The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season is set to witness Chennai Super Kings take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in match number 19 on Sunday. The match is set to be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After losing their first game against the Delhi Capitals, the MS Dhoni-led CSK side has won three straight games. The performances have been telling in each of these matches. CSK are placed second in the table with a NRR of +1.142. Meanwhile, RCB have been the only side with an unbeaten record this season. They have claimed four successive wins and have eight points with a NRR of +1.009. The tide is on RCB’s side as they aim for another win to keep the heads held high.
CSK have been good in the last three games. The senior personalities have chipped in and the manner in which MS Dhoni has led the side, it needs to be lauded. Moeen Ali has been superb alongside England team-mate Sam Curran. On the other hand, Faf Du Plessis is back amongst the runs. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad is also playing aggressively. Ravindra Jadeja has impressed as well. Lungi Ngidi came in against KKR in the previous game and delivered. CSK will aim for a fourth straight win and will eye the top place.CSK have better balance and personnel and are expected to give a fight to RCB. However, their bowling needs to come good against a RCB side boasting immense confidence.
The RCB were in control against both KKR and RR. They bowled well in both games and batted beautifully with different batsmen stepping up. The last two games have been big performances and Virat Kohli deserves praise for handling his side well so far. The biggest plus for RCB is the performance of Glenn Maxwell. Maxi has fought his way back in the IPL after some poor seasons for Punjab and Delhi earlier. His temperament and willingness to change the complexion of games in the middle is a big bonus for RCB. Also, AB de Villiers deserves a shout. Meanwhile, openers Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal were brilliant against RR and won the match. The bowling unit has offered substance on a collective basis.
Here we present all the details to guide you through.
Key details of the match
The match is set to be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It’s scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can watch the action live on the Star Sports Network in their preferred languages. One can also stream the match live on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription).
Here’s the preview
CSK’s batting line up have made notable contributions as a unit so far. After posting 188/9 against RR, they hammered 220/3 against KKR. With a strong bowling unit as them, anything above 190 here is defendable. Moeen has enjoyed himself at number three. Faf du Plessis has looked solid of late and he has enjoyed batting alongside Gaikwad. CSK have enough in the tank in terms of batting and a big score is likely. An experienced outfit like CSK are looking solid and consistent. CSK will feel good about themselves and another two points could come their way against RCB. Credit should be given to Deepak Chahar. He has been superb with the new ball. His credentials could test RCB openers.
RCB are expected to continue with their winning team. The bowling, in particular, has been a boost. The acquisition of Harshal Patel has done wonders. He has solved the problem at the death for RCB. The leading wicket-taker this season, Harshal can be RCB’s main weapon. Kyle Jamieson has done justice to his hefty price tag. The New Zealander has looked comfortable and settled. Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar have impressed as well. Kohli will be targeting a win against CSK and keep RCB atop the table. He knows there are two points in the taking and if his side can stick to the basics, the job can be done. RCB are the side that has a belief and that could work in their favour.
Probable playing XIs: CSK vs RCB
Chennai probable playing XI:
Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c&wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi
RCB probable playing XI:
Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), Washington Sundar, AB de Villiers (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kane Richardson
Dream11 team prediction (option 1)
Batsmen: Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Glenn Maxwell, Washington Sundar
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, M Siraj, Harshal Patel
Dream11 team prediction (option 2)
Batsmen: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, MS Dhoni
All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, M Siraj, Harshal Patel
Which players can be the top picks in the Dream11 team?
Faf du Plessis is a must in the line-up. He is someone who looks so assured of himself and can hand CSK the start they need. Also. Padikkal can be a top pick. The century against RR will give him plenty of confidence.
Amongst all-rounders Maxwell is a must. He has been a treat so far. Curran is another player who cannot be ignored.
In the bowling department, Deepak Chahar, M Siraj and Harshal Patel are all crucial customers who are enjoying themselves.
Dream11 fantasy: Captain choices
Faf du Plessis: The veteran player has amassed scores of 0. 36*, 33 and 95*. Seeing his form across the last three games suggest that he is there to offer plenty of substance with the bat. Faf will be aiming to bat long and be a menace for RCB.
Devdutt Padikkal: The RCB opener was in sublime form against RR and remained unbeaten on 101. He is a superb T20 player and compliments Kohli well at the top. He was RCB’s top scorer last season and there is every reason why he should be backed.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
In terms of vice-captaincy, Moeen is a sound option. The England white-ball specialist has lit up scenes with his useful brisk cameos at number three. One can also choose Glenn Maxwell who is dangerous on any given day. The pitch may help him score rapidly.
Other choices: Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel
Pitch report and conditions
The pitch at the Wankhede has supported batting at large. Both teams will look to chase as dew will play a role. The Wankhede has produced high-scoring affairs this season. No rain is predicted as humidity will play its role.
Wankhede stats
The average first innings score here is 176. This season has seen the average score rise up as teams have enjoyed themselves across both innings.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have faced each other on 26 occasions. CSK have won 16 games and RCB have pocketed the remaining 9. One match didn’t have a result. Both teams shared the spoils in IPL 2020.
Match prediction
This match will be extremely tight with plenty of in-form players. However, we feel CSK may just get past the line.