Chennai Super Kings will take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in an exciting contest today at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Defending champions CSK is yet to register a win this season in the four games they have played. Ravindra Jadeja-led side’s campaign is likely to get even tougher from here on. Depleted CSK is in a desperate situation to deliver well against the high-on-confidence RCB. CSK would be searching for their first win after four back-to-back losses while RCB would like to continue the momentum having won three in a row.

It has been a shocking start for the Men in Yellow, who in the entire IPL history have never lost the first 4 matches in a row. Even in their worst campaign in 2020, they performed better. It may not be a must-win situation for CSK, but a loss from now will make it impossible for them to qualify for the play-offs.

CSK would need their star opener Ruturaj Gaikwad to return to his prime form. The right-handed batter did show some glimpse in the previous game, but he is nowhere close to being the beast he was in 2021. In addition, CSK needs to sort their bowling very soon. There is less spice in their bowling attack and the absence of Deepak Chahar is hurting them a lot.

To everyone’s surprise, CSK left out Dwaine Pretorius for Mahesh Theekshana in their last game, but he failed to make an impact. Pretorius did well in all matches he has played so far. We have to wait and see whether CSK will continue with Theekshana and Jordan or bring back their strike bowler Pretorius. Ideally, Pretorius should be back to add strength to CSK’s pace attack.

India U19 sensation Rajvardhan Hangargekar is likely to get his chance in the fixture against RCB. CSK’s heavy middle-order of Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube should match up favorably against RCB’s leading wicket-taker Wanindu Hasaranga. All three should look to accelerate through the middle.

RCB has a solid squad to make the battle a hard one. The return of Glenn Maxwell had made their batting line-up much strong. Meanwhile, RCB star pacer Harshal Patel had left the bio bubble to attend his sister’s funeral. If Patel fails to make it into the playing XI, Siddharth Kaul should take his place. This would give CSK a good opportunity to register their first win.