IPL Match 44: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings Predictions

It’s hard to imagine a triumphant, sure-to-qualify Royal Challengers Bangalore meeting a despondent, hopeless Chennai Super Kings - especially since even last year, the situation was reversed, yet that is how things are at this iteration of the IPL. RCB have lost as many games as CSK have won, with the latter losing 8 as opposed to the former’s 7 wins. Kohli’s men will now look towards getting into the top two slots by improving their net run rate, while Dhoni and co plan to play as ‘practice for next year’. Whatever the case may be, no team will be letting the other go. Before they have at it, let’s take a look at what they’ve got.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview & Form

Continuing their fairytale comeback after last year’s brutal downfall, RCB have shown true class this year. Despite a poor start, they kept at their thing and bounced back into contention, and are now in third place and tied with the top two. In their last match, they walked all over 4th place Kolkata Knight Riders. Winning the toss and choosing to bat, KKR were massacred with the ball as they lay down their arms at an unforeseen 84 for 8 from 20, with Mohammed Siraj starring for RCB. In return, the Royal Challengers casually finished things off with 6.3 overs and 8 wickets in hand. The team is doing very well, and need to keep their resolve for a push into the top two. 

Chennai Super Kings Preview & Form

Such has been the consistency of CSK over the years that even until their last match, some people were convinced that they would make a dramatic comeback. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. In their last match, their top order collapsed horrifically as they broke down to 3 for 4 (yes, that’s three runs for four wickets). Only through Sam Curran’s defiant 52 were they able to reach a comparatively-respectable 114, with Mumbai Indians’ Trent Boult picking up four. CSK’s bowlers were just as clueless, with Mumbai completing their chase in 12.2 overs without losing a single wicket. If their last few games really will be practice, it’s hoped that they’ll see some glimpses of hope during said practice. 

RCB vs CSK Match Prediction

RCB are currently at the top of their game, and there’s no reason why they won’t take this win. Expect Virat Kohli and Aaron Finch to hit some big ones, while Chris Morris and Navdeep Saini pick up wickets.

With nothing to lose, maybe CSK can find some strength in the lack of overhanging expectations. Expect Faf du Plessis and MS Dhoni to score runs, while Sam Curran and Shardul Thakur score some batsman scalps. 

Can the Royal Challengers successfully challenge the Super Kings? Or will Dhoni’s men rally for a few last hurrahs? Find out on Sunday!