Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face each other in 7th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on 27th March at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai
Match Preview:
In their quest to end a 17-year losing run against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will encounter a formidable opponent. Chepauk has historically been a stronghold for CSK; since the IPL’s start in 2008, RCB has only won once there.
CSK has always benefited from the slow, spin-friendly surface, and with Ravichandran Ashwin back, their spin arsenal appears to be even more potent this season. Ashwin joins forces with potential Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja to strengthen an already potent spin squad.
Their effectiveness was on full display against Mumbai Indians, where the trio conceded a mere seven runs while claiming five wickets across 11 overs. Given these conditions, RCB’s batting unit, led by Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli, will need to show exceptional adaptability. Kohli has recently improved his approach against spin, incorporating sweeps and slog sweeps, but he cannot be expected to shoulder the responsibility alone.
For RCB to post a competitive total, contributions from key players like Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David will be essential. Given the nature of the pitch, strategic adjustments might be necessary, including the potential inclusion of left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell in place of an overseas batter. Additionally, the fitness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar could play a crucial role, as his experience and control would be valuable in Chennai’s conditions. If available, he is likely to replace Rasikh Salam in the playing XI.
With history and conditions favoring CSK, RCB must deliver a near-flawless performance to have any hope of ending their long-standing struggles at Chepauk.
Probable Playing XI:
Chennai Super Kings (probable): 1 Rachin Ravindra, 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), 3 Rahul Tripathi, 4 Deepak Hooda, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Sam Curran, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 MS Dhoni (wk), 9 R Ashwin, 10 Nathan Ellis, 11 Noor Ahmad, 12 Khaleel Ahmed
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1 Virat Kohli, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Rajat Patidar (capt), 4 Devdutt Padikkal/Mohit Rathee, 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Rasikh Salam/Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Swapnil Singh, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal, 12 Suyash Sharma
Pitch and weather report:
MA Chidambaram Stadium’s pitch is favorable for spin spinners, and as the game progresses, the ground typically becomes slower. The pitch’s behavior at night can also be influenced by dew. There is little probability of rain and the weather will be partly cloudy. Around 35°C will be the daytime temperature and 27°C at night. Humidity will be high, but not more than 80%, and the wind will blow at speeds of 15 to 25 km/h.
Head-to-head record:
CSK and RCB have played 33 times in the IPL. RCB has won 11 times, compared to 21 for CSK. One game concluded without a conclusion.
Prediction:
Given how Chennai has dominated RCB at their home, they are likely to continue their winning-streak against this team.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
Australia: Kayo TV, FoxTel Go
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
South Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog
UK: Sky Sports, SkyGo
USA: Willow TV
Afghanistan: ATN
MENA: Cricbuzz
