CSK vs RCB: Preview, probable XI, match prediction, live streaming, weather forecast, and pitch report
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match #25 of IPL 2020 on Saturday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be the second match of a double-header on Saturday, with the match starting at 7:30 PM IST.
CSK has had a torrid start to the tournament, winning just two out of their six games. They stumbled to a 10-run defeat to KKR from a winning position in their last game. CSK are yet to bat first this season and have had only two successful chases from a possible six.
Kedar Jadhav's lack of intent and poor performances has received immense criticism. It remains to be seen whether he will be backed by the team management like Shane Watson. The constantly shuffling middle-order has also been a cause for concern.
On Saturday, the team might decide to use the batting abilities of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran more and play an extra bowler in the place of Jadhav.
RCB has done better than their opponents, though they come off a big loss at the hands of the Delhi Capitals. Star pacer Navdeep Saini was taken apart by the Delhi batsmen, but the other bowlers were relatively better. Mohammed Siraj's assured performance with the ball will be a huge source of confidence for the side.
The RCB top order didn't click, though, with Finch, Padikkal, and AB De Villiers all falling early. Kohli waged a lone battle but succumbed to the climbing scoreboard pressure. The team will look to put pressure on the CSK bowlers right from the onset, and not lose their wickets carelessly.
Both these teams won one game apiece last season, and the Dhoni-Kohli battle will be intriguing to watch.
CSK vs RCB match details
Date: 10th October 2020 (Saturday)
Time: 7:30 PM IST.
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
CSK vs RCB weather forecast
There's no chance of rain interrupting this game. The temperature will be around 33 degrees Celsius, with the humidity at 45%. There will be some steady wind during the game, which will help the new ball bowlers to get some swing and will also influence the six-hitting abilities of the batsmen.
CSK vs RCB pitch report
As seen in the KXIP-SRH game, the wicket in Dubai has been favorable for the batsmen, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. There has been some turn for the spinners, who are playing an increased role in the tournament. A score of around 170-175 will be a good total on this surface.
CSK vs RCB predicted XIs
Chennai Super Kings
Many fans and experts have called for the omission of Kedar Jadhav from the team. However, knowing how CSK operates, he's likely to receive the backing of his captain and his team, for now. If he is replaced, Piyush Chawla is the most likely to return to the team, considering ABD and Kohli's struggles when facing leg-spin.
Karn Sharma's impressive performance against KKR should help him retain his place in the side.
Predicted XI: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C and WK), Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav/Piyush Chawla, DJ Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Karn Sharma, and Deepak Chahar.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Chris Morris is set to return from injury for RCB, and Isuru Udana is likely to make way for him. Saini has bowled very well, and his performance in the last game can be considered a one-off. Moeen Ali's place in the team could be challenged by Adam Zampa, though the former's all-round skills make it likely for him to get the nod.
Predicted: Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), AB De Villiers (WK), Moeen Ali/Adam Zampa, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Mohammed Siraj.
CSK vs RCB match prediction
Despite RCB's better record this season, this game won't be easy for them. If the CSK batting fires, they do have the bowling to trouble the RCB batsmen. The confidence of this RCB side, though, will play a huge factor in this match.
They seem to have found their right combination, and with Morris returning to the side, they may have the edge in what could prove to be a tightly-contested encounter.
CSK vs RCB TV and live streaming details
TV: Star Sports Network.
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar VIP