Has RCB addressed their death bowling concern, which has always haunted them in defending big scores in the past ?
If we look at the combination for this year, Coulter Nile, Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav are the bowlers who need to step up for RCB. Tim Southee is known for yorkers and sensible slower ones. Their bowlers have to be heavily backed by the management. RCB have to learn from the likes of Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai, who have premier bowler, who would play every match of the season and are great death bowlers too.
Interesting addition is Shimron Hetmyer. With the backing of Virat Kohli, he could be a batting sensation for RCB. We all saw what he could do, when he showed his consistency against Indians in ODI encounters, when West indies toured India. RCB is a batting powerhouse, and this season would also feature loads of runs from them and no doubt Virat Kohli would lead them. Mr.360 degree would enjoy too and that would be dangerous for the opponents.
CSK has retained most of their players from their trophy win last year. Mohit Sharma is a value add player for their death bowling. CSK's strength has always been their all rounders, who would contribute when it is least expected. Kedar Jaadav would be available throughout the tournament and MSD would use him wisely, as his fitness is crucial for World cup and Dhoni himself would keep that factor alive for himself.
Chepauk would host CSK, which was missing for a long time. The best fan club in the world and knowledgeable cricket crowd would love to be part of this mega clash between arch rivals. CSK leads the race, with 14 wins to 7 against RCB and 23rd encounter would happen on 23rd March 2019. This statistics alone would tell the story, why CSK are hot favorites.
Lungi Ngidi would be unavailable for CSK, but they have a wonderful combination in Mohit Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Bravo, Tahir, Jadeja and Santner. One won't be surprised if Santner plays regularly as his all-round skills would be utilized by Dhoni, as MSD is a big fan of slow bowlers to control the game for him. Chepauk wicket is spinner friendly, with lot of bounce and turn. RCB also have a good slow bowling combination, as Chahal would lead the attack and Washington Sundar along with Moeen Ali could control the game for RCB.
A wonderful match on the cards and a scintillating start to 12th edition of Vivo IPL would hook everyone to the match. Let us all enjoy...
