🏏IPL 2024: Match 68 - CSK vs RCB at Bengaluru on 18/05/2024 @ 7:30PM IST🏏
[Logo Credit: Wildestdreams]
The RCB vs CSK virtual knockout could be the game of the season, weather permitting
Not to forget the big question: will this be MS Dhoni's IPL farewell if CSK fall short?
RCB vs CSK, the match of the season? Is the hype around this encounter justified?
The results over the years have been rather one-sided in favour of CSK. RCB have won only once in their last five meetings and only 31% of the all the matches in the IPL against them. So maybe not.
But this time, there is a lot at stake - it's a virtual quarter-final. RCB are in roaring form, with five wins in a row; CSK have been up and down. Scenarios-wise, it's easier for CSK to get through. Just win, or hope the game is rained out - not unlikely, considering the weather in Bengaluru. RCB, however, have to win and win by a certain margin - assuming a score of 200, they need to win by 18 runs or chase the target down with about 11 balls to spare - to get into the top four.
There are sentimental reasons for the hype too. Is this the last we'll see an MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli encounter on the field? Will it be Dhoni's last game for CSK? (Nobody knows, not even CSK's batting coach Mike Hussey.)
Dhoni and Kohli may grab all the headlines, but some subplots mean much more. The two most powerful spin-hitters this season will come up against each other: Shivam Dube, who rocked it for CSK in the first half, and Rajat Patidar, who turned the fortunes around for RCB in the second. It will also be the battle of the Indian quicks, who have played key roles in their sides' wins in the last few games. M Chinnaswamy Stadium might be a batter-friendly surface, but it may all come down to which pace unit performs better on the day.
In terms of the venue, RCB have won both their recent matches at the Chinnaswamy after being relentlessly bashed by oppositions earlier in the season. CSK, however, have won only two of their six away matches. For CSK to gain an advantage at the Chinnaswamy, their batters must come together.
Does all of that make this the match of the season? It could very well be. Unless rain plays spoilsport.
[Tag Credit: Sutapasima]
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