The upcoming Match 68 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (May 18) carries immense significance as it essentially serves as a virtual qualifier for the playoffs.

Both teams are poised on the brink of securing a spot in the playoffs, with the winner of this match likely to advance, provided other factors such as net run rate are also favourable.

RCB vs CSK: Head to Head Records:

• RCB and CSK have faced each other 32 times since the inception of the IPL in 2008.
• CSK have emerged victorious in 22 matches, while RCB have just won 10 times.
• Out of their five previous encounters, CSK have emerged victorious on four occasions, while RCB have tasted success only once against of their formidable opponents.
• In the matches played at Bengaluru, RCB and CSK both have won 5 games each.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Overview:

RCB find themselves in a crucial juncture of the IPL 2024 season, with their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance. Despite a rollercoaster campaign that has seen them win six matches and lose seven, RCB’s recent resurgence has injected fresh hope into their playoff ambitions.

Currently occupying the sixth position on the points table, RCB’s fate hangs on their performance in the upcoming matches. RCB must secure a convincing victory over CSK to secure their spot in the next stage of the tournament. The margin of victory required adds an extra layer of complexity to their task. RCB must win by a margin of at least 18 runs if defending a total or by at least 11 balls if chasing a target.

RCB’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 game against CSK:

1. Virat Kohli
2. Faf Du Plessis (c)
3. Rajat Patidar
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Cameron Green
6. Mahipal Lomror
7. Dinesh Karthik (wk)
8. Swapnil Singh
9. Karan Sharma
10. Mohammed Siraj
11. Lockie Ferguson

A closure look:

RCB’s batting lineup includes formidable players like Kohli, Patidar and Maxwell, offering a blend of experience and firepower. Du Plessis leads the team with his astute captaincy and consistent performances. The middle order is bolstered by the inclusion of all-rounder Green and the reliable Karthik as wicketkeeper. Lomror provides additional depth to the batting order. In the bowling department, the team boasts the pace of Siraj and Ferguson, supported by the spin duo of Karn and Swapnil, forming a well-rounded bowling attack.

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Overview:

CSK find themselves in a pivotal phase of the IPL 2024 season, with their sights set on securing a playoff berth. With a commendable record of seven wins and six losses, CSK currently occupies the fourth position on the points table, positioning them well within reach of playoff qualification under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

For CSK, the equation is relatively straightforward. A win or even a draw would be sufficient to secure their playoff berth, given their current standings and points tally. Their position in the table affords them the luxury of needing just one point from the match to ensure qualification. Additionally, in the event of a washout, CSK would still progress to the playoffs, emphasizing the significance of securing at least one point from the encounter.

CSK’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 game against RCB:

1. Rachin Ravindra
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
3. Daryl Mitchell
4. Shivam Dubey
5. Ravindra Jadeja
6. Sameer Rizvi
7. MS Dhoni(wk)
8. Shardul Thakur
9. Tushar Deshpande
10. Simarjeet Singh
11. Mahesh Theekshana

A closure look:

CSK’s lineup features the dynamic opening pair of Ravindra and captain Gaikwad, providing a solid foundation at the top. Mitchell and Dube add depth to the middle order with their versatile batting abilities. The team’s engine room includes the explosive Jadeja and the promising Rizvi, offering both batting prowess and bowling options. The experience of Dhoni behind the stumps provide stability to the team, while Thakur leads the pace attack alongside the impressive Deshpande and Simarjeet. Theekshana adds a spin option to the bowling lineup, completing a well-balanced and formidable squad.

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