The UAE leg of IPL 2021 has now shifted to Sharjah. The smaller boundaries in this venue make games a bit of a lottery. Teams will try to outscore each other in this run-fest of a venue. The southern derby featuring two batting powerhouses will make for an exciting game, let see what is our predictions for RCB vs CSK match.

RCB vs CSK: Form Preview

RCB’s mix bag season:

Royal Challengers Bangalore started the tournament in the best possible way. They were the only team who won their first 4 games this season. It has been a bumpy ride for them from then on. They have gone on to lose 3 out of their rest 4 games. RCB appeared to have come unstuck against an inspired KKR outfit. They were left scratching for answers in Abu Dhabi. The change in venue will come as a relief for RCB as they seek a good winning run heading into the business end. But their task is clearly cut out as they will be up against a solid CSK unit. 

CSK started well can they continue the run?

CSK began the tournament on a slightly slippery note. But they went on a rampage in their next five games. They kept brushing aside teams in their run to the top of the table. MI halted CSK’s juggernaut in their last league game in India. But CSK has come storming back with their clinical win over MI in the first game of the UAE leg. The fact that they went on to win the game after being restricted to 2

RCB vs CSK: Favourites?

RCB were left with a lot of soul searching to do post their dismal loss against KKR. They head to Sharjah where they had a relatively nice run in the last edition. RCB do have the squad strength to get back to winning returns but a tough challenge awaits them against CSK. It won’t be easy for RCB.

CSK on the other hand made a winning start to their UAE campaign. They posted a convincing win against MI in Dubai. But the venue at Sharjah might bring back mixed memories for CSK. Their campaign derailed last season at this venue. But with a power-packed batting order this season, they are sure to make the small boundaries count. CSK start slight favorites in this game.

Which players will be match-winners in this game?

Virat Kohli has had a quiet IPL season so far. He is yet to hit the straps completely. Kohli has a good record against CSK. It’s about time we get a Kohli special.

Ravindra Jadeja singlehandedly destroyed RCB the last time these two sides met. He will want to repeat the feat.

X-factor player:

Glenn Maxwell has top numbers against CSK. Expect him to come good at Sharjah.

Moeen Ali was in red hot form for CSK in the first phase of IPL 2021. He will be key to CSK’s chances in UAE too.

Probable Playing XI:

Royal Challengers Bangalore predicted XI:

Devdutt Padikkal,  Virat Kohli, Srikar Bharat, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Sachin Baby/ Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Siraj, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal

Chennai Super Kings predicted XI:

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

What do stats say about RCB vs CSK?

RCB and CSK have played 27 IPL games against each other.

RCB has won 9 matches. CSK has won 17 games. 

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

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

Pitch:

Sharjah pitch is a batsmen’s paradise. The short boundaries add to the bowlers’ plight. But the venue did show signs of wearing down later last IPL. But a fresh wicket is expected to aid run-scoring. Expect a run-fest.

Weather Report:

A high of 39 degrees and a low of 31 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might have its say later in the innings.

Ground stats:

Teams batting first have won 60% of the games at this venue. But of late owing to the dew, teams have preferred chasing at this venue. Average scores come up to a high 170 at this venue. A score of around 180+ will be par at Sharjah.

StumpsandBails verdict:

The southern rivalry will kickstart proceedings at Sharjah, the third venue for IPL in the UAE leg. We think CSK has a better chance in this game.