CSK are firmly placed at the top in the league table right now! RCB's chances are very low in terms of probability! Yet, A shockingly comprehensive loss to Hyderabad in CSK's previous game and a thrilling victory by RCB against KKR, Which also featured a Kohli masterclass ton, Have bought some life into the "Namma derby " match on Sunday night.

Having faced a 7 wicket defeat in a dry tournament opener against CSK, RCB would vouch to payback for what could be one of the reasons for their horrifying showdown thus far.

Yet, History suggests otherwise. The last time RCB faced CSK at Chinnaswamy, RCB ended up conceding 71 runs in just 4.4 overs while defending 205. At that stage of that season, CSK had five wins in six matches and RCB a mere two in six.

Almost a year later, The teams are traveling in the same kind of opposite extremes.CSK is one win away from a playoff spot, While RCB has just started crawling upwards post their horrific six consecutive defeats at the start by managing to win two of the next three.

Coming back home with vibes of a terrific triumph which also featured praiseworthy contributions from the likes of Stoinis and Moeen Ali, RCB will be pumped up to delay the confirmation of CSK's playoff slot.

Although CSK did travel in cruise mode towards the playoffs, Defeats like the one the men in yellow-faced at Hyderabad could kill the momentum, Considering the playoff situation.

Watson and Rayudu are having a long due to p(l)ay well. The latter faced heavy criticism for not being able to accelerate at the end overs phase at Hyderabad.

As far as the playing XIs is concerned, The return of MSD would eliminate Sam Billings. Bravo and /Or Harbhajan could get in the mix. RCB would replace Akshdeep Nath with Shivam Dube by giving the latter another chance.

CSK have beaten RCB in their last seven face-offs - the most by an opponent in succession against RCB.

MS Dhoni is the leading run scorer against RCB in IPL. He was Man of the Match in CSK's match at the Chinnaswamy last year scoring a 34-ball unbeaten 70.

CSK are coming off after a defeat against SRH. Since their comeback in 2018, they haven't lost two matches in succession.

-Kumaran Kumanan