The highly-anticipated cash-rich IPL is just around the corner as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to cross swords with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the tournament opener on March 22, Friday.

The Southern Derby will kick off at CSK's fortress, Chepauk cricket stadium at 8:00 PM (IST). It remains to be seen which team will use their resources to better effect in an attempt to start the campaign on a positive note.

CSK are one of the most successful teams in the competition with as many as five IPL titles in their decorated trophy cabinet whereas RCB are yet to win a title, despite qualifying for the finals three times. Let's now stroll at the three things we can look forward to from the CSK vs RCB clash.

1. Rachin Ravindra to make his IPL debut

CSK suffered a big blow after their marquee player, Devon Conway sustained a thumb injury during the T20I series against Australia. The New Zealand international underwent a surgery, which will take him eight weeks to recuperate. While he is ruled out of the first leg of IPL, it is definitely not easy to sneak into the playing XI straightaway after an injury.

It is quite obvious that he is all but ruled out of the tournament. CSK's think-tank will turn to fellow New Zealander Rachin Ravindra to do the honours as an opener alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad. The young left-handed batter was roped in by the five-time IPL champions for INR 1.8 crore at the auction and he is expected to announce his arrival in style against RCB in the tournament opener.

2. MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli Swansong

The cricket fraternity has witnessed some epic battles between CSK and RCB over the seasons. In all these games, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli grabbed the headlines for their performances, more often than not. Virat Kohli who scored 999 runs against CSK will be eyeing for a milestone in the upcoming meeting.

On the flip side of the coin, MS Dhoni who scored 838 runs against RCB will be looking to continuing his red-hot form. Perhaps, this will be one last meeting between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli at the Chepauk as MS Dhoni is more likely to call it quits from the tournament at the end of the IPL 2024 season.

3. CSK more likely to come out on top

The Southern Derby never ceased to amaze the fans since the inception of the IPL as both teams have produced top-quality encounters over the years. CSK are more likely to come out on top against RCB, given their incredible record at home. For the record, CSK have a healthy record against RCB at their territory as they have won seven games and lost just once so far.

On the other hand, RCB are yet to win a game at CSK's den for the last 16 years. Faf du Plessis and Co. will look to change the narrative this time around by firing all the cylinders and will have their work cut out.