IPL 2024, CSK vs RCB Predicted Playing XIs: Injury-hit Chennai seeks replacement for two mainstays, Bengaluru search for bowling combination

It is that time of the year when entertainment increases a notch and excitement among cricket fans soars to a whole new stratosphere. After weeks of countdown and anticipation, the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is finally knocking at the door and gates will open with a blockbuster contest between two box-office franchises on March 22 (Friday). Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will begin their quest to defend their crown against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Chepauk.

CSK Predicted Playing XI

First things first, let's address the elephant in the room. MS Dhoni has passed the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad and CSK's first match of IPL 2024 will mark the end and the start of a new era. While Gaikwad's leadership will be under the microscope from ball one, his form with the bat remains paramount for the franchise. Gaikwad will open with a New Zealand star, but it won't be Devon Conway. Rachin Ravindra is set to make his IPL debut and will open the innings alongside Gaikwad.

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There is absolutely no doubt in how the Yellow Army's middle order will look, barring a last-minute injury. Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni strengthen the CSK's batting line-up with Sharduk Thakur bringing more firepower at No.7.

In the bowling department. Matheesha Pathirana's unavailability is a jolt to CSK, and in the Sri Lankan pacer's absence, Mustafizure Rahman is expected to make his CSK debut. Deepak Chahar and CSK's leading wicket-taker last year, Tushar Deshpande will be the other pacers while Maheesh Theekshana will lead the spin department along with Jadeja

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CSK Predicted XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Maheesh Theekshana

RCB Predicted Playing XI

There is one massive addition to RCB's power-packed batting line-up from last season. The arrival of Cameron Green adds another year to RCB's explosiveness. The muscular Aussie is slated to bat at No.3, right behind the famed opening combination of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. Glenn Maxwell completes the 'Big 4' that RCB has at its disposal this year.

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The presence of Rajat Patidar is a big boost as well while Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror are proven batters, who excel in the role of providing finishing touches.

In the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj will lead the charge along with Lockie Ferguson. Karn Sharma and Suyash Prasbhudessai are also expected to be in the XI.

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RCB Predicted XI: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lamror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Suyash Prabhudessai, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma

Squads:

Chennai Super Kings Squad: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Moeen Ali, Devon Conway, Mustafizur Rahman, Mitchell Santner, Tushar Deshpande, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prashant Solanki, Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, RS Hangargekar, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Aravelly Avanish

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis(c), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik(w), Alzarri Joseph, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Tom Curran, Swapnil Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Lockie Ferguson, Mayank Dagar, Will Jacks, Suyash Prabhudessai, Anuj Rawat, Manoj Bhandage, Yash Dayal, Saurav Chauhan, Rajan Kumar, Himanshu Sharma

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