Virat Kohli's RCB To Lose IPL 2024 Opener Vs MS Dhoni's CSK; Here's Why

RCB will face CSK in match 1 of IPL 2024 [IPL.com]RCB will face CSK in match 1 of IPL 2024 [IPL.com]

To the delight of fans across the globe, the much-awaited seventeenth season of the Indian Premier League is all set to commence on March 22, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener. 

Regarding RCB, the sixteen-time wooden spoon holders would be desperate to kickstart the tournament with a bang and get the much-needed momentum early on. 

Led by Faf du Plessis, the red brigade boast of a formidable lineup, studded with Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Mohammed Siraj. 

However, there are some factors that might prevent RCB from starting their campaign on a winning note. What are these concerns? Let's analyse and find out. 


Where will Green bat?

Cameron Green has been more successful at the top [X.com]Cameron Green has been more successful at the top [X.com]

As we have seen in the past, skipper Du Plessis opens the batting for RCB alongside his predecessor Virat Kohli. And to be honest, this opening duo has worked wonders for the franchise, helping them get off to a solid start in almost every game. 

Veteran Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar is the front-runner to bat at number three, with swashbuckling Australian batter Glenn Maxwell following him at four. 

However, with Cameron Green entering the setup, RCB might contemplate using him at the top, the reason being his astounding success as a top-order batter for Mumbai Indians in the IPL last season. 

If this happens, the move will result in the demotion of Maxwell and Patidar, preventing them from playing at their preferred positions. 

On the contrary, if RCB decide to keep their top four unchanged, Green might face significant challenge as a lower middle order batter, leading to an underwhelming finish for the side. Therefore, the opening game against CSK will be a litmus test for RCB in terms of using their resources appropriately. 


Alzarri, Lockie Or Topley?

Their pace bowling combination is another big question that RCB need an answer to. They definitely have some really talented overseas bowlers - Reece Topley, Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson - but can't include two of them due to overseas quota. 

In such a scenario, their overall pace bowling quality seems to be compromised, as each of these bowlers bring different skillset to the table. 

If they include Topley, RCB won't have a slog overs specialist, while, on the contrary, they could be less penetrative with the new ball upon going with Joseph or Ferguson. 

So, it will be interesting to see what combination they prefer, with one of Akash Deep and Vijay Kumar Vyshak set to play alongside Siraj as the Indian pacer. 


Non-promising spin department & vulnerable lower middle order

Karthik struggled to finish games last year [X.com]Karthik struggled to finish games last year [X.com]

Since releasing Yuzvendra Chahal, RCB have struggled to get wickets in the middle overs through spin bowling. Their lead spinner Karn Sharma could get only ten wickets in seven outings at an abysmal economy of 10.37. 

And to be really honest, a spin bowling unit comprising Karn, Maxwell and Mayank Dagar could be defensive at best and is simply not enough to terrorise the opposition. 

Furthermore, RCB's lower middle order will likely have two of Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror and Suyash Prabhudessai. God forbid, if their top four don't fire against CSK, these players don't seem to be capable enough to bail their team out of trouble. 

Thus, the first game of IPL 2024 will obviously be challenging for the Faf Du Plessis-led outfit, and it will take a monumental effort for them to emerge victorious in this face-off.