CSK vs RCB: CSK aims for first win against RCB

CSK vs RCB: Match preview

CSK vs RCB: Probably each component is a problem, Stephen Fleming said following CSK’s fourth consecutive defeat. Fleming also admitted that the team’s shaky start to the season – their worst in IPL history – has caused nerves and worries to sneak into an ordinarily composed squad that had just won the title the year before.

With one or two solid performances, he believes belief will emerge, although time may not be CSK’s best buddy. Only once before has a club gone all the way after losing their first four games – MI in 2015 – but it was clearly the exception, not the rule. Even more so when there are two more tusslers in the playoff race.

CSK’s immediate concern is to avoid the season derailment that occurred in 2020 when intent and impetus were lacking in every department, as they are now. The opening pair hasn’t clicked, middle-order batting has been sluggish, powerplay effectiveness with the ball has been lacking, and the spinners have lacked wicket-taking edge – thus a collective improvement in form is urgently required.

RCB, on the other hand, is set to deny Ravindra Jadeja’s team any relief from their current slump. The team’s first game under Faf du Plessis ended in defeat, but they’ve tightened up since then, putting in consistent efforts, the kind that Fleming is looking for right now from his players, to win three games in a row. A fourth victory would be expected, and it would give the team a boost into the top half of the points table, which is becoming increasingly competitive and crowded.

Also Read: IPL 2022: RR vs GT Match 24 Prediction

CSK vs RCB: Match Details

When: April 12, 2022, 7:30 p.m. IST, Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (CSK vs RCB)

Where: Mumbai’s Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy

Expect a classic dew-enforced pattern in three of the four evening games at this location. Though LSG successfully protected their total against a shaky SRH, it’s been the most difficult task thus far, as RCB discovered early in the season after losing despite scoring 205/2 against PBKS. Ravindra Jadeja’s luck at the toss, which has been atrocious this year with three losses in four attempts, might very well determine CSK’s fate.

CSK vs RCB: Head to head

In the IPL, CSK defeated RCB 18-9. Since 2018, CSK has won six of the eight matches, including both matches last season. There’s no better time for RCB to face an opponent who has constantly had their number.

CSK vs RCB: Tactics, Matchups, and possible playing XI

Chennai Super Kings

Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube, CSK’s left-handed heavy middle-order, could match up well against RCB’s leading wicket-taker Wanindu Hasaranga, and try to accelerate through the middle. Harshal Patel’s absence also diminishes the quality of one of the stronger bowling lineups this season, which should help the struggling CSK batting.

Playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan, Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theeksana/Dwaine Pretorius/Adam Milne

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Due to a family bereavement, Harshal Patel has left the bubble and returned home.

CSK have been timid starters with the bat this year, and RCB will want to keep it that way. Tactics & Matchups: CSK has been tentative starters with the bat this year, and RCB will want to keep it that way. Early on, David Willey puts them in a good spot against Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has yet to make it through the Powerplay and has demonstrated a weakness for left-handed pitching.

The spinners of CSK have had a shaky start to the season, giving Glenn Maxwell an opportunity to shine after only returning to the side in the last match. Ravindra Jadeja, who has dismissed him six times in 50 deliveries, is set to be a tough opponent.

Playing XI

Faf du Plessis, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey/Josh Hazlewood, Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, Siddarth Kaul/Chama Milind, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj