This Sunday, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a critical challenge as they square off against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a vital IPL clash. Both teams are eager to secure their positions in the playoff race, with CSK particularly desperate for a win after recent setbacks.
Currently positioned fourth in the IPL standings, CSK have accumulated 12 points from 12 games. However, a recent defeat to the Gujarat Titans has increased the pressure on the team, necessitating victories in their final two matches to ensure a playoff spot.
Conversely, the Rajasthan Royals hold the second spot with 16 points but are coming off two consecutive losses to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. Although their playoff spot is not in immediate jeopardy, the Royals, led by Sanju Samson, are keen to regain their winning form as they head towards the knockout stages.
In their last outing, CSK's top order, featuring Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, failed to perform, which significantly impacted the team's performance against the Gujarat Titans. This has set the stage for a potential lineup change, particularly for Rahane, who may face a make-or-break situation in the upcoming game.
While Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali's return to form has been a positive development for CSK, Shivam Dube's recent performances have been lacklustre since his selection for India's T20 World Cup squad. Despite a quick 21 against Gujarat, Dube is under pressure to perform, both to justify his World Cup selection and to help propel his team into the playoffs.
CSK's bowers Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur showed promise in their last game, turning in an unexpectedly economical performance but the others need to step up. With the upcoming match set in Chennai, the home team's bowlers are expected to leverage their familiarity with the conditions, especially given the reduced impact of dew in this afternoon game, which could benefit the spinners.
Rajasthan Royals, eager to halt their losing streak, will see this match as a prime opportunity to stabilize. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has had a disappointing season, is under pressure to prove his worth ahead of the World Cup. Likewise, skipper Samson, also bound for the World Cup, will be looking for stronger performances from teammates like Riyan Parag, Shubham Dubey, and Rovman Powell.
Rajasthan's veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, fresh from taking three wickets against Delhi, is likely to play a crucial role on his home ground. Alongside him, the experienced Yuzvendra Chahal will bolster the Royals' bowling attack. Although Avesh Khan struggled in the last match, he will surely be given another chance to regain his form before the World Cup.
Team News
Ajinkya Rahane has managed just 1 double-digit score in his last 5 outings for CSK and could lose his place in the side. Rajasthan Royals, despite the defeat in their last two encounters, could keep the same lineup.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have played each other 28 times in the past, with CSK winning 15 and the Royals emerging victorious on 13 occasions.
Weather Report
It will be hot and humid late afternoon in Chennai, with temperatures in the range of 32-35°C. While there's a 20% chance of rain earlier in the day, the rain clouds should subside before game time.
Probable XIs
CSK Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh
RR Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (wk/c), Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
Full squads
Chennai Super Kings: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Richard Gleeson, Tushar Deshpande, Sameer Rizvi, Simarjeet Singh, Shaik Rasheed, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Solanki, Rachin Ravindra, Ajay Jadav Mandal, RS Hangargekar, Maheesh Theekshana, Nishant Sindhu, Aravelly Avanish
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma, Jos Buttler, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Shubham Dubey, Navdeep Saini, Tanush Kotian, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Kuldeep Sen, Donovan Ferreira, Abid Mushtaq, Kunal Singh Rathore
Watch: High calibre batting from Gill, Sudharsan disrupted our plans: CSK coach Fleming
(With PTI inputs)
