Super Kings and Challengers set for close encounter

Defending Champion Chennai Super Kings is all set to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore here on Thursday.

It will be an important match for the Super Kings as they are yet to make an impact in this season winning only one of the three games played and a win against Royal Challengers will definitely boost its morale.

These two sides are the closest thing to a rivalry in the IPL - Super Kings lead the head-to-head 7-5.

It is the second home game for the Super Kings. The losses against Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils must be heartbreaking for them.

Chennai batsmen are yet to click in this edition. Opener Murali Vijay has completely failed. Albie Morkel is of no use at number eight. By dropping him, Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Kulasekra can be included.

This is an important game for Royal Challengers also because no one would have expected the drubbing against the Knight Riders in a home match game. For Challengers, Cheteshwar Pujara and Saurabh Tiwary haven't played up to their reputation. Till now they looked like a burden on the team.

Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli are yet to make an impact so far. The team think tank should include Andrew McDonald who did really well in the first match. They have strong bowling line up but batters are not showing their class in the middle.

In the points table CSK is at sixth and Challengers are sitting at seven and with one win both will try to improve their tally in points table. A close and tough encounter is expected.

The Chennai pitch has been supporting spinners in the previous IPL matches but in the opening game it surprised many with pace and bounce.