Today at IPL 2022, RCB vs CSK: MS Dhoni-led Chennai look to build resurgent run against struggling Bangalore

IPL 2022, RCB vs CSK Prediction: MS Dhoni will be in focus as Chennai Super KIngs look to stitch a winning run against Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are on a 3-match losing streak. Dwayne Bravo and Moeen Ali are likely to return for the defending champions who look to make merry in Pune agian.

In a much-anticipated mid-week battle, Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings in Match 49 of IPL 2022 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Faf du Plessis will go up against his former captain MS Dhoni, who has returned as the skipper of CSK mid-season after a dramatic turn of events that saw Ravindra Jadeja hand over the baton back to the legendary skipper.

Both RCB and CSK have been underwhelming but Wednesday's contest gives the teams a chance to put themselves back in the mix in the play-offs race that is getting tense. RCB are at the 6th spot with 10 points in as many games but the former finalists are heading into the match in Pune on the back of a 3-match losing run.

On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings returned to winning ways on MS Dhoni's return to captaincy, beating one of the in-form sides in SunRisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

It's going to be a battle of the weak links as the decisive battle will be between RCB's misfiring batting unit against a weak CSK bowling unit. The return of Dhoni as captain makes CSK a dangerous unit as the 4-time title-winning captain knows how to make optimal use of his resources.

Faf du Plessis, who conceded that he was surprised by Dhoni's return to captaincy mid-season, pointed out that RCB should wary of Dhoni's ability to get the best out of his players.

"I think when MS is there, when he is captain, he does get the best out of the players. That’s been a big part of CSK’s success. That’s a big challenge for us, we have to make sure that’s not a factor tomorrow (Wednesday)." du Plessis told RCB on the eve of the Southern Derby.

CSK have already beaten RCB and the Men in Yellow will be keen on completing a double against a side whom they have enjoyed plenty of success in the past -- 19-9 in head-to-head meetings.