As the much-anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) approaches, the excitement is off the charts! This battle at Chepauk is not just another IPL match; it's a high-voltage contest featuring some of the league’s most explosive players. While CSK will bank on their fortress advantage, RCB is keen on rewriting history, as their last win at Chepauk came way back in 2008!
Shivam Dube – CSK’s Game Changer Against RCB
One of the biggest talking points ahead of this blockbuster showdown is none other than Shivam Dube. The hard-hitting all-rounder has been an absolute menace against RCB’s bowling attack over the years. His numbers speak for themselves – in just five games against RCB, Dube has racked up 234 runs at a jaw-dropping average of 78.00 and a blistering strike rate of 158.11! This includes two fifties and a stunning highest score of 95.
However, not every outing has been smooth sailing. The last time CSK faced RCB in a crucial game, which ended in heartbreak due to net run rate elimination, Dube struggled, scoring just 7 off 15 balls. He will be raring to set the record straight this time around.
The Battle in Chepauk – Can RCB Overcome the Ghosts of the Past?
RCB’s history at Chepauk has been far from ideal. Their only victory at this venue came in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, and since then, it has been a nightmare for the Red and Gold brigade. With a formidable CSK lineup standing in their way, it remains to be seen if they can break the jinx this time.
But the challenge doesn’t end there. RCB’s bowlers will have to find a way to counter Dube’s aggressive style of play. With power-packed strikers like Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Liam Livingstone in their ranks, RCB would hope to turn the tide in their favor.
Dube’s Track Record at Chepauk – Home Advantage in Play?
Shivam Dube’s familiarity with Chepauk's conditions is another factor that tilts the game in CSK’s favor. Having played 17 matches at this venue, he has accumulated 410 runs at an average of 34.17 and an explosive strike rate of over 164. With two fifties to his name and a best of 66, he will be looking to add another impactful performance to his tally.
Predicted Playing XI – Who’s Likely to Feature?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Predicted XI:
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Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
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Rachin Ravindra
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Deepak Hooda
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Shivam Dube
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Sam Curran
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MS Dhoni (WK)
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Ravichandran Ashwin
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Noor Ahmad
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Nathan Ellis
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Khaleel Ahmed
Impact Sub: Rahul Tripathi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Predicted XI:
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Virat Kohli
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Philip Salt
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Rajat Patidar (C)
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Liam Livingstone
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Jitesh Sharma (WK)
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Tim David
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Krunal Pandya
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Rasikh Dar
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Suyash Sharma
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Josh Hazlewood
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Impact Sub: Devdutt Padikkal/Yash Dayal
Squad Breakdown – The Powerhouses in Action
Chennai Super Kings Squad:
Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton, Shreyas Gopal, Devon Conway, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Mukesh Choudhary, Anshul Kamboj, Matheesha Pathirana, Gurjapneet Singh, Shaik Rasheed, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Andre Siddarth C, Vansh Bedi.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad:
Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara.
What to Expect?
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Can RCB Finally Win at Chepauk Again? – With their last victory here coming in 2008, can Kohli and co. change history?
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Dube’s Dominance Over RCB – Will he continue his fiery run or will RCB find a way to stop him?
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Spin vs Pace Battle – Chepauk has historically favored spinners, but with the likes of Hazlewood and Ellis in action, pace could play a crucial role.
With so many thrilling narratives unfolding, this CSK vs RCB battle promises to be an absolute entertainer! Stay tuned as the action unfolds at one of IPL’s most iconic venues.
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