shortcomings, he dismissed this notion, stating, “There’s a point when it’s not in our hands, that’s when you might think differently.” As they enter their 14th match, that decisive moment has yet to arrive, and what once seemed like a Mission Impossible has gradually transformed into a Mission Entirely Probable.
The IPL thrives on such dramatic narratives. Despite the pragmatic reality of head-to-head records and matchups, the convergence of CSK and RCB for the last playoffs spot adds an enticing layer of intrigue. With the presence of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, and the notion of a ‘last dance’, the stage is set for a compelling showdown on the eve of the league phase’s conclusion.
Despite the forecast, RCB’s final home game of the season no longer carries the same sense of hopelessness that permeated the build-up to their previous encounter with SRH a month ago. Back then, they were content to come within 25 runs of a record total. However, this time around, there are fewer reasons to fear, as both facets of their game are in sync. Moreover, the slight decline in CSK’s batting prowess compared to last year, coupled with the absence of key bowling personnel, should fuel optimism for RCB.
Furthermore, RCB holds the momentum with a five-game winning streak, while CSK has not managed more than two consecutive wins this season. Even their recent victory against Rajasthan Royals lacked the clinical edge it could have had, with dropped catches and a missed opportunity to boost the Net Run Rate. However, this win likely served to erase the memories of a particularly challenging visit to Ahmedabad.
Nevertheless, CSK boasts significant big-match experience, aiming for their 13th appearance in the final four in 15 seasons. The invaluable presence of seasoned players who have been there and done that, combined with the knowledge that a win, regardless of margin, or even a washout, will secure their playoff spot, tilts the odds slightly in their favor.
There are also sentimental factors. Could this be the last MS Dhoni vs. Virat Kohli encounter? Will it be Dhoni’s final game for CSK? (Not even CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey knows.)
While Dhoni and Kohli might capture the headlines, other subplots are significant. Two of the most powerful spin-hitters this season, Shivam Dube for CSK and Rajat Patidar for RCB, will face off. Additionally, it will be a clash of Indian quicks who have been pivotal in their teams’ recent wins. Though the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium favors batters, the match could hinge on which pace unit performs better.
At this venue, RCB has won their last two matches after struggling earlier in the season. Conversely, CSK has only won two of their six away games. For CSK to gain an edge at the Chinnaswamy, their batters must deliver.
Does all of this make it the match of the season? It very well could be, unless rain intervenes.
In Terms Of Recent Form:
RCB WWWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
CSK WLWLW
Play off Scenarios: An NRR Game on RCB’s Hands
RCB must win by at least 18 runs if they bat first. For instance, if they score 200, they need to restrict CSK to 182 or less. This scenario remains unchanged even in a truncated five-over match: if RCB scores 75, they must restrict the opposition to 57 or less to advance; otherwise, CSK will go through.
If RCB are batting second and CSK posts 200, RCB must reach 201 with 11 or more balls to spare. If they hit a six from 200, they can complete the chase with up to 8 balls remaining. In a truncated game, the chasing equation becomes more complex. For example, if the target is 75 in a five-over match, RCB must chase it down in 3.1 overs to improve their NRR above CSK’s.
RCB vs CSK: Pitch Report & Conditions
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its batsman-friendly surface, with a lightning-fast outfield and a relatively small ground size, typically resulting in high-scoring encounters. Bowlers face a tough challenge in containing runs due to the favorable conditions for batting. Teams winning the toss often opt to bowl first to take advantage of any early moisture in the pitch.
However, the match might be interrupted by rain, with an 80% forecast for precipitation around the start time in Bengaluru CBD. Despite this, the stadium’s sub-surface aeration system should facilitate a quick restart if play is halted. In terms of match outcomes, the six games played here have seen an even split between victories for teams setting targets and those chasing them.
It was cloudy all day in Bengaluru on Friday, and there’s a 78% chance of rain on Saturday, with forecasts predicting thunderstorms and showers in the evening. The average first-innings score at the venue this season is 193. The day before the game, there was no grass on the center pitch that will be used, so expect it to be a belter.
