"Chepauk is no longer a fortress for CSK" - Abhinav Mukund feels RCB can win IPL 2024 opener in Chennai

Former India opener Abhinav Mukund feels that the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) can defeat the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their home ground. Abhinav Mukund said that playing at the Chepauk stadium no longer guarantees a win for the MS Dhoni-led side.

On Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the schedule for the first 21 matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The Super Kings will take on the team led by Faf du Plessis in the first match of the tournament in Chennai on March 22.

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The Pitches In Chennai Have Changed – Abhinav Mukund

Speaking on JioCinema, Abhinav Mukund expressed optimism about RCB’s chances in the season opener, citing CSK’s underwhelming home performance last season. However, Mukund acknowledged that CSK’s spinners could give them an edge in the match.

“The good thing for RCB is that the pitches in Chennai have changed. It’s no longer a fortress for CSK. They lost to Punjab and KKR at home, even though they won the trophy. But, looking at the spin-friendly conditions and the spinners they have, CSK looks stronger on paper,” said Mukund.

The Chepauk stadium, traditionally a stronghold for the Super Kings, saw the team winning just four of seven league-stage matches at home in the IPL 2023. However, they managed to overcome the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1, securing a place in the grand finale.

RCB has struggled in Chennai since the IPL 2008 season, losing their last seven matches at the venue. Moreover, CSK maintains a dominant record of 20 victories against RCB’s 10 in the tournament, including a notable eight-run win in their sole encounter last season.

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CSK Versus RCB Has Been A Great Rivalry Over The Years – Abhinav Mukund

Abhinav Mukund highlighted the enduring rivalry between CSK and RCB, acknowledging RCB’s near misses at the Chepauk stadium. Mukund emphasized that there are a couple of moments that have left a lasting impression on fans.

“CSK versus RCB has been a great rivalry over the years. RCB have come incredibly close to winning at Chepauk but couldn’t cross the line. A couple of these moments will be etched in fans’ hearts,” Mukund said.

Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious when they last faced Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL season opener. The home team restricted the opposition to a mere 70 runs in 2019. The CSK team successfully chased down the target with seven wickets in hand.

The Super Kings made significant acquisitions at the IPL 2024 auction, securing key players for their squad. They signed Daryl Mitchell for a whopping Rs 14 crore, along with Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur for Rs 4 crore and UP batter Sameer Rizvi for Rs 8.4 crore.

CSK added Rachin Ravindra, Mustafizur Rahman, and Avanish Rao Aravelly to strengthen their roster. They retained key players including Deepak Chahar, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, and Mitchell Santner.

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