The race for the final playoff berth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 heats up this week as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare for a blockbuster clash. With only one place remaining after Sunrisers Hyderabad secured their spot on Thursday, this match takes on knockout proportions.
The showdown between RCB and CSK is already a highly anticipated event, featuring two titans of Indian cricket in Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. However, the stakes have been raised even higher with both teams desperate for a crucial playoff spot. Adding to the excitement, CSK has sparked speculation by releasing a video on their official social media accounts showing Dhoni bowling in the nets.
Dhoni, who has played in all of CSK’s matches this season despite a knee injury, could potentially be set to make a surprise bowling appearance. There are rumors that this ongoing season could be Dhoni’s last in the tournament, making this match a potential farewell game for the former CSK captain in the IPL.
Despite being in fourth place and two points ahead of RCB, the Super Kings are wary of Faf du Plessis’ men. RCB has a home advantage and has been in impressive form over the past few weeks. After a forgettable first half of the season, during which they lost six of their seven matches, RCB has made a remarkable comeback and is on a five-match winning streak.
CSK does have a higher net run rate than RCB, meaning the latter will need to win by 18 runs or in 18.1 overs (assuming a first-innings score of 200 in 20 overs). Rain could also play a factor in the game, and a washout would send the Super Kings to the playoffs with 15 points to their name.
Dhoni’s potential swansong adds another layer of intrigue to this crucial match. The former CSK captain played the side’s last match of the group stage in Chennai earlier this week. A win in Bengaluru, however, will keep the hopes for a return to Chennai alive, as the second playoff and the final are also scheduled to take place at CSK’s home stadium.
This season, Dhoni has been brilliant with his batting cameos towards the ending stages of the side’s innings. He has scored 136 runs in 13 matches — including 8 not-outs — at a brilliant strike rate of 226.67. Dhoni was the captain of the Super Kings when they lifted the title last season, beating Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
The match between RCB and CSK is set to be a thrilling encounter with high stakes and the potential for a historic moment. Dhoni’s possible bowling debut and the prospect of a farewell game add even more excitement to this blockbuster clash.
