Finalists from last year will face each other as the Chennai Super Kings are all set to host Royal Challengers Bangalore in what is a very crucial match for both the teams. Both the teams are coming on the back of embarrassing defeats and will be looking to turn the tide in their favour.

Chennai were outplayed in every department by Delhi Daredevils in a match that showed if you play well, you can very easily tame the Super Kings.

RCB on the other hand lost to KKR on their home ground and would be very disappointed with the performance that they showed against a team that was struggling in the IPL till that point. Despite of their bad performance, both the teams are favourites to make it to the semis and it will be a good contest to see the titans clash. Both the teams have some genuine match winners in their side and the crowd will be hoping for them to come good.

Players to watch out from Royal Challengers Bangalore

Chris Gayle: He failed in the match against his previous team KKR and would be looking to make up for that. It is his only second match of the tournament but the expectations from him are very high. RCB depends heavily on Gayle to provide them the initial momentum and the devastating left-hander will be looking to do that.

Cheteshwar Pujara: The classy right hander is looking to prove a point to the selectors and he will not get a better opportunity than IPL to make a mark. Pujara is one talented batsman, but has always struggled with injuries. Pujara is yet to make an impression in this season and he will be waiting desperately to change that. He can play some orthodox shots and even then can score fast. Crowd will be waiting for this young talent to come good.

Vinay Kumar: Vinay Kumar was the best bowler on display against the KKR. He bowled with intelligence and varied his pace beautifully. Kumar is a big buy for RCB and he has already showed that they have not wasted their money on him. He will once again have to bowl well to stop the explosive Chennai batting line-up.

Zaheer Khan: The premier fast bowler of India has still not found his stride in this years’ IPL. Zaheer has bowled well in patches but has not found the rhythm or the swing that he is known for. He is a big player for RCB and is expected to provide early wickets to his team. Zaheer will know that he has not performed up to the expectation and will be hoping to change that in this match.

Players to watch out from Chennai Super Kings

Murali Vijay: Vijay is one of the superstars in the Super Kings team. He has played well for them in all the seasons and is expected to do the same in this season as well. Vijay is a clean striker but has missed out in all the matches that he has played so far. Vijay is an attacking opener and he will be happy that he is playing at his home ground where he has a tremendous record. All eyes will be on him when Chennai will come out to bat.

Albie Morkel: The talented all-rounder is yet to get a proper chance to show the world his batting ability. He comes in when Chennai need quick runs and more often than not he provide his team that late momentum. Morkel can be very dangerous once he gets his eyes in and can dismantle any bowling attack.

Shadab Jakati: Jakati is a very good bowler and a terrific performer for the Super Kings. His performance might get overshadowed by Ashwin but he has made a name for himself at least in the Chennai squad. He bowls at crucial moments in the game and is electric on the field.

Dwayne Bravo: Bravo is equally efficient with the ball, as he is with the bat. He bowls intelligently and mixes his slower balls with some quick bouncers. He also has the ability to swing the new ball and can ball some good Yorkers at the end of the innings. He is a vital part of the team and his contribution with both bat and ball can change the course of a match.

Indian Sports News