RCB vs CSK: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
Royal Challengers Bangalore will be up against Chennai Super Kings in match number 39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday. Bottom-placed Kohli and his boys, who beat Kolkata on Friday, will be aiming to continue in the same vein. Meanwhile, CSK have been consistent this season and will be a tough side to beat. Here is the detailed match preview.
Head-to-head records between the two sides
The two teams have met on 24 occasions in the IPL. CSK have a healthy advantage with the tally reading 16-7. One match didn't have a result. CSK have beaten RCB in their last seven meetings in the IPL including this season's opener.
RCB look up to talisman Kohli
RCB will need their talisman Kohli to fire them up against MS Dhoni's side. Kohli has amassed 378 runs in IPL 2019. AB de Villiers is set to return after missing the match against KKR. The presence of Moeen Ali and Marcus Stoinis will be immense especially in providing the impetus at the death. RCB will be up against a top bowling unit.
RCB need to rally around Dale Steyn to contain CSK
RCB need to bowl well and the presence of Dale Steyn means a lot for them. He brings a certain sense of character to this side. Navdeep Saini has done a superb job this season. He will look to utilize his attributes and support Steyn. Yuzvendra Chahal is their main hope in spin department. The issue is the absence of a lethal third pacer.
CSK need to bat better against RCB
CSK's one major issue this season is the batting. The consistency factor is missing. The responsibility is often on Dhoni and the lower middle order to come and get the side past the line. CSK have to improve with the bat and on Sunday they will be targeting RCB bowlers. Players like Shane Watson need to come strong at the top.
CSK bowlers will test RCB
CSK have bowled superbly in 2019 and their top quality players will cause issues for RCB. Imran Tahir and Deepak Chahar, in particular, have been impressive. Ravindra Jadeja has chipped in as well.
Pitch report, TV listing and timing
The pitch at the Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru will assist batsmen. One can expect a high-scoring game. Anything above 180 will be a strong score. The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM IST. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and can stream the same on Hotstar app.
