CSK vs RCB IPL 2024 Match 1 Match-Ups: Top 5 Player Battles to Watch Out For

We are all set to witness the Indian Premier League 2024 opener, where Chennai Super Kings take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings kickstart the new season with MS Dhoni handing over the captaincy reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. CSK managed to get some fresh talent after the mini-auction, with the onus being on the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube to deliver yet again.

Bengaluru, meanwhile, will head into the IPL season with Virat Kohli returning to cricket after a family break. They have Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell in their ranks, making them a lethal top-order side.

Before the action unfolds, let us take a look at five enticing matchups to watch out for in CSK vs RCB.

1. Virat Kohli vs Ravindra Jadeja

The Chennai wicket provides spinner-friendly tracks, and many batters struggle against the spin. However, Virat Kohli, a modern-day great, has handled these conditions well against CSK’s key spinner Jadeja.  He has an average of 46.7 against Jadeja and has only been dismissed three times in 131 deliveries.

2. Ajinkya Rahane vs Karn Sharma

As the spin-friendly wickets in Chennai come into play, RCB has Karn Sharma to rely on for his spin exploits. In the previous season, Sharma took 10 wickets in 7 matches for RCB. He could prove to be a key bowler against Rahane, who had a standout season with the bat last time. Sharma has dismissed Rahane thrice, conceding only 52 runs in 44 deliveries.

3. Glenn Maxwell vs Ravindra Jadeja

Maxwell will be a key batter at the top order for RCB, but he has struggled against the spin mastery of Jadeja. Maxwell has a poor average of 11.70 against Jadeja, being dismissed six times by the left-arm spinner.

4. Ms Dhoni vs Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj has been a crucial bowler for RCB, often delivering impactful spells with the new ball and during the death overs. However, despite his effectiveness, Siraj is still seeking his first dismissal of veteran MS Dhoni, having conceded 51 runs to him in their encounters.

5. Dinesh Karthik vs Ravindra Jadeja

Karthik has announced that this will be his last year with RCB. The veteran wicket-keeper, known for his attacking batting in the middle order, will aim to make the most of this season. However, he needs to be cautious against Jadeja, who has dismissed him three times.