NEW DELHI: Former Indian captain
Sunil Gavaskar
believes that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) must prevent the
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
(RCB) from having a strong start in their crucial Indian Premier League 2024 match on Saturday at the
M Chinnaswamy Stadium
in Bengaluru.
This significant encounter between the two teams will determine which side secures the fourth and final spot in the playoffs.
The outcome of this match holds great importance for both CSK and RCB as they vie for the opportunity to advance further in the tournament.
Gavaskar, a renowned cricket commentator, shared his thoughts on the upcoming match stating, "CSK will start as favourites." Nevertheless, he cautioned that the Chennai-based franchise must not allow their opponents, RCB, to gain early momentum in the game.
“It’s not just the fact that they’ve won the title five times. Look at the number of times they've been in the playoffs that is also a key. I think they’ve also been runner-ups three times. It just tells you that they know how to win key games,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
“That’s where RCB have to be in such a situation that they make it virtually impossible for them to get into that situation where they can turn it around. So CSK will have to make sure that RCB don’t get off to a great start because that’s going to be key. If they get off to a start then you get the pretty stuff if in case we have a proper 20-overs game then RCB will dominate the game,” Gavaskar added.
The fourth spot on the points table is up for grabs as both CSK and RCB prepare to battle it out, with KKR, RR, and SRH having already secured their places in the playoffs.
Chennai currently occupy the fourth position, having emerged victorious in seven out of their 13 matches, accumulating a total of 14 points. In contrast, RCB find themselves in sixth place, with six wins from 13 games and 12 points to their credit.
For RCB to leapfrog Chennai's net run rate of (+0.528) and secure a playoff berth, they must defeat CSK by a margin of either 18 runs or with 11 balls to spare. On the other hand, CSK can still qualify even if they suffer a loss, provided the margin is less than 18 runs or 11 balls.
However, the highly anticipated clash may be disrupted by rain, as heavy thunderstorms are forecasted throughout the day. In the event of a washout, CSK will progress to the playoffs with 15 points, while RCB will be eliminated with 13 points.
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