The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is all set to witness a blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Match 68 of the 2024 season is truly a virtual knockout as both teams contest their final league match to secure the final playoff spot.
Defending champions CSK have a slight edge as they are currently fourth in the points table with 14 points and a better net run rate (NRR) of +0.528. They need just a win or share of points in the upcoming match to qualify for the knockouts. On the other hand, sixth-placed RCB (12 points) should aim for not only a win but also a decent margin as they currently have a relatively lower NRR (+0.387) than CSK.
ALSO READ: Match 68 (RCB vs CSK) – Playing XI and Fantasy XI Predictions
Both teams are coming on the back of impressive wins, but Faf du Plessis and Co. have won five games in a row. However, when the two teams faced each other in the series opener in Chennai, the hosts won by six wickets. This time RCB will seek revenge for a greater cause at their home ground, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, but only if the rain gods show some mercy.
Here are the top three player battles to watch out for ahead of RCB vs CSK in IPL 2024, Match 68:
#1 Swapnil Singh vs Rachin Ravindra
In the first match of IPL 2024, Rachin Ravindra turned the game in Chennai Super Kings’ favor with an excellent 15-ball 37 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He smashed three fours and three sixes to ease the run-chase for his team. Even in the previous game against the Rajasthan Royals, Ravindra’s 18-ball 27 gave the Super Kings an upper hand in the run chase.
CSK fans will expect a quickfire start from Ravindra tonight as well. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters will have high hopes for Swapnil Singh. The uncapped all-rounder has proven to be a lucky charm for his franchise. He has delivered breakthroughs for his team in the powerplay, and if he gets rid of Ravindra early, Singh can turn the game in RCB’s favor.
#2 Yash Dayal vs Ruturaj Gaikwad
The conditions at M Chinnaswamy Stadium have supported the pacers a bit in recent IPL 2024 matches. Considering Chennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s struggles against left-arm pace, Bengaluru might hand the new ball to Yash Dayal. Yash dismissed Ruturaj caught out in the first meeting between CSK and RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as well. It will be interesting to see who wins this battle tonight.
#2 Faf du Plessis vs Tushar Deshpande
Faf du Plessis has had a topsy-turvy season with the bat so far. He has managed to provide some sparking starts in recent matches. CSK are well aware of the threat that their former opener can pose, but at the same time, they also know the strategy to stop him.
Right-arm pacer Tushar Deshpande is enjoying his best IPL season this year and will aim for another effective outing in their final league match. He is CSK’s wicket-taking bowler and will be tasked with providing an early breakthrough by dismissing the RCB skipper. However, in their 25-ball meeting in the IPL, du Plessis has never been dismissed and has a strike rate of 184.0.
