Skipper MS Dhoni’s biggest headache for Saturday’s clash against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be Chris Gayle.
The RCB opener is in devastating form as his unbeaten 85 on Thursday made a mockery of the 155-run target set by the Kolkata Knight Riders. He helped his team win by eight wickets with more than two overs to spare.
That is how much of an impact Gayle can have on the match.
However, the Chennai Super Kings are ready for the challenge. And the man they are trusting to stop Gayle is off-spinner R Ashwin.
"I would hope it (RCB’s poor form in Chennai) continues. It depends on the day, Ashwin has bowled very well to Gayle in the past. We have used him well. We are probably a stronger bowling side that what we have been in the previous years," said coach Stephen Fleming.
But one thing that Fleming agrees on is that the game will be a high-scoring affair.
"Maybe, it will be a high scoring game with the quality of hitters on show, and certainly with Gayle and Kohli in form you will expect them to fancy their chances of getting a big score. We are going to be equal to them," said Fleming.
CSK, the most successful side in the history of the T20 league, have played two matches so far with a win and a loss. The RCB have played four and have won three of their matches.
{{/usCountry}}CSK, the most successful side in the history of the T20 league, have played two matches so far with a win and a loss. The RCB have played four and have won three of their matches.
{{/usCountry}}"We started poorly, so we have to come to grips with the conditions. We certainly did not bat well last time here (against Mumbai Indians). But we (the guys) responded to criticism from me, and Vijay and Hussey did very well (in the second game against Kings XI). And that is going to continue," said Fleming.