Match: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India

Date: May 18, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM

Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is known for being a batter's paradise, resulting in high-scoring games. With an average first-innings score of 172 runs over 91 IPL matches, it's a venue where big totals are common.

This year, Sunrisers Hyderabad even set a record here with a massive 287/3. If the game plays out fully, we expect a first-innings score around 190-200 runs, with about 60-65 runs scored during the powerplay overs.

RCB vs CSK Match Preview

As the 2024 Indian Premier League group stage comes to a close, only one crucial match remains before the playoffs.

With Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders already through, the last playoff spot will go to either Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

This key match, scheduled for Saturday, May 18th at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, sees reigning champions CSK take on RCB.


CSK needs just one point to qualify, so even a washout would work for them. RCB, however, must win by at least 18 runs or with 11 balls to spare if they are chasing to make it through.

RCB Team Analysis

RCB are currently 6th on the table with a positive Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.387 and have won their last 5 matches.

Though they lost Will Jacks to a return to the UK, their batting lineup remains strong. Virat Kohli leads with 661 runs, averaging 60.10 and striking at 155.16.

Faf du Plessis assisted with 367 runs at a strike rate of 168.34. Rajat Patidar and Dinesh Karthik add depth to the lineup, with Patidar striking at 179.77 and Karthik at 194. On the bowling side, Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj have been key, with Dayal taking 13 wickets and Siraj 12.

CSK Team Analysis

CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, are 4th with 14 points from 7 wins. A victory secures their playoff spot and could push them to second place if Rajasthan Royals lose their final game.

Gaikwad has been exceptional with 583 runs, averaging 66.10 and striking at 155.16. Shivam Dube has also been in good form with 389 runs at a strike rate of 169.86.

Their bowling attack is strong, led by Tushar Deshpande with 16 wickets, but the absence of Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana means others will need to step up.

Ravindra Jadeja, with 18 wickets against RCB, will be crucial.

Predicted Playing 11

RCB: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Rajat Patidar, Mahipal Lomror, Cameron Green, Lockie Ferguson, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Yash Dayal, Anuj Rawat, Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma. 

CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube, Daryl Mitchell, Shardul Thakur, Sameer Rizvi, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh.

Historical Context and Predictions

Historically, CSK has dominated this matchup with 22 wins to RCB's 10. In recent games, CSK has won 4 out of the last 5 matches against RCB.

However, RCB's current five-game winning streak suggests they might turn the tide, especially with strong performances at their home ground.

Given CSK's key bowling absences and RCB's momentum, RCB might have a slight edge in this crucial match.

In summary, RCB's recent form and home advantage could help them secure the final playoff spot in this high-stakes match.

Our bet is on Royal Challengers Bangalore as predicted winners. 

These are some Dream 11 Predictions by LetMeAnalyze.