IPL 2024: Predicting 3 players who could score the most runs in today's RCB vs CSK match
The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) is prepared for a mega showdown between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18. Although rain threatens to hamper the clash, it has not affected the hype for the contest which will decide the final spot for the playoffs.
RCB are on a five-match winning run and have completely turned around their season to be in contention for the playoffs. The Faf du Plessis-led side has an advantage over the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), owing to a superior net run rate.
Despite their formidable net run rate, they are short of CSK's 14 points. As a result, they need to ensure that they either chase down the total with 11 balls to spare or win by at least 18 runs to overcome that difference.
CSK, on the other hand, have had an up-and-down season, but to their credit, they have won when it has mattered. After their demoralizing defeat to the Gujarat Titans (GT), they secured a win over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their final home game to remain alive in the race.
With the clash scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, runs are arguably inevitable, bringing batters from both camps into play, if weather permits, of course. On that note, let us take a look at three players who could score the most runs in today's RCB vs CSK IPL 2024 match.
#1 Virat Kohli
The Orange Cap holder of IPL 2024 will certainly have a say in a must-win encounter for his beloved franchise. Kohli has stepped up in the past in similar circumstances, and he also has a good record at the venue and the opposition.
His form and ability also need no dissection, with his spot in the run charts and his improved strike rate being enough evidence. He is close to breaching the 700-run mark for the season and could scale it with an impactful knock against CSK in the high-octane encounter.
#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased his best anchoring ability in the tense win over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a low-scoring thriller. However, he will have to play in a different gear when he steps out at the Chinnaswamy, and this season has proved that he is quite capable of doing so.
The opening batter has had a brilliant second half of the campaign, especially at Chepauk. There will be a huge responsibility on his shoulders, being the chief batter and the skipper of the side in the crucial encounter. He will look to capitalize on the powerplay, build his innings, and explode toward the end, while the batters around him put pressure on the RCB bowlers.
#3 Shivam Dube
RCB's absence of a genuine right-arm spinner barring Glenn Maxwell, coupled with the short boundaries, will certainly bring Shivam Dube into play. The left-handed batter's season took a minor hit after consecutive ducks against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), but he is still an entity that needs to be feared.
Dube also has a brilliant record against his former franchise, with his average reading a mammoth 113.50 and the strike rate being 170.68. His presence at the crease will make it difficult for RCB to have any sort of control in the middle overs, and once settled, he could take the game away from the opposition in the blink of an eye.