RCB will take on CSK on Monday [Source: IPLT20.com]
On Monday, the thrills and chills of the Indian Premier League 2023 will reach zenith, as two arch-rivals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings, will lock horns with each other in the 24th group-stage fixture of the tournament. The iconic M Chinnaswamy ground will host the high-voltage face-off, which will see two biggest Indian superstars, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, collide on the field.
Team Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore
 (1).jpg?type=mq)
RCB won their last game against DC [Source: AP]
Led by Faf Du Plessis, Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a topsy-turvy IPL 2023 campaign so far. While they secured two clinical victories against Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, their defeats to Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants were equally shambolic.
RCB's top-order looks rock-solid, with Virat Kohli back to his vintage best and Faf du Plessis contributing handsomely. However, the problem lies in the middle order, where they have performed plenty of experiments- from promoting Harshal Patel to number five to using Anuj Rawat as the impact substitute at number eight.
So, they need Glenn Maxwell to put a significant value to his wicket and guide the innings in the middle and death overs. Also, they would also want an improved show from Dinesh Karthik, who has been horrendous with the bat this season.
On the contrary, their new-ball bowling looks sorted, with Wayne Parnell and Mohammed Siraj breathing fire in the power play. Also, with Wanindu Hasaranga rejoining, they are expected to keep the run rate under control in the middle overs. All they need to ensure is a better performance in the slog overs, where they have consistently failed to keep the opposition under the pump.
Team Preview: Chennai Super Kings
 (1).jpg?type=mq)
CSK lost their last game against RR [Source: AP]
On the other hand, MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings started their campaign with a comprehensive defeat to Gujarat Titans, but pulled their socks up to thump Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. However, they couldn't sustain the momentum, succumbing to a narrow three-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals.
While their openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, have done a fairly good job, their middle order, comprising Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja, must step up and ensure the visitors have a good outing with the bat.
On the bowling front, Tushar Deshpande will spearhead the attack alongside young Akash Singh, with Deepak Chahar and Sisanda Magala sidelined due to injury. Also, they will need Maheesh Theekshana to provide them with crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
.jpg?type=mq)
Match Details
Date & Time: April 17, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The surface in Bengaluru will be a paradise for batters with its pace and bounce being ideal for stroke play. However, there will be a hint of turn available for the spinners. As the surface won't slow down, the toss-winner will likely field first.
Probable Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Wayne Parnell, Mohammed Siraj, Vyshak Vijay Kumar
Impact Players: Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Karn Sharma, Akash Deep, David Willey
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (C/WK), Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Singh, Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Impact Players: Subhranshu Senapati, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Ambati Rayudu
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Devon Conway
Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli
All-Rounders: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Tushar Deshpande, Mohammed Siraj, Wayne Parnell
Captain: Virat Kohli
Vice Captain: Glenn Maxwell
Prediction
Although CSK have a long batting lineup, RCB look more balanced as a team and will likely emerge triumphant in this face-off.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
