RCB vs CSK - the 'final showdown' for the last playoff spot in the IPL 2024 is here! As former Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri said, the 'El Clasico' - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings - is here. CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to field first. CSK are on 14 points from 13 matches (Net Run-rate +0.528) while RCB are on 12 points from 13 games (NRR +0.387). So, far Kolkata Knight Riders, SunRisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have qualified for the playoffs. It leaves only one spot.
Either CSK or RCB will grab that spot. And the RCB vs CSK match in Bengaluru on Saturday will decide the result. With RCB batting first, the equation is simple. RCB have to defeat CSK by 18 runs to surpass the latter's higher run-rate. For CSK, even if they lose, the losing margin must be less than 18 for them to advance. A win, however narrow it may be, will see them through.
A washout due to a huge rain threat would mean RCB, who are on a five-match winning streak, would be out of the competition and CSK would book their spot in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner replaced Moeen Ali in Chennai Super Kings' playing eleven as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
Santner, the left-arm spin all-rounder, comes into the playing eleven as Moeen, the off-spin all-rounder, has returned to his home in England for international duty.
“The wicket looks good, conditions are overcast and we will look to make the most of the movement in the first 2-3 overs,” said Gaikwad.
“It looks a bit damp, but we'll go with great intent. Every game in
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