Chennai Super Kings v Royals Challengers Bangalore: Battle for the top slot - Match Preview
The current IPL toppers, Chennai Super Kings, are set to take on the 2nd ranked, Royal Challengers Bangalore, in the 69th game of the tournament at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, May 22.
It will be the last match for both the teams in the first round of current season.
Though the two sides have qualified for the play-offs, there is the fight for the top slot on the points table. Bangalore has 17 points and they can move up to the top by winning the game.
Chennai are the defending champions as they won the last season of the IPL. They will be looking to maintain the top position and go all the way through, stamping their name on the League once again.
Leaders in light
Virat Kohli: In the absence of the injured Daniel Vettori, Kohli will lead Bangalore. He is an excellent middle-order batsman with match-winning skills. His domestic, international and IPL averages have been very impressive and he is cited
by many as India’s next captain.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni: The World Cup winning Indian skipper is leading Chennai in this tournament. With his excellent wicketkeeper and batting techniques and a cool and mature temperament, Dhoni has proved to be a successful leader within
a short period of his career. He will be looking to lead his side once again to the top spot.
Team talk
Bangalore: With 7 victories in a row, the team is bursting with confidence.
They heavily rely on Chris Gayle who has proved to be a treasure trove for the side.
The South African bowler, Charl Langeveldt, coupled with the Indian pacer, Zaheer Khan, form a formidable bowling attack.
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers provide much needed middle-order stability, however, the absence of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Vettori will be felt.
Chennai: Regarded to be the most balanced side in the tournament, they have been outstanding equally in batting and bowling.
Michael Hussey makes the batting department rock-solid while Suresh Raina provides impressive all-round performance..
Ravichandran Ashwin and Suraj Randiv are doing well with the ball and compliment the batsmen nicely.
The defending side, Chennai will be fighting tooth and nail to go all the way to their second IPL title.
Watch-out for
R Ashwin: A tall off-spinner who took off from the recent World Cup. The slow and flat Indian pitches suit his bowling well. He has the ability to restrict scores and pick crucial wickets.
Chris Gayle: Joining the Bangalore side in the midst of the tournament, he has ensured 7 consecutive victories with his extra-ordinary batting. He is the only player of this tournament to have 3 tons so far.
Pitch condition:
Build in 1969, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore has a capacity of 40,000 spectators. The pitch is somewhat dry and flat while the outfield is covered with good grass. The temperature is likely to be within 22 - 31° C
The stadium is a home ground of the Royal Challengers Bangalore who will surely use this advantage to their favour.
Last word
Both the teams will walk into the field tomorrow without fear of being knocked out. However, the competition will be tough as each will be vying for the top slot. The weekend game will get a large crowd. Let see which crosses and which collapses.
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