It’s a new season of Indian Premier League but also end of an era. There will be no MS Dhoni at the toss when Chennai Super Kings face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opener on March 22 in Chennai. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead CSK as Dhoni has passed the baton. However, with multiple injuries, CSK would face a tough task. CSK vs RCB starts at 8 PM at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as there is a glamorous IPL opening ceremony from 6:30 PM.
While it will begin a new era for CSK with Gaikwad leading the side, all eyes will be on Dhoni. It goes without saying that this could very well be his last season even though an official confirmation is yet to come. Even if he plays a delivery, it will be a fan fest, no doubt.
Dhoni fanfare vs return of Virat Kohli
While MS Dhoni will steal the limelight, there will be Virat Kohli as well. He is returning after a two-month break having been on daddy duty. With no match practice, Kohli will be under pressure in the CSK vs RCB clash on Friday.
To put more pressure on the visitors, RCB Women have recently ended the franchise’s trophyless run clinching Women’s Premier League title.
CSK to start as underdogs?
Chennai Super Kings have an impressive lineup that includes a wide variety of all-round players. The team is versatile in both the bowling and batting departments, led by Ravindra Jadeja’s spin wizardry and Shivam Dube and Daryl Mitchell’s explosive batting abilities. Nevertheless, CSK are in a bit of pressure.
With Matheesha Pathirana and Devon Conway out and Shivam Dube also recovering from an injury, CSK have received a triple blow.
Pathirana would have played a key role as a death overs specialist. Although Deepak Chahar is effective with the new ball, the Yellow Army is hindered by Pathirana’s absence due to a hamstring injury.
IPL 2024 News
RCB look to better Chennai record
On the other side of the field, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have added players strategically to present a stronger lineup on paper, even though they will be starting with more or less the same players from the IPL 2023. With players like Cameron Green, Virat Kohli and the prolific Faf du Plessis at the helm, RCB hope to take advantage of their strong middle order and a rejuvenated pace battery that include Mohammad Siraj, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph, and Lockie Ferguson.
However, On a slow turner, RCB’s batting firepower has never worked. And that will be the biggest challenge for Faf du Plessis & Co.
In Chennai, RCB have last won back in 2008. In eight encounters, RCB have only one win at Chepauk and that does not sound good for Faf du Plessis & Co.
CSK vs RCB Pitch Report
Traditionally, the pitch at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium is expected to be dry, which will benefit spinners. Hit-the-deck bowlers should anticipate little lateral movement but possibly a steep bounce. It’s surprising how well the pitch holds up in spite of rough conditions, especially in the evening. If teams choose to bowl first, they can take advantage with batting conditions improving later. But historically, in the hot and muggy weather, teams have preferred to bat first just to be safe. Even though it would be easy to take advantage of the pitch early on, both captains might have a tendency to stick with tradition.
Match Details
Tournament: Indian Premier League 2024
Match: CSK vs RCB
Date: 22nd March
Time: 8:00 PM IST
Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema
CSK vs RCB Probable XIs
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni (C, WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary.
Impact Player: Sameer Rizvi
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mayank Dagar, Karn Sharma, Akash Deep, Mohd Siraj, Reece Topley.
Impact Player: Vyshak Vijaykumar
