IPL 2018: Match 35, CSK vs RCB, Preview- Only a win over CSK will keep RCB's noose above the water

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have tended to strain a wee bit in the last three games where their bowlers were under the pump. MS Dhoni’s men will now face the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MCA Stadium in Pune. RCB played some scintillating cricket against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and with that win managed to keep themselves alive in the tournament.

However, the contest against the Super Kings won’t be a stroll in the park by any stretch of the imagination. Last time around, Dhoni helped his team to a stupendous victory against Virat Kohli’s boys. The track in Pune is expected to be a batsman’s paradise and the match might be a witness to another run-fest, where bowlers will feel most of the heat.

However, RCB would be going into the game in a slightly better frame of mind than the hosts. As far as the league table is concerned, Bangalore are still in with a stern challenge in order to qualify for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Chennai would be hoping to park their disappointment aside, make a strong comeback and emerge victorious in order to keep their position intact.

Toss: CSK won the toss and elected to bowl first

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dhruv Shorey, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, David Willey, Harbhajan Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Shardul Thakur

Royal Challengers Bangalore (Playing XI): Parthiv Patel(w), Brendon McCullum, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Murugan Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Team Combination

Chennai Super Kings

Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson are the likely openers for the game followed by Suresh Raina. Ambati Rayudu stays in the middle order. The franchise might replace Ravindra Jadeja with Dhruv Shorey who was in stand-out touch in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. MS Dhoni has been in marvellous form and his contribution is crucial.

The bowling attack is a concern for the Super Kings. Lungi Ngidi and Shardul Thakur have to shoulder the responsibility in the power-play. Dwayne Bravo, being the experienced campaigner, have to be on top of his game as well. Harbhajan Singh and Karn Sharma also need to deliver. Most importantly, Shane Watson’s all-round abilities would be the ones to watch out.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Quinton de Kock has left for home and hence, he won’t be taking part in the game. In that case, Parthiv Patel is likely to replace him as the wicket-keeper. Brendon McCullum and Patel would open the batting. AB de Villiers would be returning to action, which is a massive boost for them. Virat Kohli remains to be a vital cog in their setup and is likely to promote himself above number four.

The RCB bowlers managed to defend a target for the maiden time in this league, which will keep them in good stead. Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Siraj and Tim Southee will be in to shoulder the mantle in the fast-bowling department. Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal will have to do their bit as well.

Players to watch out for

Faf du Plessis- Chennai Super Kings

Faf du Plessis has looked good in the three games, but hasn’t been able to get a substantial score. He threatened to take the game away against the Knight Riders, but Piyush Chawla’s guile got the better of him. The Proteas cricketer would be keen to score big in Pune where the deck would be helpful for the batsmen. RCB can’t afford to undermine him by any means.

AB de Villiers- Royal Challengers Bangalore

AB de Villiers backed out of RCBs game against the Knights owing to a viral. To the delight of the visitors, he would be making a comeback in the next game. He has already won a couple of games on his own. He has been a fulcrum of the side and hopes would be pinned on him to deliver yet again. The Challengers would be hoping for the veteran to dictate terms to the CSK bowlers.

Head to Head

Played- 21, Chennai Super Kings – 13, Royal Challengers Bangalore – 7, NR-  1

Stat Attack

MS Dhoni’s 679 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL is the most by a CSK batsman against RCB.

Virat Kohli’s 724 runs against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL is the most by an RCB batsman against RCB

Broadcast details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 16:00 IST, 10:30 GMT

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