IPL 2021: 5 big challenges as Virat Kohli and Co eye comeback vs CSK

RCB vs CSK in IPL 2021: 5 big challenges for Virat Kohli as RCB eye to bounce back after KKR mauling – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in an action-packed weekend. The Virat Kohli led side did not have the best of starts to Phase 2 as they were thumped by the Kolkata Knight Riders, which cut down their lead over fellow playoff chasers Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. The three-time IPL finalists will hope that the performance is a minor and will look to get their campaign back on track against CSK on Friday.

RCB v CSK IPL 2021 Build Up | 12th Man TV

One of the most anticipated clashes in the #IPL is just a day away. Here’s everything you need to know about tomorrow’s Big match against CSK. #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/psiyJAnzQZ

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 23, 2021

On that note, Insidesport.co looks at five big challenges Virat Kohli will face as his RCB side aims to bounce back to winning ways.

Game Day: RCB V CSK Preview

The previous match was a tough pill to swallow, but we know what it takes to come out victorious, and we spoke about our chances going into the all important match against CSK on @myntra presents Game Day.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/nMjuSs1TAX

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 24, 2021

Also Read: IPL 2021, RCB vs CSK: Virat Kohli’s chance for redemption as RCB face tough CSK test

1. Change in conditions, personnel

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were amongst the top-performing sides in IPL 2021 Phase 1, but a lot has changed over the last four months within the franchise. Four overseas stars have withdrawn from the squad, while Washington Sundar has been ruled out due to injury. Head coach Simon Katich opted out as well, with Mike Hesson now the new head coach of the side. Furthermore, the conditions in UAE are far from what they were in India in April when RCB were at the top of their game.

2. Dressing room atmosphere

Ahead of IPL 2021 Phase 2 kick-off, Virat Kohli dropped a bombshell announcing that it would be his final season as RCB captain. The timing of the decision is odd, with many experts questioning the idea behind it and how it could destabilise a strong dressing room. While Mike Hesson has insisted that the squad were aware of the plans and have no qualms regarding the same, Kohli will have to work hard to not let the heads drop and maintain the same spirit for the reaming six games of the league phase.

3. Personal form

Virat Kohli’s own personal form has been questionable, with the RCB skipper not having had a great IPL 2021 Phase 1 barring his lone half-century. He departed early against the Knight Riders again, adding much more pressure on Devdutt Padikkal and the rest of the line-up. If RCB have to break their IPL duck, Kohli’s return to form is crucial, and the 32-year-old will be itching to set the record straight against CSK.

Also Read: RCB vs CSK Head to Head: MS Dhoni’s CSK look to continue dominance over Virat Kohli’s RCB – Check all important Stats

4. Over-reliance on top order

Over the years, RCB’s greatest problem has been its over-reliance on Virat Kohli and Ab de Villiers. While Devdutt Padikkal and Glenn Maxwell have chipped in with valuable contributions during IPL 2021 Phase 1, the quartet have failed to fire in unison, especially with Kohli’s dip in form and AB de Villiers’ retirement. The rest of the batting line-up has been chopped and changed after a host of failures, and a similar result beckoned when the likes of Sachin Baby, Srikar Bharat and Wanindu Hasaranga added very little to the total against KKR.

5. Spin bowling woes

RCB’s spin contingent has struggled in IPL 2021, and Virat Kohli will hope that Yuzvendra Chahalcan soon find his mojo back. Chahal did pick up the solitary wicket against KKR, but did little to trouble the batsmen, in a day to forget for RCB. With Adam Zampa and Washington Sundar out, Chahal will be pairing up with Wanindu Hasaranga in the attack, who also struggled on his RCB debut against KKR. Kohli will need both to fire on slow and sluggish pitches in the UAE, should RCB aim to make the playoffs.

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