Chennai Super Kings will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign aiming to continue their winning streak and possibly become the most successful team in IPL history. They’ll face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are fueled by motivation after their historic WPL title win led by Smriti Mandhana. The CSK vs RCB clash is scheduled for 22nd March at 8 PM IST.
The much-anticipated opening match will showcase a showdown between Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, featuring star players like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Glenn Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis. As these two powerhouse teams collide, fans can expect thrilling battles between some of the best players in the league.
Virat Kohli vs Ravindra Jadeja
One of the most awaited player battles of this season is here. Virat Kohli will be up against his Indian teammate Ravindra Jadeja. Spin bowling is considered as the weak point of Kohli in IPL. But Kohli managed to accumulate a total of 140 runs in 17 innings.
During his innings, he hit 7 boundaries and 3 sixes. Despite facing 41 dot balls, Kohli kept the scoreboard ticking with 66 singles and 14 doubles. His strike rate stood at 106.87, reflecting his ability to maintain a steady run rate. Kohli’s average against Jadeja was an impressive 46.66. Though he lost his wicket thrice to Jadeja, Kohli’s performances remained impactful, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Md Siraj
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener has an excellent record against the RCB pacer. Gaikwad, performed impressively, scoring a total of 53 runs in 6 innings. Gaikwad faced 39 balls during these innings, hitting 9 boundaries but no sixes. He managed to score 13 singles and 2 doubles, showcasing his ability to rotate the strike effectively. Leading CSK for the first time ever, Gailkwad will be with added motivation as he commence his first season as the CSK captain.
With a strike rate of 135.89, Gaikwad displayed his aggressive intent at the crease. Despite facing 15 dot balls, he maintained an overall strike rate of 8.15. Gaikwad lost his wicket once to Mohammad Siraj, but his average of 53.00 demonstrates his consistency in scoring runs against the bowler.
Glenn Maxwell vs Deepak Chahar
The Australian batsman is one of the hardest hitters in world cricket and bowlers do avoid coming face-to-face with the 34-year-old. In his IPL career spanning 124 matches, Glenn Maxwell has amassed 2719 runs with an average of 26.40. He has recorded 18 half-centuries, boasting a highest score of 95 runs. Maxwell has struck 226 fours and 158 sixes. However, in a specific encounter against Deepak Chahar, Maxwell managed only 2 runs in 1 innings, facing 2 balls with a strike rate of 100.00.
During IPL 2023, the 31-year-old Chahar, secured 13 wickets in 10 games, providing the Chennai-based franchise with crucial breakthroughs early in the innings. Throughout his five-year tenure with CSK, Chahar has maintained consistent performance levels. Thus, when these two players face it will be a battle to watch out for.
Rachin Ravindra vs Cameroon Green
Rachin Ravindra, despite his impressive run-scoring record in ODI World Cups for New Zealand, wasn’t assured of a spot in the starting lineup until now due to the depth in the team. However, a thumb injury to Devon Conway, sidelining him until May, has provided an opportunity for Ravindra to open the batting alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad. Similar to Conway, Ravindra brings skill and disruption to the top order. Additionally, his ability to bowl quickish left-arm spin adds depth to CSK’s bowling attack, particularly beneficial on spin-friendly pitches in Chennai.
As a new recruit for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Cameron Green, who debuted in the IPL with Mumbai Indians last year, had an outstanding season, amassing 452 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate exceeding 160 and an average of 50.22. This season, he will partner with his Australian teammate Glenn Maxwell in the middle order. With seven matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB hopes for Green to continue his impressive form on a ground known for high scores and relatively smaller boundaries.
