Inconsistent RCB face CSK-shaped hurdle

The men and women at the Royal Challengers Bangalore can be forgiven for casting a longing glance at their next opposition. After all, Chennai Super Kings have typified the sort of success that the Bengaluru-based franchise have craved through their decade of disappointment. The RCB fan base remains defiant and vociferous, but its CSK counterpart - ever-vibrant, ever-loyal - knows exactly what the ultimate gratification for undying support feels like. Mumbai Indians emerged as the flag-bearers of the first decade of IPL courtesy their third title in 2017, but CSK remain the 'most consistent' team - making six finals out of eight, winning two and even pocking a couple of titles at the now-defunct Champions League T20.

As the teams square off for the first time since 2015, the gulf between the two is quite telling. CSK enjoy a 12-7 head-to-head advantage in 20 meetings, and are unbeaten in the last four encounters between the two. They've also nullified RCB's home ground advantage - if there's such a thing in cricket - with a 3-3 tally in seven outings. To add to it, RCB had to be content being second-best after running into CSK in the 2011 IPL final, and have won just one of the four tussles in the knockout and playoff rounds.

Dhoni & Co. have also made a rollicking - and rather unexpected - start to their