Royal Challengers Bangalore play for pride against Chennai Super Kings

BANGALORE: Despite a strong line-up, Royal Challengers Bangalore have collectively failed at crucial junctures. As a result, Virat Kohli's men have not been able to make much of an impact and failed to advance to the Indian Premier League playoffs for the third year in a row.
This time, their 30-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday shattered all hopes of progress.
Come Saturday, RCB will look to end their horrid season on a high when they host Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in their last IPL league fixture.
With eight defeats in 13 outings, RCB have never clicked as a unit.
The main reasons for their patchy run this season are the prolonged back injury of Chris Gayle, slump in Kohli's form, collective batting failures at decisive games and bowlers' inability to contain runs during the death overs.
RCB's Rs 14-crore catch Yuvraj Singh, after a series of flops, showed flashes of brilliance scoring back-to-back half-centuries but could do little to change his team's fortunes in the end. De Villiers produced a series of standout performances with the same result.
The moods in the two camps will be very different coming into this game.
RCB have nothing to prove and will be playing for pride while CSK will aim to arrest their losing streak and look to establish themselves at the top.
With three defeats on the trot ­ against RCB, KKR and Sunrisers ­ the Chennai Super Kings suddenly find their campaign wobbling despite being through to the playoffs.
Super Kings are second on the points table with 16 points and a victory against RCB on Saturday will consolidate their position among the top two.
The problem with Chennai is that their batsmen haven't been consistent, their bowlers have appeared toothless at times and fielders have leaked runs. Overall, the former champions haven't been their formidable selves.
RCB bowlers should be wary of West Indian Dwayne Smith, who has been in top form all season. Among Chennai bowlers, pacer Mohit Sharma, who has 18 scalps to his credit, will be the player to watch out for.