In the opening game of the iPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up to defend their title, they face a formidable challenge against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are fueled by the motivation of breaking their title drought, especially after Smriti Mandhana’s historic WPL title win for RCB. However, for Faf Du Plessis’ side, the task ahead is well understood.

With a track record of 20 wins in 31 encounters against RCB, CSK enters the fray with a clear upper hand, having outplayed their opponents in their last encounter in IPL 2023 with a convincing eight-wicket victory at Chepauk. RCB boasts a strong batting lineup, led by the likes of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis, yet their bowling department, particularly the absence of a reliable spinner, remains a concern.

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Despite the presence of Cameron Green as a trump card, the bowling unit faces a daunting task against CSK’s formidable batting lineup. Meanwhile, CSK seems well-prepared for the challenge, with a balanced squad that covers all bases. While much of the spotlight revolves around the swansong of MS Dhoni, the inclusion of the supremely talented Rachin Ravindra adds further depth and threat to the CSK lineup.

Reflecting on their recent encounters, CSK has dominated the head-to-head clashes against RCB in the past five matches, securing victories in four out of five encounters. These victories underline CSK’s consistent performance and ability to come out on top against their rivals, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown in the upcoming match.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 

CSK is likely to see Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad open, followed by the experienced Ajinkya Rahane at No. 3. Mitchell could offer stability before the aggressive Shivam Dube takes the crease, setting the stage for power hitters Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni to further capitalize on the innings.

CSK’s batting depth extends with the inclusion of Moeen Ali, injured Devon Conway, and promising Sameer Rizvi, providing a formidable lineup. On the bowling front, Indian pacers Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande are expected to lead, supported by Sri Lankan duo Matheesa Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana, although Pathirana might miss initial games. Mustafizur Rahman’s experience will be crucial in filling the void left by Pathirana.

Playing XI: MS Dhoni (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, and Mustafizur Rahman

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) 

RCB has bolstered their squad with international and domestic talents like Windies pacer Alzarri Joseph, English all-rounder Tom Curran, Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson, and Indian players Yash Dayal, Swapnil Singh, and Saurav Chauhan. Led by Virat Kohli and former CSK opener Faf Du Plessis, RCB’s batting lineup boasts power hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, with Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, and Mahipal Lomror anchoring the middle order. The bowling attack relies on Mohammed Siraj’s pace, supported by Akash Deep and Alzarri Joseph, with Karn Sharma offering spin options.

Playing XI: Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik (Wk), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Alzarri Joseph, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:

Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja (c), Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra, Cameron Green (vc), Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Siraj, Alzarri Joseph

Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:

Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Glenn Maxwell, Moeen Ali, Rachin Ravindra, Cameron Green, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Siraj