IPL 2018: Match 24, RCB vs CSK: Clash of the Titans at the Chinnaswamy

The is the first of the two games between the sides in this year's IPL.

Image result for Virat Kohli - MS Dhoni IPL 2018

Its a matchup between two of India's modern greats when Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni comes face to face at the Chinnaswamy tonight. RCB vs CSK games have always been closely contested in the past in the IPL and this match promises to be no different. 

While its a must-win match for RCB at home, for CSK it's a match-winning which they can climb to the top of the table. RCB is in sixth position in the points table while CSK is in the second. This the second of RCB's four home games on the bounce, the only factor which keeps them ahead of RCB in today's contest. 

Their batting has been heavily dependent on Kohli and De Villiers who played a 39 ball 90 run innings to help RCB win their previous game against Daredevils at home. The bowling attack continues to be inconsistent as Umesh Yadav and Yuzvendar Chahal is trying to prove themselves in every match. 

As per reports, RCB is unlikely to tinker with their playing XI for the side in tonight's game which again means that if Banglore chase, they will chase a high score and the onus will be on AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli to take them home. Bowling wise their spinners will hold the key with Umesh expected to be backing them up.

As far as CSK's XI  for the game is concerned, Imran Tahir is fit and is expected to make a comeback in the game. In this case, either of Faf du Plessis or Sam Billings will make way for him. There is also a possibility of Harbhajan Singh's inclusion in the side which means, CSK will go in with a spin-heavy attack. Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur will be the Indian pacers in the line up with the wily Bravo as Dhoni's most trusted bowler at the death. 

As far as playing conditions for tonight's game is concerned, A cloudy evening, with thunderstorms earlier in the day. The weather forecast for Wednesday is very similar to what it was last Saturday, when RCB hosted DD. It is likely to be another slow wicket to bat first on, with dew assisting run-making in the second. Toss will be key as RCB has been a ground where teams have favored chasing. 

Toss : 

Chennai Super Kings have won the toss and have opted to field

Playing XI 

Chennai Super Kings: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Sam Billings, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Quinton de Kock(w), Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Corey Anderson, Colin de Grandhomme, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 25 Apr, 2018

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