IPL 2019 Match 1: CSK vs RCB Preview

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Cricketing action finally returns to Chepauk as the defending champions Chennai Super Kings take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the inaugural match of the 2019 IPL today.

Image Courtesy: Sportskeeda

One couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the tournament as the two sides have given us some intense thrilling games down the years. Albie Morkel’s 28 run over or RP Singh’s infamous last ball no-ball are the first things that strike us when reminded of this epic face off.

Once again it will the boys in yellow that will start the game as clear favorites having won 14 out of the 22 encounters between them. Their success throughout the years wouldn’t have been possible if not for MS Dhoni’s presence in the side.

Entering into his 12th IPL season, Dhoni will look to begin strong and give his home fans a winning start. The squad itself is seen to be in upbeat mode and each one of them look eager to showcase their presence on the field.

The side will be boosted with the return of Faf du Plessis and Imran Tahir, following the conclusion of the 1st T20 vs Sri Lanka. At the same time they face a huge setback as Lungi Ngidi’s services will no longer be available to them following his injury few days back. With replacement expected, it looks to been who the franchise will rope in.

Now coming to the visitors, RCB have had a poor track record against CSK in recent years. In fact, the side has failed to beat Chennai at Chepauk ever since 2010. Taking these factors into consideration, it looks as though Virat Kohli and company have their task cut out.

Prior to the auctions, the side had a shuffle in the coaching staff as Daniel Vettori made way for the world cup winning coach Gary Kirsten. It is to be seen whether his presence in the dugout will have a positive impact on the players or not.

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With Ngidi out and no replacement yet brought in, there are bright chances of Willey donning the new ball bowler’s hat. He will be aided by the likes of Mohit Sharma and Deepak Chahar.

Faf du Plessis will be expected to make his presence alongside Watson when the home side walks out to bat. This will see Rayudu being integrated into the middle order.

Expected XI: 1 Shane Watson, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 6 Kedar Jadhav, 7 Dwayne Bravo, 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 David Willey, 11 Mohit Sharma.

RCB will arrive short of match practice after both Southee and de Grandhomme joined the squad just a day back. Also they will be missing the services of Coulter Nile and Marcus Stoinis who are currently in Dubai representing Australia.

Their hopes now will be heavily pinned on their batting lineup that contain a wide array of power hitters such as Hetmyer, Moeen Ali, AB de Villiers and the skipper Kohli.

Expected XI: 1 Parthiv Patel (wk), 2 Moeen Ali, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 AB de Villiers, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Mohammad Siraj, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal.

Conditions: A typical hot Chennai weather is expected on cards.

The head to head and form guide suggests that CSK are the favorites going into the contest. But with a relatively fresh squad at their disposal, it looks to be seen whether the visitors will give the defending champions a run for their money.

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