May 10
It’s four wins in a row for RCB, and it seems like they’ve found their winning rhythm just a bit too late in the tournament. Nonetheless, their recent victories have injected life into what was an abysmal campaign. With this newfound form, their playoff hopes, though faint, are still alive.
On Thursday, RCB put up a stellar performance, thanks to Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar. Kohli’s sublime form saw him smashing a scintillating 92 off just 47 balls, while Patidar’s destructive half-century contributed significantly to RCB’s formidable total of 241. Punjab Kings, in response, faltered and fell short by 60 runs.
Playoff Prospects
Punjab Kings’ chances for qualification are bleak. Their inconsistent performance throughout the tournament has led to their failure to progress beyond the league stages for the 10th consecutive time. Meanwhile, RCB still has a chance, albeit a slim one. With two more games to go, if they win both, they’ll finish with 14 points. However, their fate also depends on the results of other matches.
Tonight’s Matchup
Tonight’s fixture brings a repeat of last year’s final at the same venue. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be aiming for a victory to strengthen their playoff chances, while Gujarat Titans find themselves in a precarious position. Although not entirely out of the race, a loss tonight might seal their fate. Shubman Gill’s inconsistent form has only added to their woes.
Concerns over Dhoni
Ahead of tonight’s game, there has been speculation regarding MS Dhoni’s form and fitness. In the last game, Dhoni walked out to bat at No.9, looking uncomfortable and still nursing an injury. However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has assured fans that there’s no cause for concern. They are managing Dhoni’s workload to ensure they get the best out of the veteran player.
For more updates on the world CricAdvisor.
