IPL 2022: RCB vs CSK Preview – Dwindling Bangalore face rejuvenated Chennai
The Royal Challengers Bangalore will be locking horns with the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in Match 49 of IPL 2022 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on May 4. Both teams will be heading into this contest on the back of contrasting results in their respective fixtures. While RCB went down to the Gujarat Titans by six wickets, CSK got the better of southern rivals Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13 runs.
RCB were one of the forces to reckon with in the ongoing season before they slipped down with three consecutive losses in one week against SRH, Rajasthan Royals and GT respectively. While the batting had let them down against Hyderabad and Rajasthan, it rediscovered its rhythm against Gujarat but more importantly, it was Virat Kohli who roared back to form with a valiant 58 and even Rajat Patidar contributed with a vital 52 that propelled Bangalore to a fighting total of 170/6. Unfortunately for them, they were let down by their bowlers this time around.
CSK on the other hand had a revival in their fortunes after a change in leadership as MS Dhoni was re-appointed as captain. The move paid off instantly as Chennai registered their third win this season to add two more precious points to their tally. The four-time winners would be eyeing yet another win as they lock horns with a demoralized Bangalore. In fact, the reigning champions had got the better of Faf du Plessis & Co. by 23 runs in the reverse fixture.
Predicted XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Despite going down to the Gujarat Titans in the final over, Royal Challengers Bangalore might not be interested in making any changes to their side and would once again be fielding with the same playing XI.
Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood
Chennai Super Kings
Having managed to register an important win over Sunrisers Hyderabad last weekend, the Chennai Super Kings also will not be eager to make any changes and rather go forward with their winning combination. Nonetheless, Dwayne Bravo and Moeen Ali might make way for Dwaine Pretorius and Mitchell Santner respectively.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner/Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Dwaine Pretorius/Dwayne Bravo, Simarjeet Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary
