'Pitches in Chennai have changed, it's no longer a fortress for CSK' - Abhinav Mukund

The much-awaited schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was finally announced on Thursday, February 22 as BCCI unveiled the fixtures for only the first 21 matches of the tournament. The tournament will get underway from Friday, March 22 as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on each other in the curtain raiser at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Ahead of the mouth-watering opening clash former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Abhinav Mukund recalled the historic rivalry between the two sides and reminisced their close encounters. In the 31 matches played in the IPL history, CSK have an upper hand over RCB with 20 wins to their name while RCB have won ten matches.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Schedule 2024, Time Table, Timings, Dates, Venues Details and PDF Download

"CSK versus RCB has been a great rivalry over the years. RCB have come incredibly close to winning at Chepauk but couldn't cross the line. A couple of these moments will be etched in fans' hearts," Mukund was quoted as saying by Jio Cinema.

Further speaking ahead, Mukund highlighted the changing nature of the pitch in Chennai and made a bold claim that their home ground is not a fortress anymore.

"The good thing for RCB is that the pitches in Chennai have changed. It's no longer a fortress for CSK. They lost to Punjab (Kings) and KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) at home (last year) even though they won the trophy. But looking at the spin-friendly conditions and the spinners they have, CSK looks stronger on paper," he added.

Remaining IPL schedule to be announced in coming weeks

Out of the first 21 games, CSK will play two games at home with the second one being against Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 26. Meanwhile, the remaining schedule of IPL will be announced once the Election Commission reveals the schedule of General Elections 2024.

Also Read: CSK celebrate 16 years of Chennai's adopted son MS Dhoni

Earlier, it was expected that the tournament might be shifted out of India due to elections but BCCI is trying its level best to host the entire tournament in the country working in coordination with all the parties.