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Why is Moeen Ali not playing today's RCB vs CSK IPL 2024 match?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Moeen Ali is unavailable for their last Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 league match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (May 18). Mitchell Santner has replaced Ali in the playing XI.

The development came as England players are unavailable for the last league and playoffs for the respective franchises to prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.

Moeen Ali scored 128 runs and scalped two wickets in his eight games for the Super Kings this season. Meanwhile, Santner has scalped one wicket in two games.

The left-arm spinner, though, has scalped 194 wickets in 191 T20s. He is a like-to-like replacement for Ali and a handy batter in the lower order with over 2,000 runs in T20s.

At the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said:

"Just one change - Moeen isn't available, Santner replaces him."

CSK opt to bowl against RCB in IPL 2024 match

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl against RCB in IPL on Saturday. At the toss, he said:

"We'll bowl first. The wicket looks good, conditions are overcast and we will look to make the most of the movement in the first 2-3 overs. It looks a bit damp, but we'll go with great intent."

Meanwhile, RCB fielded an unchanged side following their five wins on the trot in the last five matches. They must win the game by 18 runs or chase down the target with 11 balls to spare to reach 14 points and surpass CSK's net run rate (NRR).

On the other hand, the defending champions Super Kings are coming on the back of a five-wicket win against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). A win would help them qualify for the playoffs. Even if the game gets washed out due to rain, they will reach 15 points, enough to register a berth in the top 4.

The two teams last faced off in this season's opener where CSK beat RCB by six wickets in Chennai.

Follow the RCB vs CSK IPL 2024 match live score and updates here.

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