IPL 2019: 3 reasons why RCB can beat CSK in the opening game

IPL 2019 will begin with a clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings. RCB and CSK are two of the most widely followed teams in the league; the two grand franchises are led by the two of the most popular figures in world cricket - Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.

CSK are the joint most successful franchise in IPL history, having won the title three times. The defending champions are always one of the favourites for the tournament.

CSK also have a great record over RCB, as they have won 14 of the 22 meetings between the two franchises. With the home crowd backing them, the MS Dhoni-led team would be hoping to make a perfect start to the tournament.

On the other hand, RCB would be hoping to get it right this time around for a change. The Bangalore-based team don't have any shortage of firepower, and they can beat anyone on their day.

Let us look at three reasons why RCB can beat CSK in the IPL season 12 opener.

1. The form of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen to have played the game. When you have someone like Kohli in the team, half the battle is won.

Considering the talent of the man, it is surprising that he has never won an IPL title in his career. But he would be hoping to correct that this time around.

The presence of Kohli in the opposition team is enough to give headaches to any team. CSK captain MS Dhoni is smart enough to understand that if they don't get Kohli early, it might be very difficult to get a foothold in the match.

While Dhoni is a master tactician, all tactics go out of the window when Kohli is in full flow. If Kohli is in the mood he can win the match single-handedly for his team.

RCB and their fans would be hoping that their captain can deliver a great performance against CSK.

2. Shimron Hetmyer can be a game-changer

Shimron Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer has emerged as one of the most promising batsmen in the last few years. His talent is evident from the fact that ICC named him among the top five breakout stars of 2018.

Hetmyer gave a glimpse of his talent to the Indian crowd in the ODI series against India in India.

The 22-year-old from Guyana came into the auction at a base price of just 50 lakh. There was an intense war between Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and RCB, as they all bid aggressively to get their man. RCB finally managed to sign him after bidding a huge 4.2 crore.

The left-handed batsman has a strike rate of 110 in ODIs, which shows his attacking nature. He has the ability to move the innings forward in the middle order, which might be the deciding factor in the match.

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3. Chahal could be effective in Chepauk

Yuzvendra Chahal has formed a deadly duo with Kuldeep Yadav in the Indian team. Very few batsmen around the world can claim to be comfortable when they face the wrist spin of Chahal; it is very difficult to pick him, and he becomes even more dangerous when pitches favour him.

The Chepauk pitch always has something for spinners, which might bring Chahal into the game. The 28-year-old leg spinner has the ability to run through batting lineups on pitches that are suited to slow bowling.

Chahal has matured a lot with age, which means that he understands his game more than he did in the past. This game intelligence helps in reading the batsman's mind, which makes it difficult to score runs off him.

If Chahal can pick a few wickets in the middle overs, it will make it really difficult for the CSK batsmen to put up a good score on the board.