IPL 2022: 3 big worries for CSK ahead of match with RCB

In today’s IPL match, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This is a crucial game for CSK as it has lost all the four matches in the tournament so far. Chennai is at the bottom of the table and a win today will push them to ninth position.

CSK and RCB have faced each other in 28 matches overall. Out of these, Chennai have won 18, while the RCB have won 9 games. One match was a draw. In terms of stats, CSK is way ahead of RCB. But if we talk about the present circumstances, the RCB looks more promising.

Apart from the first match which the RCB lost against Punjab, the team has won other three games. RCB also defeated the five- time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in their previous game.

For Chennai, the team that won last year’s trophy, things look a bit shaky this time. Ever since Ravindra Jadeja has taken over the captaincy, the team has failed to register a victory. Sometimes, the batting department flounders while at other times, the bowling has disappointed.

Ahead of today’s match against Chennai, there are three big worries for CSK:

RUTURAJ GAIKWAD

The spectacular batter for CSK, who outshone every other player in the team last sesason has been in a poor form this season. Gaikwad was retained at Rs 6 crore by the team. In 2021, he had scored 635 runs at an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26.

But, in 2022, in three matches, the opener has scored only 18 runs. In the first match against KKR, he was caught out after struggling with four balls of Umesh Yadav. In the second match he could score only one run before he was run-out by Ravi Bishnoi of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He was dropped for the third game against Punjab Kings (PBKS). In the fourth match he scored only 16 runs off 13 balls.

Ruturaj’s form is a big concern for CSK. If the team has to win matches, the star-opener will have to get back in form before its too late.

A WEAK MIDDLE ORDER

Another worry for CSK is a weak middle-order that is failing to score runs. Twice, the team has scored less than 140 runs in the four matches, with the middle order collapsing badly. Apart from Robin Uthappa, who hit some big shots, the middle order of CSK needs to do much better. Even Moen Ali, the star English all-rounder, has failed so far in scoring big knocks.

NO FINISHER IN THE TEAM

Dwayne Bravo and MS Dhoni, who come down the order, have failed to get the big shots in the death overs. In the last two matches, Bravo could score only eight runs. While MS Dhoni scored only 26 runs in the last two matches.

If the team wants to win the game against RCB, Dwayne Bravo and MS Dhoni need to hit big shots ot score quick runs. Else, the poor run for CSK might continue.

The match takes will take place on April 12, 2022 at 7:30 pm at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.