IPL 2024: Predicting CSK’s Playing XI for their clash against RCB

In this article, we will discuss the IPL 2024 Predicting CSK’s Playing XI for their clash against RCB. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is nearing its business end and here we are for a high-profile clash between two teams vying for the final spot in the playoffs. Match 68 will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18.

For CSK, the equation to qualify is simple: just win the match. But for RCB, not just a win but also by a decent margin to outscore their rivals in terms of net run rate (NRR). Currently fourth in the points table with 14 points, CSK’s NRR is +0.528. Meanwhile, RCB, who are sixth in the table, have only +0.387.

Both teams have won their previous games and will come as confident units for a virtual knockout encounter. RCB will have the home advantage but CSK won by six wickets when the two teams met in the tournament opener. Will CSK go with their winning combination or make some changes to their line-up? 

Here is Chennai Super Kings’ Predicted Playing XI against RCB in IPL 2024, Match 68:

Openers: Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane (Impact Player)

Rachin Ravindra failed to live up to expectations and Devon Conway’s void still hurts CSK. He had a poor start to the campaign which forced the management to drop him from the XI for a few matches. However, he has returned to the team in recent games but failed to make much of an impact.

Ajinkya Rahane is likely to return to the XI for the match against RCB. But it is not certain that he will be able to break the shackles at least at this crucial stage. Rahane was unable to find his form despite getting numerous chances and trying out different batting positions.

Middle-order: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni

With Rahane taking the opening spot, Ruturaj Gaikwad will be moving to number three. The skipper is in fine form with the bat, scoring over 580 runs from 13 matches at an average of 58.30 and a strike rate of 141.50. Daryl Mitchell finding his mojo in recent matches bodes well for CSK as he has bolstered their middle-order.

The Kiwi batter has been struggling with the bat but has now managed to score runs at a good strike rate. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube’s dip in form is a major concern for the management. Ever since his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad, the southpaw has failed to score runs consistently.

MS Dhoni, who has led CSK to a record five titles, has a huge role to play in the upcoming must-win match. Apart from his finishing prowess and wicket-keeping duties, the 42-year-old’s experience and guidance will be crucial in such high-pressure situations. Sameer Rizvi played an impactful cameo in the last match against RR, scoring an unbeaten 15 off 8 balls to fuel CSK’s victory.

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner

Ravindra Jadeja was impressive in the previous match against RCB. The left-arm spinner conceded an economy of just 5.20 in his four overs and remained unbeaten on 25, helping CSK cross the finish line. He is expected to play a key role in the upcoming match as well in both the departments.

Mitchell Santner is an economical bowler and can take crucial wickets. The 32-year-old left-arm spinner has immense playing experience and will use it all to help CSK push towards the playoffs. He can also ship in with some vital runs in the lower order.

Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh

The void left by Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana is huge to fill, but the trio of Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande and Simarjeet Singh have managed to cover it to some extent. Tushar Deshpande is enjoying his best IPL season yet. He has taken four wickets in the last two matches and did not concede too many runs as well.

Simarjeet Singh was the Player of the Match against RR for his brilliant three-wicket haul at an economy of just 6.50. The right-arm pacer will look to take some early wickets to give CSK the upper hand in the match against RCB.

CSK XI: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Samir Rizvi, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh

Impact Substitute: Ajinkya Rahane