MA Chidambaram Pitch Report: You don’t need a buildup for a CSK vs RCB encounter, especially if it also happens to be the IPL 2024 season opener. Everyone was already waiting for the mouth-watering clash on March 22. But the significance of the match has become manifold, now that we know that it’ll be MS Dhoni’s first match since 2008, when he’ll not lead the side.
One will have to see how Dhoni, CSK fans, and Ruturaj Gaikwad handle the situation. However, it is a golden opportunity for the Royal Challengers Bangalore to seize the opportunity and kick off their campaign in an emphatic fashion.
MA Chidambaram Pitch Report: What to expect in the CSK vs RCB match
The MA Chidambaram Stadium traditionally offers favorable conditions for spin bowlers. Although the pitch is known to be slow and dry, it helps the batters more as the match goes on. As the night sets, dew becomes a major factor in Chepauk, making it tough for the bowlers to grip the ball.
Although batting is easier while chasing here, the overall record favors the team batting first. The average 1st inning score here is 163, but the sides chasing only have a 40% win record here (30-46). You might think that the toss will play a major factor at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, but evidence of the win-the-toss, win-the-match theory hasn’t been seen here.
Last season, the team batting first here had a 5-4 win/loss record. This shows that the trend is starting to even out in Chennai, and one may find success batting first or chasing. Taking the spin, dew factor, and pressure of the situation into consideration, whoever wins the toss should opt to bat second.
