RCB vs CSK Predicted Playing XI: Phil Salt likely to be out again, MS Dhoni may make changes in middle order

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to dominate Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home on May 3. In the previous game at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB ended their losing streak at home with an 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR). RCB are yet to be beaten in an away game this season but they have struggled at home like many other teams this time.

RCB have had a long break since beating Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets. Their bowling department has been top notch and the batting order looks settled with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings. Tim David's finishing touches have been crucial for RCB this season. However, RCB may miss the services of their star opener Phil Salt who was unwell for the DC game. If Salt does not return, Jacob Bethell will play his second match of the season. No other changes are expected in the RCB side.

RCB Predicted Playing XI plus impact player -

Phil Salt/Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

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CSK coaching staff has said that there has been much chopping and changing in the side. However, it may continue this time around as well. CSK's middle-order continues to be a problem for them. This is one of the major reasons why they find themselves at the bottom of the points table. With Deepak Hooda unable to find form, skipper MS Dhoni may give a chance to youngsters like Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth C or Ramakrishna Ghosh.

CSK may think it is time to rest Matheesha Pathirana. They have an option to play Nathan Ellis in his place. Also, Ravichandran Ashwin may make a comeback to the side.

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CSK Predicted Playing XI Plus impact player -

Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Vansh Bedi/Andre Sidharth C/Ramakrishna Ghosh, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj/ R Ashwin

RCB vs CSK Weather and Pitch Report

Rain is likely to play spoilsport. It is expected to be a rain-curtailed affair, similar to the one against Punjab Kings (PBKS). There is a 70 per cent chance of rain on May 3. The practice session on May 2 was interrupted by rain as well. RCB may have to wait to book their berth in playoffs.

RCB vs CSK Full Squads:

RCB Full Squad: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Philip Salt, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.

CSK Full Squad: Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni(w/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Shreyas Gopal, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Andre Siddarth C, Vansh Bedi.