Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, March 22. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, CSK clinched their fifth IPL title after they defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets (DLS method) in a thrilling rain-curtailed IPL 2023 final. On the other hand, the Faf du Plessis-led RCB will aim to bounce back after finishing a disappointing sixth in the IPL 2023 standings with seven wins and as many losses.

Ahead of a mouth-watering IPL 2024 opener, we look at the predicted XIs of both sides.

CSK Predicted XI

Rachin Ravindra

Having impressed for New Zealand in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023, southpaw Rachin Ravindra is expected to open the proceedings for CSK in the absence of injured Devon Conway.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain)

CSK will once again bank on their talented opener and the new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to provide them with a strong start. Gaikwad has already amassed over 1,700 runs in 52 matches so far.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane was one of the standout performers for CSK in their title-winning campaign last year. The Mumbai veteran will be back in action for Chennai at no. 3.

Daryl Mitchell

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell could be another key inclusion in the CSK’s star-studded batting line-up. Mitchell’s addition will strengthen CSK’s middle order.

Moeen Ali

England’s star all-rounder Moeen Ali contributed with nine wickets and scored 124 runs for CSK last season. He will be once again banked for his all-round abilities.

Shivam Dube

Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube was another consistent performer for CSK in 2023. Dube played some quick-fire knocks, having amassed over 400 runs last year.

MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper)

Having aggregated over 5,000 IPL runs in 250 matches, MS Dhoni will aim to end his IPL career with some memorable batting performances in 2024.

Ravindra Jadeja

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will once again play a key role for the defending champions. So far, Jadeja has scored more than 2,500 runs and scalped over 150 wickets in 226 matches.

Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur has returned to the CSK set-up after a gap of two years. The Mumbai all-rounder will play a crucial role in IPL 2024.

Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar has been an integral member of the CSK outfit since 2018. He will spearhead CSK’s bowling in the upcoming IPL season.

Mukesh Choudhary

Mukesh Choudhary will be another talented left-arm pacer to watch out for this season. He grabbed the limelight after he picked up 16 wickets in 13 matches in his debut season in 2022.

Impact Sub

Sameer Rizvi/Tushar Deshpande

RCB Predicted XI

Faf du Plessis (captain)

Skipper Faf du Plessis finished as the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2023 with 730 runs in 14 matches. He will hope to continue his brilliant form in the upcoming season.

Virat Kohli

India talisman Virat Kohli was in scintillating form for RCB last season. Kohli amassed 639 runs in 14 matches last year and will be gearing up for a wonderful IPL 2024.

Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar was one of the standout batters for RCB in the 2022 edition with 333 runs in just eight matches. He will be eager to impress after missing the last season due to injury.

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell is one of the biggest match-winners in T20 cricket. After having a memorable ODI World Cup 2023, Maxwell will hope for a magnificent IPL 2024.

Cameron Green

RCB signed Cameron Green for INR 17.5 crore, and the Australian all-rounder will try to repay their faith with match-winning performances this year.

Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper)

Dinesh Karthik will look to turn things around after a disappointing IPL 2023 campaign. With over 4,500 runs in his IPL career, Karthik has enough experience to play a key role for the RCB outfit.

Mahipal Lomror

Spin-bowling all-rounder Mahipal Lomror could play a pivotal role in this RCB set-up. The 24-year-old has already scored 400 runs in his short IPL career.

Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson is one of the new pacers included in the RCB squad for the 2024 edition. The Kiwi pacer has bagged 37 wickets in 38 IPL matches so far.

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj will once again play a crucial role for Bengaluru. He picked up the most wickets for RCB last season with 19 scalps in 14 matches.

Karn Sharma

With a dearth of spin bowling options, veteran leg-spinner Karn Sharma could have a massive impact for RCB this season.

Akash Deep

Having made a memorable Test debut against England, RCB pacer Akash Deep will look to continue his good form in the IPL 2024.

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Suyash Prabhudessai/Vijaykumar Vyshak