RCB’s big test to break the jinx at MA Chidambaram Stadium 

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Ruturaj Gaikwad has odds of 3.50 to be Chennai Super Kings' best batsman.  
• Virat Kohli has odds of 3.70 to be Royal Challengers Bengaluru's best batsman.  
• Chennai Super Kings have odds of 1.95 to hit the most sixes in the game.  
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru have odds of 2.20 to hit the most sixes in the game.  

MATCH PREVIEW     

The wait is over, and we are in the first match of the most popular T20 franchise league – the Indian Premier League. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will take on the Royal Challengers in the first game of IPL 2024 as both teams look to earn early points. CSK has held the MA Chidambaram Stadium as a strong fort, and they won't extend any olive branches to their opponents. RCB has struggled against CSK at this venue, with a single win in the past eight games. The odds are stacked against them, and it will be interesting to see if RCB can mount a strong challenge in this game and make a grand start to the season.  

Chennai Super Kings Preview     

Ruturaj Gaikwad gets into the big shoes of MS Dhoni as the new skipper. His team peaked at the right time last season and delivered the killer blow when it mattered the most. They won the record-equaling fifth title last year, and the side will look forward to making a good start in this game. They are among the favorites on cricket betting sites, and Gaikwad will expect a strong show from his players and take advantage of the home support.  

Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad did well at the top last year, and the pair will look to deliver an electrifying start in this game. Rachin Ravindra's entry strengthens the middle order, and he will look to add runs with Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane. Ravindra Jadeja and Dhoni add depth and firepower to this batting lineup.  

Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande will look to make early inroads as the Royal Challengers have a strong batting lineup. Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana will look to use the conditions well and put their opponents under pressure. Mukesh Choudhary will play as the Impact Player and must do well in the supporting role.  

Expected Starting XI for Chennai Super Kings     

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary (Impact Player) 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview     

Faf du Plessis will look to make a positive start. Each season, the side starts as one of the favorites on cricket betting apps, but the name on the title remains a distant dream for them. They have a strong batting lineup, but the bowling attack has often disappointed them. Faf du Plessis will expect a strong show from his players in this game and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.  

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli did well at the top last season, and the team will expect a strong start from them in this game. Glenn Maxwell will have a key role at No. 3 and will look to add runs with Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror in the middle order. The side will also expect contributions from Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, and Cameron Green in the lower middle order.  

Mohammad Siraj is the key bowler for the side, and he will look to strike early, sharing the new ball with Alzarri Joseph. The side will look for tight spells from Akash Deep and Cameroon Green in the middle overs. Maxwell brings a lot of experience and looks forward to doing well with Karn Sharma and Lamror.  

Expected Starting XI for Royal Challengers Bengaluru     

Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Anuj Rawat, Karn Sharma, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep (Impact Player)  

TOSS: To Bat First      

The wicket here is slow and gets slower as the game progresses. Chasing scores hasn't been easy at this venue, as seen in the last couple of seasons. The side winning the toss would look to bat first and trouble the opponents with good bowling in the second innings.  
 

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

We expect warm and humid conditions in Chennai. The ball will grip the surface and turn sharply. Batsmen who get their eyes set tend to do well on this track. There isn't much for the fast bowlers. The side batting first will be happy to have 175 runs on the board in this contest.  

OUR PREDICTION      

It is the season's first game, and there will be pressure on both teams. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have an awful record at this venue, and it will be on their minds. CSK has depth in the batting, and RCB must bowl well to pose a challenge. The Super Kings have an excellent record at this venue and depth in their batting lineup. We expect a close game, but the Super Kings playing at home have an edge.  

Our prediction is for Chennai Super Kings to win

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