Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings Players Battles Preview:
RCB vs CSK Key Players Battles: The Royal Challengers Bangalore have often fallen short when they have turned up against the Chennai Super Kings. CSK’s experienced players have always had an upper hand against RCB. It will take something special from RCB to stop a resurgent CSK side. The matchups will play a defining role in this game.
We look at RCB vs CSK Key Players Battles:
#1 Virat Kohli vs Mukesh Choudhary
The former RCB skipper, Virat Kohli finally got into some form in the last game. But his laborious fifty eventually cost RCB the game. Kohli will be keen to stamp his authority in the coming few games. It took a Kohli special in 2020 for RCB to turn it around against CSK.
He is RCB’s most experienced batter. His experience to counter CSK will come in handy. Kohli will be up against an in-form Mukesh Choudhary first up. The right-hander has been susceptible to left-arm seam early on. This matchup will provide a solid foundation for the whole game.
#2 Rajat Patidar vs Ravindra Jadeja
Glenn Maxwell has been Ravindra Jadeja’s bunny in the last couple of seasons especially. Jadeja got the better of him the last time these two sides met. Hence the onus of taking down Jadeja will fall on Rajat Patidar.
RCB’s number 3 had a fantastic outing against Gujarat Titans. He was the main reason why RCB got to 170 despite Kohli’s run-a-ball fifty. Patidar has a good game against spin. He will look to target the straight boundary against Jadeja. The CSK all-rounder will fancy this matchup though.
#3 Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Josh Hazlewood
The RCB seamer has had a couple of quiet games. Josh Hazlewood to his credit is a largely improved bowler. His T20 bowling was revived last season incidentally with CSK. Hazlewood would know a thing or two about bowling to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The CSK opener made a dashing return to form scoring a sizzling 99 against SRH. He is most vulnerable in the initial few overs. Hazlewood would look to make the ball talk in the powerplay to dismiss Gaikwad. If Ruturaj wins this battle, CSK will be bossing the game already.
#4 Robin Uthappa / Ambati Rayudu vs Wanindu Hasaranga & Co
The last time when these two sides met, it was Robin Uthappa who combined with Shivam Dube to put on a batting masterclass. Uthappa turned back the clock in vintage fashion. He took on Glenn Maxwell to club him for massive sixes. It was the turning point in the game.
Ambati Rayudu pretty much like Uthappa is a fine player of spin. The duo will be CSK’s go-to players to counter RCB’s spinners. Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Glenn Maxwell will be wary of their fireworks. The combination that trumps this battle would have helped their side take giant strides towards a win.
