CRICKET
IPL: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Predictions
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a must-win match to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Pune today.
The campaign of RCB has gone off the boil with three defeats in a row.
They currently have five wins and as many losses.
Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, have won three games and lost six so far.
They somehow kept themselves alive by winning the last game against SRH.
But one more defeat could mean curtains to their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
It will be the second game of the season for both the teams against each other.
Chennai had defeated Bangalore in the first game by 23 runs and it was their first win of the season.
Match details
Fixture: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Date: May 4, 2022 Wednesday
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Pitch report
CSK won their last game against SRH at this very venue, while RCB lost their previous game here against RR.
The pitch is expected to provide a lot of help to the batters as we saw in the last match.
Spinners did find some support from the pitch during the initial matches but the same might not happen in this match.
The team winning the toss can look to bat.
Head to head record
Both teams have met a total of 29 times in the IPL.
But CSK has a complete dominance over RCB.
So far, Chennai Super Kings have won 19 matches, as compared to RCB’s 9 wins and one match ended with no result.
Even in the last five outings, CSK has won all four matches.
Current form
RCB is choking yet again. They started the season with five wins from seven matches, but they are now doubtful for the next round.
Faf du Plessis and his team have lost their last three matches badly.
This is a wake-up call because they will not do anything now, so it will be the end of the tournament for them as the competition is getting tougher.
Virat Kohli showed some form with a half-century, but Du Plessis, Maxwell, or Karthik got out cheaply. There might be a few changes expected in the batting order.
Team News
RCB made one change to their line-up for the last game against Gujarat Titans.
Suyash Prabhudessai went out and Mahipal Lomror replaced him.
There were two changes in the CSK team for the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In place of Dwayne Bravo and Shivam Dube, Devon Conway and Simarjeet Singh came in.
RCB Likely 11
Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Mahipal Lomror, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood
CSK Likely 11
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Mitchell Santner/Dwayne Bravo, Dwaine Pretorius, Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theekshana
Expected key players in the match
Josh Hazlewood has been great for RCB this season.
He joined late, but he has become the leader of the pace attack.
The Australian pacer has picked 10 wickets in six matches at an average and economy rate of 17.20 and 7.64 respectively.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has recently shown some form for CSK.
He was also the “Man of the Match” against SRH in the last match.
The CSK opener scored a blistering 99 and helped his team get over the 200-run mark.
He has scored 237 runs so far at an average and strike rate of 26.33 and 136.20.
Mukesh Choudhary is in great nick for CSK.
The left-arm pacer is coming off a four-wicket haul in the last match.
Mukesh has already picked up 11 wickets in 8 matches at a bowling average of 24.45.
Who will win
The defending champions, CSK are coming into their groove with an impressive win in their last match over SRH.
The batting department, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, was exceptional.
Now, after the captaincy shift to MS Dhoni, the team is looking stronger than ever. Even Ravindra Jadeja looks transformed.
RCB looks demoralised after three consecutive defeats. Our prediction is that CSK will win.
BIG NEWS
Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket
The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.
This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.
The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.
As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.
In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.
The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.
Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.
BGT
Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team
Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.
McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.
Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.
Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.
Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.
The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.
BGT
Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket
Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.
Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.
Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.
These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.
As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.
Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.
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