CSK Vs RCB: CSK have won the coin toss and opt to bowl first against RCB. Both sides have won their opening fixture, and will be looking to carry the positive start to their season. The fixture is a repeat of last year’s epic encounter, where RCB secured their qualification in the playoffs at the expense of CSK.
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Chepauk is a hunting ground for spinners. Therefore, the role of Rajat Patidar becomes highly important, as the RCB captain has the best strike-rate against spin bowling in his side.
Playing XI’s
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Here’s What Both Skippers Said During Toss
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings Captain):
“We are going to bowl first. The surface looks pretty much good enough. It looks better than the last game. So, we are looking to chase any total they post. So far, there hasn’t been any dew. We don’t know when the dew will arrive, and it is not in our control. We have better plans for dew. We are looking to execute better with the dew factor but it hasn’t come in so far.”
“There are areas to improve. We were sitting behind in the field and would like to be more aggressive. We can be a bit more clinical with the batting department. We just have one change. Matheesha Pathirana comes in for Nathan Ellis.”
Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain):
“We would have bowled first as well. But don’t think it will make a lot of difference. The surface looks hard and we will look to post a good total and keep them under pressure. The boys have done really well in the last game. It’s important to be best each game especially in this type of league.”
“In the last game, the bowling unit, after 13 overs, the way they chipped in and showed courage, it was amazing to see. The batting as well, especially the opening pair, both batters have shown great intent. It’s one of the best games in the league. Because of the love that the fans show to both the franchises. We have one change. Bhuvi comes in place of Rasikh.”
