Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match no. 37 of the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 in Chennai on Monday.
CSK have lost their last two matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). On the contrary, RCB have won three out of their last four matches (the match against Rajasthan Royals was washed out due to rains, in which RCB posted a massive total of 200). Will Dhoni and his men in yellow be victorious against the Kohli-led men in red? The answer can only be found after this high-voltage South Indian derby.
Here are some of the key clashes that one can expect in this match:
Brendon McCullum vs Mitchell Starc: McCullum has been in sublime form and has given CSK brisk starts in this tournament so far. Looking at the kind of form he is in, Starc would want to bowl at him with some serious pace and swing. If he gives him room to free his arms then he can go hammer and tongs without giving it a second thought. Starc has been equally good with the ball and completely changed the look of RCB's bowling attack.
Dwayne Smith vs David Wiese: Smith has been equally brilliant at the top of the order for CSK. Both Smith and McCullum play their shots freely and they compliment each other pretty well, which has helped CSK notch up huge totals and most importantly, they utilise the powerplay overs to perfection. Wiese has more or less cemented his position in the RCB side because of his all-round abilities and performances. He uses his height and can generate some serious movement and bounce off the deck. His slower balls are also very deceptive.
Chris Gayle vs Ashish Nehra: Gayle needs very little introduction as to what he can do with his bat if he is on song. Initially he takes a little bit of time to settle down, but once he gets going, it becomes very difficult for any bowler to stop the run flow. Ashish Nehra has been superb in this edition of the IPL so far. He would look to bowl a tight line and length to this big Jamaican and try and get him out as early as possible.
Virat Kohli vs Ravichandran Ashwin: Kohli has lead his side from the front and he is RCB's highest run-getter in this season so far. He is undoubtedly one of the best batsmen in the world right now. Meanwhile Ashwin is likely to get back in the squad on Monday as he was out for a couple of matches due to an injured finger. He adds experience to this CSK side and his four overs will be very crucial as he can be very deceptive with his variations.