RCB vs CSK: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 32
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Won: 21
- Chennai Super Kings Won: 10
- No Results: 1
- First Played: April 28, 2008
- Last Played: March 22, 2024
In the season opener at Chepauk, Mustafizur Rahman dismantled the RCB top order, but a late surge from Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik took them to 173 for 6. In response, CSK chased down the target with eight balls to spare, with Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja forming an unbeaten 66-run partnership. That result set the tone for the first half of the season for both teams. However, things have changed significantly since then.
RCB vs CSK: Team News and Impact Player Strategy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces some key changes in their lineup for the upcoming match. Will Jacks and Reece Topley have departed for World Cup preparations, leaving voids in the squad. However, the return of Glenn Maxwell is anticipated, injecting experience and firepower back into the team.
One player to watch out for is Yash Dayal, who has excelled in the PowerPlay overs in Bengaluru, consistently troubling opposition batsmen with his accurate lengths and swing. His ability to dismiss key batsmen, such as Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who have struggled against left-arm seamers this season, could prove crucial for RCB’s fortunes.
Predicted XII
- Virat Kohli
- Faf du Plessis (c)
- Rajat Patidar
- Glenn Maxwell
- Cameron Green
- Mahipal Lomror
- Dinesh Karthik (wk)
- Swapnil Singh
- Karn Sharma
- Lockie Ferguson
- Mohammed Siraj
- Vijaykumar Vyshak/Yash Dayal
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings faces some significant absences in their squad for the upcoming match. Matheesha Pathirana and Deepak Chahar are sidelined due to hamstring injuries, while Mustafizur Rahman and Moeen Ali have departed for international commitments.
With Moeen Ali leaving, Mitchell Santner is likely to take his place in the XI. Ruturaj Gaikwad will return to opening with Rachin Ravindra, pushing Ajinkya Rahane down to No. 3. In the last game, Daryl Mitchell was substituted out during the chase to bring Sameer Rizvi in at No. 7. Given Rahane’s poor form and Moeen’s absence, CSK might consider starting with Rizvi and having Mitchell at No. 3.
Ravindra Jadeja emerges as a key player for CSK, boasting favorable match-ups against several key RCB batters. He has dismissed Glenn Maxwell six times, and has also accounted for Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik three times each.
Predicted XII
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Shardul Thakur
- Tushar Deshpande
- Mitchell Santner/Richard Gleeson
- Simarjeet Singh
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Sameer Rizvi
RCB vs CSK: Players Under The Spotlight
RCB- Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has yet to make a significant impact with the bat this season. Despite three fifties, he has struggled for consistency, scoring 367 runs at an average of 28.23 in 13 games. His average in the powerplay is just 27 this year, a stark contrast to his impressive 120 last year. However, his strike rate has improved dramatically, hitting 205 in RCB’s last seven games compared to 140 in the first six. RCB will be hoping for a big score from their captain in this crucial match, along with another strong performance from orange cap-holder Virat Kohli.
CSK- Shivam DUbe
On the other hand, Shivam Dube’s stellar performance in the first half of the season earned him a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad, but his form has dipped since then. After consecutive ducks against Punjab Kings, he scored 21 and 18 in the next two matches. Initially excelling against spinners, Dube has been dismissed trying to attack spinners in three of the last four games.
RCB vs CSK: Match Prediction
Scenario 1:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore win the toss and opt to bowl.
- Powerplay: 60-70
- CSK: 200-210
- Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore win the match.
Scenario 2:
- Chennai Super Kings win the toss and opt to bat.
- Powerplay: 70-80
- RCB: 210-220
- Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore win the match.
RCB vs CSK: Dream 11 Fantasy Prediction
Team 1:
- Keeper: Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni
- Batsman: Faf de Plessis, Virat Kohli (C), Rajat Patidar, Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC)
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Cameron Green
- Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh
Team 2:
- Keeper: Dinesh Karthik
- Batsman: Faf de Plessis (C), Virat Kohli , Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell
- All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Ravindra Jadeja
- Bowlers: Yash Dayal, Tushar Deshpande (VC), Simarjeet Singh
When and Where to Watch the Match: Streaming & Broadcast Details
What: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), IPL 2024
When: 7:30 PM IST, Saturday – May 18
Where: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Where to watch RCB vs CSK Live Streaming: JioCinema app for FREE
Where to watch RCB vs CSK Live Telecast: Star Sports
