NEW DELHI: As Chennai Super Kings arrived at M Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of their crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the support from the ‘Yellow Army’ was palpable. Fans thronged the stadium chanting Dhoni Dhoni as the team bus passed by showing their unwavering love and support for five time champions.
The fervent welcome set stage for Saturday’s epic do-or-die ‘Southern Derby’ that will determine the fourth and final team to qualify for the IPL playoffs.The stakes are high with RCB’s fairytale resurgence set to face off against a formidable CSK side and potentially adverse weather conditions.
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Thursday’s washout in Hyderabad confirmed Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals as playoff contenders, leaving one spot up for grabs between CSK and RCB.
Defending champions CSK have 13 points with a NRR of 0.4502 that gives them an upper hand especially considering they have won 7 out of eight games played here previously; RCB on the other side are at 12 points with a NRR of 0.3873.
The forecast is raining adds drama with this being a crucial match as rain would favor CSK who are already in playoffs. For RCB to advance, they need to win decisively – either by at least 18 runs or chase down target with roughly about 11 balls remaining.
Despite odds stacked against them, RCB come into this match having been in superb form when compared to any other team in recent times where they turned things around after losing six consecutive matches. Orange cap holder Virat Kohli has been in great touch scoring fifty plus scores three times in his last five innings and he is expected to play another magnificent innings today.
For CSK Mahendra Singh Dhoni still remains an inspiring presence though it is yet unclear how much he could influence given his ongoing injuries. Dhoni’s tactical acumen and leadership will definitely be key when CSK play against RCB to secure their place in the playoffs.
