KATHMANDU: With the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vying for the last spot in the playoffs, Saturday’s IPL clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a virtual knockout.
RCB lost their first game against CSK this season, but having registered five consecutive wins, they will be confident on their home ground.
Tickets for an RCB vs. CSK game are always in high demand, but this match has even greater interest due to the potential of seeing Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli in action.
Although Dhoni has yet to announce his retirement, a CSK defeat could mark his final IPL game, adding sentimental value to the event.
Kohli, in stellar form, is expected to deliver another T20 masterclass.
While Kohli enjoys tremendous support at his home ground, loyalties may be divided due to Dhoni’s widespread popularity.
Many CSK fans are expected to travel from Chennai to Bengaluru, a mere five-hour drive.
However, the weather forecast for Saturday evening predicts cloudy skies with thunderstorms in parts of Bengaluru, which could affect the match.
CSK, with 14 points, have their fate in their own hands.
A win would secure them 16 points and at least the fourth spot.
Even a narrow defeat could see them through, provided their net run rate (NRR) remains superior to RCB’s.
RCB, with 12 points, are in a must-win situation.
In the event of a washout or no-result, both teams would get one point each, which would be enough for CSK to advance.
RCB will need to calculate the margins of victory needed to surpass CSK’s NRR.
Currently, RCB’s NRR is +0.387, while CSK’s is +0.528.
A win would bring RCB level with CSK at 14 points, but they must also close the NRR gap.
For example, in a 200-run chase, RCB would need to win within 18.1 overs (with at least 11 balls to spare).
If batting first and scoring 200, they would need to restrict CSK to 182 or less.
A truncated game would make RCB’s task more challenging as they would still need to win by the same margin to surpass CSK in NRR.
Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified.
However, if CSK wins against RCB, they could move up to the second position if Rajasthan Royals lose and Sunrisers Hyderabad get no more than one point from their final game.
RCB’s resurgence has been fueled by their batting prowess, led by Kohli, who is the leading run-scorer with 661 runs at an average of 66.10. Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green have also found form.
Glenn Maxwell is expected to return to replace England’s Will Jacks, who has left for national duties.
CSK will miss their spin-bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has led from the front with 583 runs at an average of 58.30, will be crucial in leading his team to the playoffs.
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