Who, when, where
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings, 3pm BST, Monday 17 April 2023, Bengaluru
Talking points
The Chennai Super Kings will go into this match with two major injury concerns. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is nursing a niggle, while fast bowler Sisanda Migala has been sidelined. If Dhoni doesn’t play, Ravindra Jadeja will likely captain the team.
The Super Kings would probably be favourites to win this match if it were played in Chepauk, where they have made a veritable fortress at their home ground. But they will be significantly more challenged to win away from home in Bengaluru.
The Royal Challengers are navigating familiar troubles. Season after season their power-packed batting unit is disappointed by the general inability of their bowlers to follow up big totals or defend even larger ones.
Focus remains on openers Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, who put together big partnerships, but arguably too slowly, especially when the spinners are bowling. Captain du Plessis has been particularly mindful of this and could address the issue in this fixture.
Head-to-head
RCB and CSK have a long history. Their last five meetings have yielded four wins for the Super Kings. The last time they met, in 2022, Bangalore won.
Stars to watch
New Zealand batsman Devon Conway has been batting nicely at the top of the order for the Super Kings. Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s roles could take on a lot more significance if Dhoni is ruled out of this match.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has belatedly arrived to the RCB camp. He will likely slot into the XI for this fixture and bring value with bat and ball. His leg-spin could be tricky to handle.
Prediction
The Royal Challengers Bangalore look primed for another win against the Chennai Super Kings. It will at least halve the scoreline from their last six outings.
Suggested bets
Royal Challengers Bangalore to beat Chennai Super Kings
Wanindu Hasaranga to be top Bangalore bowler
Ruturaj Gaikwad to be top Chennai batsman
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