Stage set for battle of equals

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It’s been a typical Royal Challengers Bangalore show so far. They began with a bang but slipped to lose the next three matches, before regrouping to win the last three on the trot to put their campaign back on track.

That’s always been the story for Daniel Vettori’s men, the perennial slow starters of the IPL.

But there’s also been another familiar script this season for RCB and it’s their batting. The two-time finalists have been heavily reliable on their batsmen, and it’s been no different this season.

While Chris Gayle has motored away at the top, AB de Villiers has been exceptional in the finisher’s role, covering up for the failures of the Indian talent so far, including the precocious Virat Kohli.

Having said that, RCB won’t complain how the victory comes about in a format where even small things play a crucial role.

But against the Chennai Super Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in the second of the double-header on Wednesday, the hosts will have to be on top of their game.

In a camped points table, both teams are on eight points with CSK possessing a slightly better run-rate, but the power-packed defending champions are a team waiting to explode.

The Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have been poor away from home this season, but at their bastion, as RCB found out a fortnight back, they have showed their true mettle.

In fact, RCB would be hungry for vengeance as Super Kings clinched a last-ball thriller the last time they faced each other, with Abie Morkel hammering 28 runs in the 19th over off Kohli to set up a stunning win. Hence, it’s no secret that RCB’s problem lies in their bowling.

While young left-arm spinner K.P. Appanna put up a good show during the team’s comprehensive win against the Rajasthan Royals on Monday night, their fifth bowler slot is still a worry.

Vinay Kumar, on his return to RCB, has not to hit the strides, while Zaheer Khan and Daniel Vettori have failed to pick up wickets, albeit slightly successful at stemming the run flow.

For CSK too, it’s their batting that has carried them along. South African import Faf du Plessis has scored most of the runs for them, however, Suresh Raina and M.S. Dhoni are yet to fire but rest assured they won’t stay quiet for long.

Key player : Royal Challengers-AB de Villiers

The classy South African quite often has been overshadowed by Chris Gayle in the team, but de Villiers is no less dangerous.

The right-hander’s ability to be aggressive and also play according to the situation is what makes him an exciting player to watch out for

Key player : Chennai Super Kings-Albie Morkel

The tall all-rounder slammed 28 runs off Virat Kohli to steal the match away from RCB in their away leg, and he is back to do more damage.

Having just returned from South Africa to attend the funeral of a dear friend, Morkel’s big-hitting could prove to be the difference.