CSK vs RCB: CSK playing 11 vs RCB, Match 1, IPL 2024 - Predicted

IPL 2024 will kick-off with the CSK vs RCB clash in Chennai on March 22.

It is time for a cricket carnival to start in India. The Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) will see the best possible start when the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. MS Dhoni will be back in action and will lead the Yellow Army.

This match will certainly set the tone for the coming season. CSK have an incredible record against RCB at home, and they will look to carry on that. Though CSK have some injury concerns, they have backups for them. Here, we will talk about the best possible playing XI for CSK vs RCB match on Friday.

CSK vs RCB: Chennai’s Predicted playing XI vs RCB

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (C):

The new CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a guiding light for the franchise at the top order. The 27-year-old has achieved a lot since last season and now has become even a better performer. With some international success under his belt, Gaikwad will be they key player for CSK. He plays pace and spin well, which will help him tackle RCB, and his records in Chennai are just incredible.

2. Rachin Ravindra:

Devon Conway’s absence is surely a big factor for CSK. But they have Rachin Ravindra, who is an ideal replacement for him. Rachin had an incredible year last year where he showed in all three formats that he belongs to the biggest stage. He had a memorable World Cup 2023 in India, which proved that he can bat pretty well in Indian conditions.

3. Ajinkya Rahane:

Ajinkya Rahane will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He played freely in the last couple of seasons, and that will be his role, but he also needs to make sure that he can take the game long because Ambati Rayudu is not there. With the experience he has under his belt, Rahane can be the game-changer against RCB.

4. Daryl Mitchell:

There will be a toss-up between Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali. But after looking at the current form, Mitchell might get an edge. The Kiwi all-rounder has been in brilliant form at the international level and will look to carry on that form in the IPL. He likes to use his feet against spinners, and his ability to hit the ball down the ground makes him a difficult batter to bowl. That is why he will be very useful at No. 4.

5. Shivam Dube:

Shivam Dube has one role, which is to just go after the bowlers. He is a make-or-break player, and one thing is sure: if he stays at the crease for a few overs, then RCB will surely be in trouble. The big left-hander has done well for CSK, and he will surely look to take the attack to his old team, RCB.

6. Ravindra Jadeja:

The man who hit the winning runs for CSK in the IPL 2023 final will bat at No. 6. Ravindra Jadeja is certainly a proven match-winner for the franchise, and he is coming off a successful test series with the bat and the ball. His numbers at Chepuak are mind-blowing. His role in both departments can make a big difference between winning or losing on Friday.

7. MS Dhoni (Wk):

Everyone wants to see MS Dhoni hit big sixes on Friday, and he is up for that task. Dhoni has now chosen the role of the batter, who comes when 2-3 overs are left, and did it well in 2023. He can add 10–15 more runs at the backend that can make a difference. And not to forget, his keeping and leadership skills can themselves win the game on Friday.

8. Shardul Thakur:

Shardul Thakur is back with the franchise, and he will look to give his best. RCB should remember what he did against them with the bat while playing for KKR. He can be pretty effective on Friday as well. But his prime role will be to take wickets. He can certainly put pressure on with a good spell with the ball.

9. Deepak Chahar:

Deepak Chahar is fit and looking pretty fresh for some good performances. He will definitely look to deliver one on Friday. He has the swing, and MSD has used him in the powerplay very wisely. If Chahar can take one or two early wickets, then RCB will surely be under immense pressure.

10. Maheesh Theekshana:

Maheesh Theekshana is expected to be CSK’s main spinner. He is coming off a decent tour of Bangladesh and has different variations to do well in the game. Theekshana will bowl in the middle overs, and if CSK can take a few early wickets, he will be a very hard bowler to get away with. In the last one year, Theekshana has worked on his batting as well, which will give CSK another advantage in the lower-order.

11. Mustafizur Rahman:

Mustafizur Rahman will be the bowler that CSK will be looking to use in the final overs. And that will be his role in this side. Pathirana is not available, which gives Mustafizur to get some games. He has been a good death bowler for Bangladesh and will have a similar role here for Chennai when they face RCB on Friday.

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