In a high-stakes showdown, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. This epic do-or-die clash will determine the fourth and final team to qualify for the IPL playoffs. Adding to the suspense, unpredictable weather could play a significant role in this crucial encounter.
Thursday's washout in Hyderabad confirmed Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals as the first three teams to secure playoff spots, leaving just one position available. CSK, the defending champions, are in a favorable position with 13 points and a net run rate (NRR) of 0.528. RCB, currently at 12 points and an NRR of 0.387, need a decisive win to advance.
The weather forecast suggests rain could impact the match, which would benefit CSK by securing their playoff spot through a washout. Conversely, RCB would need to win by a margin of at least 18 runs or chase their target with 11 balls to spare to move forward.
RCB enter this match in outstanding form, having won five consecutive games after a challenging six-match losing streak. Star batsman and Orange Cap holder Virat Kohli has been exceptional, with three half-centuries in his last five innings. Kohli's form is crucial for RCB as they aim to secure a playoff spot. Captain Faf du Plessis will look to bounce back after two single-digit scores, while Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green have been reliable in the middle order. Mahipal Lomror and Dinesh Karthik are expected to capitalize on the typically favorable batting conditions at Chinnaswamy.
On the bowling front, Yash Dayal has been a standout performer for RCB, leading the team's wicket-taking charts. The support of Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj, Cameron Green, and Swapnil Singh will be pivotal in this must-win match. Glenn Maxwell could also provide a part-time spin option depending on the conditions.
For CSK, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been the backbone of their batting lineup, consistently providing solid starts. Daryl Mitchell has also done his bit in the last few games, and the team will hope for Shivam Dube to regain his form after a string of low scores. In the bowling department, Simarjeet Singh and Tushar Deshpande have stepped up in the absence of key pacers Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana, and Deepak Chahar.
The presence of MS Dhoni, despite some injury concerns, continues to be an inspirational factor for CSK. His experience and leadership will be crucial as CSK aims to secure their place in the playoffs.
Team News
Will Jacks and Reece Topley have already left India to join up with the England camp ahead of their series against Pakistan. Glenn Maxwell, in all likelihood, will take Jacks's place in the XI. Chennai, meanwhile, should field an unchanged lineup.
Head-to-head record
Historically, CSK have dominated this clash, winning 21 out of the 32 clashes between the two sides; RCB have won 10 while 1 has been a no result. In their last meeting earlier this season, CSK chased down a 174-run target with 6 wickets in hand.
Weather Report
Rain could have a massive say in the contest, with a 90% chance of rain from 11 am to 10 pm on Saturday. However, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has a state-of-the-art sub-air drainage system, aiding the chances of having even a shortened contest.
Probable XIs
RCB Probable XI: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal
CSK Probable XI: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh, Maheesh Theekshana
Full squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Mayank Dagar, Glenn Maxwell, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Tom Curran, Alzarri Joseph, Manoj Bhandage, Saurav Chauhan, Rajan Kumar, Himanshu Sharma
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Aravelly Avanish, Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Choudhary, Richard Gleeson, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prashant Solanki, RS Hangargekar, Nishant Sindhu, Maheesh Theekshana
RCB vs CSK IPL 2024: Bengaluru weather update - Rain to hamper RCB's quest for the IPL playoffs?
(With PTI inputs)