CSK vs RCB: Can the inconsistent RCB get the better of the consistent CSK?

As India looks forward to their changing fortunes upon the formation of the new government led by BJP or rather call it Narendra Modi, Royal Challengers Bangalore must also be looking forward to change their poor fortune in this year`s IPL. This year`s IPL has not been so fruitful for the Vijay Mallya owned franchise. The team which was touted to have been the most powerful in terms of batting prowess is concerned has failed miserably. Their captain Virat Kohli has failed badly which was quite unbelievable for many of his fans after they watched him hit all international bowlers in T20 World Cup this year.

Virat Kohli, is after all a human, was in sublime form. His form has gone from bad to worse as he has taken the role of captaincy. He has played some bad shots to gift his prized wicket to the opposition along with some poor decisions by umpires. He has scored two ducks this season out of the 10 matches he has played in IPL7. This itself speaks for the kind of performance his team has delivered. ‘Well the speed of the leader is the speed of the team’. His two saviors have been AB DeVilliers and Yuvraj Singh, both of whom looked extremely awful in the start of this season. But some brilliant performances by both of them have helped RCB save their faces in a couple of matches as well as have won their team some matches individually. But this is something everyone expects out of such experienced batsmen. Remember, Royal Challengers Bangalore have never won an IPL.

Their biggest strength in the previous two years was the start they used to get from Chris Gayle. And this year it is the biggest problem that they are facing. Gayle looks to settle down in the initial overs and takes his own time to launch himself. But before his rocket launches, the bowlers douse his fire and make his side look miserable. Gayle has not threatened the bowlers as he used to. His fitness is another issue that RCB faces. But the question is for how long would you keep a failing Chris Gayle in your side? Will Kohli have the minds to replace him with someone who can give them a better start this year!

They will have to sort out all these problems when they come out on Sunday to face Chennai Super Kings in their home ground Ranchi. Let me assure you of the kind of air it creates between the two states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka whenever CSK and RCB face-off. This kind of rivalry can never be matched. I have lived in Ranchi for an year or so and I cannot convey in words how much the people of Ranchi love DHONI. Ranchi is not just CSK`s home ground it happens to be Dhoni`s home too.  And just look at his record at home. He has not lost any match yet here in Ranchi. Chennai Super kings have looked one of the best teams along with Kings XI Punjab in this year`s IPL. Looks like it’s the year of The Kings. Teams might be looking to change their names and add ‘KINGS’ somewhere in their name.

Expect Dhoni to have all the plans for Kohli as he has seen him as closely as anyone. And, I cant remember the ast time when gayle fired against Dhoni`s men. It is going to be a very tough battle for RCB and will need some heroics from Yuvraj and AB to get them to the playoffs now. Both teams will face-off once again on 24th in Bangalore.

—Ddevanshu Wadhawan