CSK vs. RCB Preview : The real treat to cricket fans is going to happen as CSK takes on RCB at M.A Chidambaram stadium. It is highly regarded as the marquee clash of the IPL as both the teams are involved in high electric encounters in the past. As CSK set to take on RCB at home the fans will be eagerly waiting to watch one of the greatest rivalries in the tournament at their home ground. CSK regaining their dominance after coming from the two-year ban but RCB still looks strong on paper than in the ground.
With AB Devilliers and Virat Kohli in their lineup RCB is expected to put a great show in batting but on the other hand consistent, CSK has got all the abilities to counter them. It’s going to be the raining of sixers as both the teams has got some beautiful hitters of the cricket ball. There is much intensity among the fans due to political reasons like Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka so both the fans are expected to turn in huge numbers to support their respective teams.
Team Statistics
| Total | In Chennai | In Bangalore | Neutral | |
| Matches | 23 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Won by CSK | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| Won by RCB | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Tie/No result | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
The much awaited “south Indian derby” is all set to happen between these two sides. Both the teams came against each other for 23 times and CSK emerged as victorious in 15 times. CSK also got the better home record against RCB as 6 out of 7 matches played in Chennai.
What’s in the Kitty
Considering their team composition and recent form CSK is the team to beat in the tournament. Going on the statistics CSK will start the match as overwhelming favorites as it is a battle between CSK’s experienced batting lineup versus RCB’s inconsistent batting and bowling. This match is also viewed as the captaincy battle between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
RCB on other hands always looks better in paper considering their batting lineup but has got the habit of losing matches due to their inconsistent performance. With world cup around the corner players like Virat Kohli, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis will look to horn their cricketing skills in the tournament. RCB has added few exciting prospects in world cricket like Heitmeyer and Indian rookie Shivam Dube who are expected to be a solution for their long-standing worries.
Players to Watch Out for CSK
Shane Watson
Having played an anchoring role in last season Shane Watson will look to replicate the same performance in this year’s edition also. Having played for RCB in the past Watson knows the in and out of the team which can also come in handy during their strategic planning. On his day he can be unstoppable with bat and also considering the slow nature of the Chennai wicket he can also come in handy with the ball. Overall he is a useful package that makes every team loves to have him in their squad.
Imran Tahir
No one can question his abilities when it comes to limited over’s cricket. With lots of right-handers in RCB’s batting line-up and considering the slow nature of the wicket he can be lethal against inexperienced Bangalore batting line-up especially during the power play overs.
Players to Watch out for RCB
Shimron Hetmyer
This young and dynamic batsman from West Indies is all set to make a debut in this year’s edition of the IPL. Considering his hard-hitting skills and ability to handle the spin bowling makes him so special. With Chennai pitch traditionally suits for spinners he can be the trump card for Virat Kohli in the lower middle order.
Virat Kohli
RCB will look their captain to provide much-needed batting list at top order considering the settle CSK’s bowling up. He has to play anchor role and has to play at least 15 overs in order to turn the fortunes in their favor. Considering his caliber he can be at his best in this high profile encounter.
Prediction
Considering the CSK’s home ground record they start as overwhelming favorites but with Devilliers and Kohli in RCB’s ranks, they are expected to come much harder. Overall it is going to be the real treat for cricketing fans.
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