Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) square off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 44 of the Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
RCB, having won 7 games out of 10, currently occupy one spot in the top three in the points table. The Virat Kohli-led unit are coming into this game on the back of their convincing eight-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
On the other hand, CSK have three wins to their name and are on the eighth position in the standings. This will be CSK’s first game since their ten-wicket defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians (MI).
This is the second time CSK and RCB face each other this season. In their last meeting, RCB rode on skipper Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 90 off 52 balls to beat CSK by 37 runs. While RCB will be keen to register another win against CSK, MS Dhoni and Co. will be looking to make amends and register their fourth win in IPL 2020.
Here are the players who could be play an important role in the outcome of the game:
Virat Kohli
The RCB skipper is currently his team’s leading run-getter with 365 runs to his name from 10 games. Virat Kohli, who did not have many runs to score during his side’s last game against KKR, will be looking to have another superb outing with the bat when his side faces CSK and power his team to their eighth victory of the season.
Sam Curran
Sam Curran showed tremendous fight even as CSK went down against MI in their last game. The young all-rounder scored a half-century, helping his side to get past hundred. He will once again be someone that CSK will turn to against RCB.
Mohammed Siraj
He was brought into RCB’s playing XI for the game against KKR and Mohammed Siraj wrecked the KKR batting line-up to set the tone for his side’s tremendous show with the ball, which saw them restrict Eoin Morgan and Co. to 84/8. The right-arm pace returned with the figures of 3/8 against KKR and RCB will want him to have an encore of that performance.
Imran Tahir
He did not have too many runs to defend when CSK played against MI, but Imran Tahir will be looking to put on an impressive show when he faces the likes of Kohli, AB de Villiers and Aaron Finch amongst others.
Yuzvendra Chahal
While Siraj ran through KKR’s top order, Yuzvendra Chahal, with his spin and guile, made sure RCB continue to have an upper hand. The leg-spinner, who picked two wickets against KKR, has been RCB’s leading wicket-taker this IPL season with 15 wickets against his name and RCB will bank on him to come good as they take on CSK.
Wild Card
Josh Hazlewood
If Josh Hazlewood fires at top when CSK bowls, his side will be in with a chance as they take on the might of RCB batting. The Australian pacer has not had too many games under his belt this season, but he will be eager to create an impact against Kohli and Co.
Stats
- RCB at this venue: Played 8, Won 5, Lost 3
- CSK at this venue: Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3
Approaching Milestones
- Virat Kohli needs 1 six to complete 200 IPL sixes.
- aron Finch needs 42 runs to complete 2000 IPL runs.
- MS Dhoni needs 6 catches to complete 100 IPL catches for CSK.
- Ambati Rayudu needs 2 fours to complete 300 IPL fours.
