Karn Sharma was on his haunches when Starc pulled off a low diving catch. RCB camp was heartbroken and not even moved from their seats. None of the commentators, analysts and even their own fans haven’t imagined about their redemption arc after that. Punched above their weight would be a proper phase for their bowling unit’s performance. When these two teams met each other last time in the first match of this season, CSK came out as winning side. From there it has been a road of pits for them. As an entire batting unit, they haven’t found their last season’s mojo. With a final playoff spot remaining, this match will be a virtual quarter final. Just a win is enough for CSK, but for revamped RCB the difference matters. They need to chase the target with 11 balls to spare or they need to win by 18 runs, if they defend the target which will be a herculean task at Chinnaswamy stadium.
Kohli and Ruturaj tops the run charts with 661 and 583 runs respectively. Ruturaj holds the key and will be a glue for this experienced CSK batting unit. His average of 71 as an opener is the best in this season. Two teams got belligerent spin hitters in the form of Rajat Patidar and Shivam Dube. Both smashed 27 and 28 sixes respectively. Off late Dube’s form slightly went into the dip, but Patidar has been truly arrived for RCB as middle overs enforcer. Both teams built their pace battery with young Indian seamers. RCB welcome Maxwell again to team for that Will Jacks shaped void. Jacks offered the power, punch, stability and balance for RCB. Jadeja’s spin against Patidar and Maxwell will be an exciting contest. Santner might replace Theekshana or already left Moeen. On the other end Ruturaj always had the upper hand whenever he faces Lockie Ferguson. There are emotional contests in this match such as MSD vs Virat’s last encounter and this might be a last game for the giant of the sport MSD.
CSK probable XI: Ruturaj, Rachin, Mitchell, Dube, Jadeja, Rizvi, MSD, Santner, Shardul, Tushar,Simarjeet
Impact Sub: Theekshana or Gleeson
RCB probale XI: Faf, Virat, Maxwell, Patidar, Green, DK, Karn, Swapnil, Ferguson, Siraj, Yash
Imapct Sub: Lomror or Vyshak
Form Guide:
RCB: WWWWW
CSK: WLWLW
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Pitch and Weather conditions:
Bengaluru has been gloomy and cloudy on Friday. Weather reports showing 80% of rain that could be thunderstorms. So, its mostly going stop-start affair. As usual the pitch will be a belter probably. Due to rain forecast, both teams would like to chase.
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Date: 18th May, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Jiocinema
