IPL 8 preview: RCB sense their chance against faltering CSK

What went Wrong: Chennai Super Kings were unusually flat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. They surrendered in front of a David Warner onslaught. In fact, Chennai bowled too many boundary balls — 23 fours and six sixes were conceded in their last game. Fielding was not up to scratch either. Even Brendon McCullum dropped a relatively simple catch. Then, batting wilted under pressure. The openers, McCullum and Dwayne Smith, collectively have scored 539 runs in nine matches for Chennai this season. The partnership didn’t click in the last two games, and Chennai lost both of them.

What went Right: Dwayne Bravo did a fine job with the ball when there was carnage around him. His three wickets kept Chennai in the game.

RCB (bt kkr)

What Went Right: The best thing about Royal Challengers Bangalore is that they’ve different match-winners for every game. If 17-year-old Sarfaraz Khan was the show-stopper against Rajasthan Royals, honours belonged to Mandeep Singh against Kolkata Knight Riders. This is serious value addition to a team that have Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in their top three.

What went Wrong: Not much. Spin bowling is perhaps one area where they don’t have much cover, Yuzvendra Chahal’s 11 wickets in seven matches notwithstanding. This might hurt them at Chepauk.

Conclusion

Chennai would be relieved to return to their fortress after successive losses. They’ve won nine games on the bounce at Chepauk. Also, R Ashwin might return, recovering from a split finger. It would be a big boost for the hosts if the offie passes the fitness test, but Bangalore have the wherewithal to upset the odds.