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Cricket enthusiasts are expected to be glued to their screens as two of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – face off in a crucial encounter. This match will determine the final team to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. With Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) already securing their playoff spots, the focus is now on this high-voltage game.
A must-win situation
For CSK, currently sitting with 14 points from 13 matches and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.528, the path to the playoffs is slightly less daunting. They can still make it to the playoffs even if they lose, provided their NRR does not fall below that of RCB. On the other hand, RCB, with 12 points from 13 matches and an NRR of +0.387, face a do-or-die situation. A victory is imperative for them to stay in contention for the playoffs.
Brian Lara names his choice
Adding to the pre-match excitement, West Indies batting legend Brian Lara has shared his opinion regarding who could be the possible winner of the upcoming clash. The Caribbean legend has thrown his support behind RCB, predicting their victory in this virtual knockout game. Speaking on the team’s prospects, Lara highlighted RCB’s impressive form and the crucial roles played by both seasoned and emerging players.
He pointed out that RCB is currently on a five-match winning streak, a feat unmatched by any other team this season and also noted the pivotal role of Virat Kohli, who is in exceptional form, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
“Well, it is not just form. I mean RCB has a five-match winning streak right now and no other team has done that this year. They have Virat Kohli, who is in hot form. But the most important thing is that other players are also playing their roles well which is important for the team’s success. So I think form is one thing,” said Lara as quoted by NDTV.
Also READ: MS Dhoni’s vintage tweet goes viral ahead of RCB vs CSK virtual knockout in IPL 2024
‘Hunger is a critical motivator’: Lara
Lara spoke about RCB’s intense desire to win their first IPL title, which he sees as a driving force for the team. He believed this hunger is a critical motivator, especially in such a high-stakes match. Lara also highlighted the performances of senior players like Faf du Plessis and Mohammed Siraj, alongside Kohli, as essential components of the team’s success.
“RCB has never won the IPL and they seem to be hungry to win it. This match will help them reach the playoffs. This is a great opportunity, the team’s form is good, there is hunger to win and senior players like Du Plessis, Siraj and Virat are also performing well. Then the younger players are coming in, they will miss one or two, the ones who have left. But I believe RCB’s momentum as we have seen till now, it will keep taking them forward in this tournament. I have seen them playing live, against CSK, they will definitely win,” added Lara.
