The stage is set for what is perhaps the biggest match of IPL 2024 thus far. It is a virtual knockout game between two arch-rivals in the Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, 18 May.
RCB are currently riding a five-match winning streak, their batting firepower finally clicking. Virat Kohli is in red-hot form, while Faf du Plessis' leadership and the bowling is finally working. They need a big win to secure a playoffs spot, adding extra spice to the narrative.
The defending champions, CSK, are also under pressure. Though placed slightly better with 14 points compared to RCB's 12, they can't afford complacency. A win is crucial to avoid depending on net run rate for qualification. This might also be MS Dhoni's last match for CSK if they lose, adding an emotional layer to the contest.
Ahead of tonight's mega encounter between RCB and CSK, here are three big records that could be broken in the game.
#3 Mohammed Siraj could become RCB's third-highest wicket-taker of all-time
After a horrid start to his IPL 2024 campaign, Mohammed Siraj has swung back in form. He has picked up seven wickets in last four games and his return to form has coincided with RCB's run of wins.
Siraj is also just one wicket away from becoming RCB's third-highest wicket-taker of all-time. In his 85-match long career with the Bengaluru outfit, Siraj has scalped 80 wickets at an economy rate of 8.60. He is currently the joint-third-highest wicket-taker alongside Vinay Kumar, who also took 80 wickets.
#2 MS Dhoni could break AB de Villiers' record
All eyes will be on MS Dhoni tonight, not just for CSK's victory but also for a potential farewell. This match could mark his final appearance in the iconic yellow jersey if CSK fail to qualify for playoffs.
He's been in red-hot form this season, currently boasting the highest strike rate (226.67) among all Indian players. In just 60 balls faced, he's already amassed a staggering 136 runs, showcasing his power-hitting prowess that fans have adored for years.
Adding to another layer to the match, Dhoni is on the verge of another IPL milestone. He's currently tied with the legendary AB de Villiers with 251 sixes hit in the IPL. One more six tonight against RCB will see Dhoni becoming the fourth-highest six-hitter in the league.
#1 Virat Kohli stands on the verge of history
While Dhoni's farewell hangs in the air, RCB's Virat Kohli has his own set of records to chase tonight. Currently the IPL's Orange Cap holder, Kohli is on a tear, amassing a whopping 661 runs at a mind-blowing average and strike rate of 66.1 and 155.16 respectively.
Kohli is on the cusp of IPL history. He needs just 76 more runs to become the first player ever to amass a staggering 8,000 runs in the league. The former RCB captain has scored 7924 runs in the league's history so far.
The CSK bowlers might have their work cut out for them tonight as well. Kohli also has a chance to become the highest run-scorer against CSK. He currently sits at 1020 runs against the yellow brigade, needing just 86 more to surpass Shikhar Dhawan's record of 1105.
Given Kohli's current red-hot form, achieving these milestones seems well within his grasp.
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