CSK began the tournament on a slightly slippery note. They posted a good total against DC but failed to defend that. CSK came back strongly in the 2nd game and blew away PK. They picked up crucial wickets in the powerplay to dent PK’s innings. CSK put a dominant performance in the game against RR. They comfortably won against them and stormed to the 2nd spot in the points table.

CSK boast of having the best Net Run Rate among teams currently. Their experienced outfit has mastered the conditions at Mumbai smartly. CSK are one of the most balanced teams in the IPL. They are on a roll and even a spirited KKR fightback couldn’t stop them from winning. CSK are high on confidence and might prove to the toughest opponent for RCB.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have started the tournament in the best possible way. They are the only team to have won all the games this season. RCB posted thrilling wins over MI and SRH in their first two games. They comfortably defeated KKR in their third game. RCB have found new heroes in every game. Harshal Patel led the charge in the first game while Glenn Maxwell’s innings proved to be the difference in the 2nd game.

RCB have found new heroes in both their wins and this augurs well for the franchise. Shahbaz Ahmed’s game-changing over against SRH is another highlight. Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers powered RCB to a fantastic total in the third game. Mohammad Siraj then bowled an excellent penultimate over to shut the game. RCB annihilated RR at Mumbai. They cruised to a 10-wicket win thanks to Devdutt Padikkal’s splendid century and Virat Kohli’s 71. RCB are at the top of the table. It promises to be a mouth-watering contest.

CSK vs RCB: Favourites?

It is the battle of table-toppers. CSK have found their mojo in the league. They have won 3 back to back games after losing the first match. CSK have mastered conditions at the Wankhede. Moeen Ali’s inclusion has provided a new lease of life to the CSK squad. They are on a roll and will be keen to continue their good run.

RCB on the other hand have been a dream run. They have won 4 out of 4 to begin the tournament on a bang, RCB have found new heroes in all their victories. The emergence of Harshal Patel as a death bowler has lifted RCB. Mohammad Siraj and Kyle Jamieson have formed a potent new ball combination. Siraj has been lethal at the death too. Glenn Maxwell has complimented Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers brilliantly. Devdutt Padikkal’s century in the previous game augurs well. They are certainly the team to beat in IPL 2021.

Which players will be match-winners in this game?

Ravindra Jadeja holds key numbers against Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell. He has dismissed Kohli thrice in 113 balls conceding just 123 runs. Jadeja’s record against Maxwell is even better. He has dismissed Maxwell on 4 occasions giving away just 35 runs in 30 deliveries.

Yuzvendra Chahal holds a wood against Suresh Raina. He has dismissed Raina 4 times.

X-factor player:

Moeen Ali will be the key to counter RCB’s bowling. If he gets going runs will keep flowing for CSK. Ali averages 33.25 with the bat and is striking at 152.87 this season. He has 4 wickets to his name and has been super economical (6.33).

Glenn Maxwell is in top form in IPL 2021. He averages 58.66 and is striking at 149.15. Maxwell’s breakthrough IPL (2014) came on the back of successive stellar innings against CSK. He will be keen to rekindle his love affair for the yellow brigade.

Probable Playing XI:

Chennai Super Kings predicted XI:

Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C&WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi, Deepak Chahar

Royal Challengers Bangalore predicted XI:

Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Daniel Sams/ Finn Allen, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Siraj, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal

What do stats say about CSK vs RCB?

CSK and RCB have played 26 IPL games against each other.

CSK has won 16 matches. RCB has won 9 games. 1 game did not produce a result.

CSK’s highest score against CSK is 208. RCB’s highest score against CSK is 205.

CSK’s lowest score against CSK is 82. RCB’s lowest score against CSK is 70.

Pitch:

Wankhede wicket has been a batting beauty. The initial few overs have been sticky and teams have found it difficult to counter the seam and swing on offer. If teams can manage the first powerplay without losing wickets upfront, then there is a huge score for taking.

Weather Report:

A high of 33 degrees and a low of 27 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. This being a day game team winning the toss will want to bat first.

Ground stats:

175 is the average score at this venue.

StumpsandBails verdict:

It is a battle for supremacy. RCB’s hunger might just out edge out CSK’s depth.