RCB Vs CSK: MS Dhoni’s Presence Not Pressure, But Motivation For Bengaluru, Says Swapnil
One between CSK and RCB are primed to grab the final spot in the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Both teams play each other.
In their final group stage game on May 18, Saturday, making it a virtual knockout at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. Apart from the fact that this is expected to be a high-intensity encounter, this match could also turn out to be MS Dhoni’s final game in the tournament. At 42, MS Dhoni is struggling with injuries and it is expected that he will call time on his incredible career at the end of CSK’s season.
Before the much-anticipated clash, RCB all-rounder Swapnil Singh caught up with IndiaToday.in and spoke about the effect of MS Dhoni on the game. Swapnil said that the presence of MS Dhoni will not be a pressure on RCB, but will rather work as an inspiration for the side in their final group stage match. Swapnil said that Dhoni was much revered among the players in Indian cricket and has imparted a lot of knowledge to his junior over the years. The all-rounder said that he will remember those teachings and try to keep things simple on Saturday, 18 May.
“Mahi bhai will be in front of us. When you see him, some memories hit you straight away. How he keeps things simple in matches. In big matches, how he keeps things even more simple. Him being there is an inspiration for us and not pressure. I personally will remember the teachings from him over the years and keep things very relaxed,” Swapnil Singh told IndiaToday.in, in an exclusive interview.
KNOCKOUT PRESSURE?
RCB have been on an incredible in the second half of the season. They have won 5 games in a row after a torrid result of 1 win and 7 losses in their first 8 games. Would there be added pressure now that the top 4 spot is within touching distance? Swapnil does not think so.
“We have been playing knockout matches since our game 7 or 8. So, at this point, it just feels normal. The CSK match, it is a big game, there is a lot at stake, if we win by a certain margin, we will qualify also. But when you play, you don’t think about these things, you just focus on your own game, and try to execute your skills,” Swapnil Singh told IndiaToday.in in an exclusive interview.
RCB can now qualify only with a victory against CSK. They need to beat CSK by a margin of more than 18 runs if they defend 200 or chase down a target of 200 or more in 18.1 overs or fewer. This will enable them to finish with 14 points and a better Net Run Rate than CSK.
If RCB lose or share points with CSK due to rain in Bengaluru on Saturday,