The Indian Premier League will return with its 17th edition on March 22, with the contest between the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The MS Dhoni-led side will strive to kick off their campaign with a victory and reinforce their defense.
RCB didn’t have a great season in 2023 but this time, they will look to be at their best under Faf du Plessis’s captaincy. Both teams will heavily rely on their star players in the inaugural game but some in-form names can do wonders and grab the limelight. Talking more, let’s discuss five players to watch out for in the opening match of the 2024 IPL.
Here are five players to watch out for during CSK vs RCB matches:
5. Matheesha Pathirana
Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana was magnificent with the ball for Chennai in the 2023 season. In the Yellow Army’s fifth title win, he chipped in with 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.00. The speedster will look to continue his fine job in the upcoming IPL season.
Pathirana’s recent bowling numbers are decent as he played an instrumental role in Sri Lanka’s victory against Afghanistan in a three-match T20 International (T20I) series. With eight wickets in three games, he ended up as the leading wicket-taker in the competition. Prior to the home series against the Afghan side, Pathirana showcased his bowling mettle for Vipers in the International League (ILT20) T20.
4. Lockie Ferguson
New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson will be seen in RCB colours, this year. The Kiwi pacer was snapped up by RCB for his base amount of INR 2 crore in the 2024 IPL auction held in Dubai. In the previous season, he was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) but couldn’t justify his role in the team.
Ahead of the 2024 IPL, he is looking confident with the ball and endeavour to continue his form in the cash-rich league. The 32-year-old put up a superb bowling show in the T20I series played at home against Australia, picking up five wickets in two games at an economy of 4.46.
3. Daryl Mitchell
New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell will be a key player in the CSK camp in the IPL 2024. The Yellow Army splurged a hefty sum of INR 14 crore to sign up the Kiwi player. The CSK team management will expect him to be efficient with his bat in the middle order and produce match-winning knocks.
Mitchell exuded confidence with his bat against Pakistan in a five-match T20I series. In his team’s 4-1 win against Shaheen Shah Afridi and his men, the right-handed batter delivered two effective knocks from his bat.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has proven himself in the CSK squad with his scintillating batting numbers. In Chennai’s last two title triumphs, the opening batter made crucial contributions with his bat. In 2024, Super Kings will want him to be at his best so that they can defend the title successfully.
Ruturaj’s recent batting performances in the T20 format are exceptional as he was among the runs for India in a five-match T20I series against Australia played at home. In Guwahati, he notched up his maiden international ton in a losing cause. Gaikwad will look to display his formidable side again to satiate CSK supporters.
1. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell put up a decent show with his bat in the 2023 IPL but this season, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team management will want him to deliver impactful innings to the side consistently. In the last 10 T20Is, he hit two match-winning centuries for Australia.
In the opening contest against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Aussie will be expected to display his all-round talent to cause damage to the hosts and help his team kick off the campaign with a victory.
from IPL Live Score | IPL News, IPL 2024 Updates, Squads & Results - CricTracker