3 things RCB need to do right to beat CSK in IPL 2024 clash in Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a must-win IPL 2024 clash at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18. CSK need a win or one point to become the fourth and final team to reach the playoffs. For RCB, they not only need to win but also surpass Chennai's net run rate to clinch a top four berth.
After losing six matches in a row, Bengaluru's IPL 2024 campaign seemed as good as over. However, they have bounced back in sensational fashion to win five consecutive games.
Faf du Plessis and co. now have a realistic chance of making the playoffs. Assuming they score 200, they need to win by at least 18 runs. In a chase, they need to get home with 11 (approximately) or more balls to spare.
If the weather doesn't play spoilsport, RCB will be expected to put up a good show against CSK. As the teams prepare for the big battle, we analyze three things Royal Challengers Bengaluru need to do right to beat Chennai Super Kings in Saturday's mega clash.
#1 Expose chinks in CSK's batting
While Chennai Super Kings are still strong contenders to make the playoffs, they have not been at their best in IPL 2024.
One of the key reasons behind the same is the fact that their batting department has struggled to consistently make an impact. CSK have been heavily dependent on their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to deliver the goods with the willow.
Gaikwad is second on the list of leading run-getters in IPL 2024. He has 583 runs in 13 innings at an average of 58.30 and a strike rate of 141.50, with one hundred and four fifties.
Shivam Dube (389 runs from 13 innings) was brilliant in the first half but has gone off the boil lately. Daryl Mitchell (314 runs from 12 innings) has done a decent job, but the rest have struggled.
Ajinkya Rahane has had a woeful run, averaging 19 at a strike rate of 120.11 in 11 innings. Ravindra Jadeja (225 runs from 10 innings) and Rachin Ravindra (161 runs from nine innings) have also been inconsistent. Even in CSK's last match against Rajasthan Royals, they registered an unconvincing five-wicket win in a low-scoring contest at Chepauk.
RCB must look to expose the chinks in CSK's batting department. If they pick up early wickets, they could put the defending champions under the pump. And, in case they dismiss Gaikwad early, Bengaluru could gain the upper hand in the must-win clash.
#2 RCB batters need to put pressure on CSK bowlers
Chennai Super Kings have done well with the limited bowling resources they have had at their disposal.
However, the fact is that RCB have the arsenal to put the current CSK bowling line-up under pressure. Remember, Chennai are without Matheesha Pathirana and Deepak Chahar (injuries), while Mustafizur Rahman has left for national duty.
The likes of Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh and Shardul Thakur have done a decent job for the Chennai franchise. They also have the experience of Maheesh Theekshana and Jadeja in the spin department. But, with all due credit to the bowlers, this is an attack that could be taken to the cleaners.
Even in Will Jacks' absence, RCB have an explosive and in-form batting line-up that could put CSK bowlers on the back foot. Orange Cap holder Virat Kohli (661 runs) has been in exceptional form, while skipper Du Plessis (367 runs), Rajat Patidar (320 runs) and Dinesh Karthik (301 runs) are in a great hitting rhythm too.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters must look to launch an all-out assault on Chennai Super Kings bowlers. If they succeed, the attacking ploy could be the defining factor of the crunch clash.
#3 Bowling unit must continue its good work
RCB's bowlers were extremely disappointing in the first half, with many critics and fans terming them the worst bowling attack in IPL 2024. To their credit, Bengaluru's bowlers have turned around their fortunes superbly.
Underrated left-arm pacer Yash Dayal has led the way with 13 wickets at an average of 29.23. Mohammed Siraj has made a strong return to form after a poor start to IPL 2024. He has 12 scalps in as many games. Cameron Green, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma have all chipped in.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's bowlers need to continue their great work against Chennai Super Kings as well and ensure that they don't slip in the do-or-die contest. If that happens, Bengaluru should find themselves in a good position to clinch the match.