In what promises to be an exhilarating start to the 17th edition of the IPL 2024, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up to clash against Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) today. As anticipation increases, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the showdown between these two cricketing powerhouses.
Adding to the pre-match excitement, CSK’s legendary captain, MS Dhoni, stunned fans by handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad just one day before the IPL opener. Gaikwad’s credentials as a leader are backed by his stellar performances on the field.
In the previous IPL season, he showcased his batting prowess by scoring an impressive 590 runs in just 16 games, boasting an outstanding average of 147.50 and a formidable strike rate. His standout year came in 2021 when he amassed a whopping 635 runs, further cementing his reputation as a formidable batsman.
Despite his relative inexperience in IPL captaincy, Gaikwad’s leadership abilities are underscored by his past achievements. Having led his domestic side in Maharashtra and tasted success as a captain in the Asian Games for India, Gaikwad is poised to lead CSK with confidence and determination.
Predicted Playing XI for Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana.
Predicted Playing XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mahipal Lomror, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma, Akash Deep
Record Stats
These two formidable teams have clashed 31 times in IPL history, with CSK emerging victorious in 20 matches, while RCB has secured victory in 10 matches, with one match ending in a draw. In their last five encounters, CSK has dominated, winning four out of five matches.
BIG DAY FOR CRICKET FAN!!!!!!!!
— TATAIPL2024 (@AlishbaManal) March 22, 2024
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CSK has a stellar record at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, winning seven out of eight matches played at the venue. With home advantage on their side, CSK aims to kickstart the IPL on a high note and continue their dominance at their fortress.
Utpal is a journalist covering online and offline sports in India. He has passion for everything sports and is a regular at various sports events. Follow him to stay abreast of all things sports.
