CSK vs RCB Bangalore vs Chennai IPL T20, Anil Kumble, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Chennai Super Kings, cricket, Dale Steyn, IPL 2010, Jacques Kallis, Manish Pandey, Matthew Hayden, Muralitharan, Suresh Raina
by achettup

Game 18 sees the Chennai Super Kings take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Two years ago this would have been a one sided game in CSK’s favor. Last year it would have been keenly contested. This year you’d have to say Bangalore are favorites, but the game shouldn’t quite be one-sided (for the record the sides have split wins each year, with RCB leading 3-2 after winning the semis last year). Steyn, Kumble, Kallis and Praveen Kumar bowled tight, probing lines (Dale actually clocked over 150kmph on several occasions) against Mumbai, but it was Vinay Kumar with his three wickets in an over who swung the game dramatically RCB’s way and helped them post a convincing victory. Kallis hasn’t been dismissed yet this IPL and has led them to all their targets, its the middle order that hasn’t been tested yet though.

Chennai lost all (and then some!) momentum gained from that crushing win over Delhi in the super over loss to the KXIP, and there is no doubt that Dhoni’s injury has weakened the middle order significantly. When Raina and Hayden bat well, it does tend to mask the team’s weak batting lineup and particularly the lack of performances of substance from Albie Morkel. With Kemp possibly sidelined with a back strain, its hard to see the side take advantage of a good foundation unless Hayden or Raina are batting at the finish. The woes only grow deeper in the bowling department, with all the medium pacers, save Lakshmipati Balaji, struggling. The silver lining was Muttiah Muralitharan’s performance against Punjab, and he should test Kallis and the RCB boys if his resurgence in bowling forms continues.

SoaL’s Prediction: Another clinical victory for Bangalore, unless a certain “ferocious animal” (as Shastri would say) like a mongoose bat has a say

SoaL’s Top Batting Pick: Manish Pandey, I know, I know… it should be Jacques, but this kid loves medium pace bowling and slaughtered it in the Ranji Trophy Final

SoaL’s Top Bowling Pick: I would usually pick Anil Kumble, but up against Hayden and lefty Raina, its probably safer to go with Dale Steyn

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