No more second chances, no more "OK we'll see how this goes, and then have a proper crack when absolutely necessary." CSK vs RCB Qualifier 2 of IPL 2015 is the semifinal, with the winner inking a date with the Mumbai Indians in the final.
Chennai Super Kings were at a distinct disadvantage in Qualifier 1 against the Mumbai Indians, despite finishing top of the table, as the match was played at MI's fortress that is the Wankhede Stadium. This time, however, it will be different as the majority of the crowd in Ranchi is expected to be yellow.
Ranchi is the CSK skipper MS Dhoni's hometown, and with it comes the inevitable support. Dhoni is always one of the most popular, if not the most, players at any ground, but the volume levels will get cranked up that wee bit more every time he is in focus in Ranchi.
"We played a lot here last year and it was a key part of our season," CSK coach Stephen Fleming said. "There is some attachment as well with this place being the skipper's hometown
"But as a team it is important that we do the job, no matter what the surroundings are. If you don't play well, you don't get the goodies.
"We are confident that we have got a good game in us and the surroundings will suit us. Playing Mumbai in Mumbai is hard but coming to Ranchi to get to another IPL final is a great opportunity. It is all there for us and we just need to make it count."
The batting will undoubtedly be the key for CSK. Brendon McCullum's departure has been a huge loss for the side, and with Dwayne Smith struggling for runs and Michael Hussey only about to play his third game in IPL 2015, the top order looks a little iffy.
Suresh Raina has also not quite been able to find his usual IPL touch this season, but if CSK are to stop RCB in Qualifier 2, one of their top three needs to make big runs.
The Royal Challengers, on the other hand, will probably be saying "more of the same please." The team have gelled at the right time, with Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers coming to the fore more often than not, while some of the youngsters – Mandeep Singh against the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator – have stepped up admirably as well.
RCB's bowling looks as good as it has ever looked for the side, with Mitchell Starc leading the way admirably. The likes of Harshal Patel, whose brilliant spells have gone a little under the radar, Sreenath Aravind and Yuzvendra Chahal have also been quite good, making it difficult for the batsmen to get easy runs.
And when you cannot put enough runs on the board against a side that has Gayle, Kohli and De Villiers wielding the willow, you are going to be in big trouble.
So, Raina, Hussey, Smith and Faf Du Plessis need to get the early runs, allowing MS Dhoni, Ravindra forgotten-how-to-bat Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo to cut loose and play with absolute freedom in the end.
Where to Watch Live
Get CSK vs rCB Match Highlights HERE
Get the CSK vs RCB Qualifier 2 At It Happened HERE
IPL 2015 Qualifier 2 CSK vs RCB is set for an 8 pm IST (3.30 pm BST, 10.30 am ET) start with live coverage on TV in India on Sony Six, Sony Max, Sony Kix and Sony Aath. Viewers in India can also watch Qualifier 2 via live streaming online on Starsports.com and Hotstar.
Audience watching the game live in the US can flip the remote to ESPN, while the live stream option is on ESPN Cricket.
Viewers in the UK can catch Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Live on Sky Sports3, while the match can also be watch live online on Sky Go and Watch Sky Sports.
Audience from around the world can check out Cricketgateway.com to watch Live the IPL 2015 Qualifier 2 Match.
