RCB vs CSK: MS Dhoni's presence in opposition team not a pressure, says Swapnil Singh ahead of blockbuster IPL 2024 clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bowler Swapnil Singh talked about the all-important clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He said that the presence of MS Dhoni in the opposition team won't put pressure on him but it will motivate him to do well.

In what will be the most important clash of the league stage, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be taking on Chennai Super Kings on Saturday (18th May) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match will decide who will be the fourth team to qualify for the playoffs and join Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

It will be a battle between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni as the two greats of Indian cricket will be up against each other potentially for the one last time. Both the teams have played magnificent brand of cricket and it promises to be an enthralling clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The aggression of Virat Kohli and the RCB team, who have made a terrific comeback after a terrible performance in the first half of the league. On the other hand, while Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain of Chennai Super Kings, the cricketing genius of MS Dhoni still is the stand-out thing for five-time champions.

If Chennai Super Kings happen to lose the game, it might turn out to be the last game for MS Dhoni in the league. The keeper-batter has been struggling with the knee issue and age factor behind him too, he might walk away. But it is expected that he will give his best and help his team to win the game.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowler Swapnil Singh, who has been going through the decent touch in the league, admitted that having MS Dhoni in front of him will be a big thing for them. However, he added that it will be an inspirational thing for him because seeing the keeper-batter will allow them to keep things calm in big games. Speaking to India today, he explained:

"Mahi bhai will be in front of us. When you see him, some memories hit you straight away. How he keeps things simple in matches. In big matches, how he keeps things even more simple. Him being there is an inspiration for us and not pressure. I personally will remember the teachings from him over the years and keep things very relaxed."

We have been playing knockout matches since our game 7 or 8 - Swapnil Singh

Swapnil Singh further added that the second phase of the Indian Premier League has been a knockout stage for them but admitted that a lot will be at stake when they take on Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Swapnil Singh concluded by saying that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be focusing on the game and will try to execute their skills. He added:

"We have been playing knockout matches since our game 7 or 8. So, at this point, it just feels normal. The CSK match is a big game, there is a lot at stake, if we win by a certain margin, we will qualify also. But when you play, you don't think about these things, you just focus on your own game, and try to execute your skills."

RCB are going through a great patch in the league. After winning just 1 win in their 8 games, they have won 5 on the trot. They would be keen to enter the playoffs.