IPL 2021 preview: Can Chennai Super Kings halt Royal Challengers Bangalore's high-flying winning streak?

The Indian Premier League 2021 continues to get intense with each passing game. Meanwhile, in a heavyweight clash, former champion Chennai Super Kings would take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 19 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

CSK is looking to get back to its dominant ways following its howler last season, where it finished seventh. Meanwhile, RCB is on a roll and looks like a favourite to win its maiden title this season. On the same note, we present the match preview of this enthralling clash, comprising of the two giant skippers in Indian cricket.

Current form
Considering the current form, CSK lost the opening game but has managed to bounce back well, winning the next three and is currently placed second in the table. As for RCB, it is presently on a winning streak, having won the opening four matches and is atop the points table. Therefore, a clash of the top two will hardly fail to thrill.

Team combination
Considering the team, CSK has somewhat a balanced side with a slight focus on its bowling. Also, with equal distribution of capped recruits in all, the side is likely to rely on its bowling to get the job done. Pacer Deepak Chahar's lethal form is certain to play a vital role.

Meanwhile, RCB is heavy in its batting, 15-13, to be precise. However, with more capped talent in the bowling department, it makes the side a stable one across departments. Among batsmen, skipper Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal are in deadly form and could take the game away from CSK all alone, as was the case against former champion Rajasthan Royals.

Injury concerns
None of the sides has injury concerns.

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Head-to-head
In the 27 games so far, CSK has won 17, with RCB winning just nine. In 26 IPL matches, CSK leads 16-9, while among 21 games in India, CSK has a 14-6 lead. In the only game played between the two at Wankhede, CSK won it.

Weather and pitch report
The weather in Mumbai is expected to be hot, with a temperature of 34 degrees and 62% humidity. As for the track, a sporty pitch awaits, with equal bat and ball competition, while seamers are to be watched out for.

Probable XI
CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Lungi Ngidi.
RCB: Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), Shahbaz Ahmed, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Washington Sundar, Kane Richardson, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Kohli (c), Gaikwad, Raina- Kohli and Gaikwad are no-brainers to give the right start, while Raina can come in at number three and get going as well. Kohli's reliability makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeeper: De Villiers- Another must-have man in the department, who can change the complexion of the game with his brutal batting.
All-rounders: Maxwell, Curran, Moeen (vc)- Both are in tremendous form with the bat and can come in handy with the bowl if the need arises. Meanwhile, Moeen can be equally effective in all departments and has been in a decent form, making him Kohli's deputy.
Bowlers: Jamieson, Siraj, Harshal, Ngidi- In an all-out pace attack, these four men are to leave no stones unturned to get the best out of the Wankhede track.

Match details
Date and day: April 25, 2021 (Sunday)
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Time: 3.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar

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