IPL 2021: RCB hoping to bring their season back on track in clash against CSK

After being humbled by Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous outing, the star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore side will be hoping to get their mojo back when they square off against Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match, in Sharjah on Friday.

While RCB are hoping to get their season back on track, CSK would be pushing for maintaining the momentum as they registered a confidence-boosting 20-run win against defending champions Mumbai Indians on Sunday night.

The Bangalore batting unit had a shambolic outing against the Knight Riders after they were bowled out for a meagre total of 92 in 19 overs. KKR chased down the runs with nine wickets and 10 overs in hand. 

Also read: Respect the franchise’s decision: Shreyas Iyer on Rishabh Pant leading Delhi Capitals

Hence, it is imperative for RCB to improve upon their batting as they seek to keep their place in the top half of the points table.

The openers — Devdutt Padikkal (217 runs) and skipper Virat Kohli (203 runs) — will look to provide a solid start. However, what’s necessary is support from the middle-order, which crumbled against Kolkata Knight Riders.

The likes of Glenn Maxwell (233 runs) and AB de Villiers (207 runs) will have to perform in unison against a strong CSK attack.

Also read: In DC vs SRH match, Anrich Nortje bowls IPL 2021’s fastest 8 deliveries

Australian Maxwell did justify his high price tag during the first leg, becoming the side’s top scorer. He would be raring to go once again as will the ever-reliant De Villiers.

The RCB bowlers will also have to forget the underwhelming display against KKR. While pacers Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel bowled well, Kiwi quick Kyle Jamieson, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga all had leaked more than 10 runs an over.

Meanwhile, CSK could have suffered the reversal in their tie against Mumbai had it not been for youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad’s mature unbeaten knock of 88 off 58 balls.

The team’s leading run-getter Faf du Plessis (320 runs), Moeen Ali were out for ducks while Ambati Rayudu was retired hurt on nought. Veterans Suresh Raina and Dhoni also failed to reach double-digit scores and the side was reeling at 24 for 4.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Quick look at Virat Kohli’s journey as RCB captain

But Gaikwad stitched crucial partnerships with all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo, who smashed 23 runs off eight deliveries, taking the team over the 150-run mark.

Defending a modest total, CSK showed immense resilience as the bowlers led by pacer Deepak Chahar and Dwayne Bravo handed the “Yellow Army” their sixth win of the season.

A win on Friday will take them back to the top of the table.