Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2024 opener at M Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) on Friday, March 22. The clash between two cricketing giants, led by Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, promises an intense showdown. Notable players like Ravindra Jadeja, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, and Shardul Thakur will grace the field, adding to the excitement. RCB faces a historical challenge at Chepauk, where the slow pitch has troubled them. In contrast, CSK boasts a strong record, winning four of its last five matches at the venue. Their previous encounter saw CSK triumph over RCB by eight runs, heightening anticipation for the upcoming match. The pitch report for the Chepauk stadium suggests that batting might be challenging due to its slow nature. Spinners and pacers with variations are expected to thrive, with scores exceeding 210 runs achieved only four times in IPL history at this venue. As the tournament progresses, the pitch is likely to slow further, emphasizing the toss's importance, with teams likely to choose to bat first. Weather concerns hover over the event, with Chennai forecasted to experience light thunderstorms and rain on Thursday, March 21. However, conditions are expected to clear by Friday, March 22, with expected bright and sunny weather. Despite humidity levels reaching up to 75 percent and temperatures around 31 degrees Celsius, fans can anticipate an exciting start to the IPL 2024 season. Live streaming of all IPL 2024 matches, including CSK vs RCB Match 1, will be available on the JioCinema app and website, offering fans convenient access to the action. Additionally, the Star Network will broadcast all IPL 2024 matches on TV, allowing viewers to catch the excitement on the Star Sports network. Pitch Report Two distinct strips were utilized at the MA Chidambaram Stadium for IPL 2023. While on one of the tracks, the players could score openly, and the throw didn't make any difference much; the other track looked like a customary Chidambaram track, with its sluggish nature supporting the spinners. Chidambaram Arena has been a stronghold for the CSK group. They have won almost 71% of the games played here. Taking into account the power-stuffed RCB batting line-up, CSK could give them a sluggish, turn cordial wicket. Top Picks Rachin Ravindra (CSK) The Kiwi all-rounder showed what him can do as a consistent top-request hitter in World Cup 2023. Rachin Ravindra dealt with turn bowling pleasantly during the competition. On a twist well disposed wicket, Ravindra could be a compelling bowler as well. Thus, this goes with Rachin an essential decision for the game. Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) The Indian all-rounder has as of late been in good bowling structure in the global circuit. Jadeja has demonstrated again that he is more than valuable with the bat in the lower-request, settling on him a fundamental decision for the game. Glenn Maxwell (RCB) The Australian power-hitter can be a distinct advantage with the bat. Glenn Maxwell can likewise be exceptionally helpful with the ball close by, settling on him a fundamental decision for dream challenges. Faf du Plessis (RCB) The RCB captain will be a pillar of the group's batting line-up. Faf du Plessis has a good record at Chepauk and is intimately acquainted with the setting. A ton will rely upon Du Plessis, making him a fundamental pick for the game. CSK vs RCB Head-to-head Stats Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have played 32 games against each other in the IPL. CSK has been the dominant side in the contest, winning 21 out of these games, while RCB has managed ten wins, with one match ending in no result. It was a high-scoring undertaking when these two groups played against one another the last time. Chennai Super Rulers batted first in that game and were conveyed by Devon Conway and Shivam Dube; they posted a monstrous all out of 226/6 in their 20 overs. While pursuing, Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell set up the pursuit splendidly for RCB. It appeared as though they would journey past the triumphant line. Yet, with the fall of the two prime players, the pursuit began to go to pieces for the group. Eventually, RCB came to 218/8 in their 20 overs and lost the game by eight runs. RCB will be anxious to vindicate their last loss and start their competition off in great shape. Then again, Chennai Super Lords will be hoping to put the most grounded foot forward and secure themselves as the reigning champs. Bengaluru Key Players : Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Alzarri Joseph Chennai Key Players : Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Deepak Chahar Probable XI Royal Challengers Bengaluru Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Karn Sharma, Mayank Dagar, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Siraj. Chennai Super Kings Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali/Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Mustafizur Rahman