IPL 2018: Match 43, RR vs CSK, Preview- Royals run into the Super Kings in do-or-die clash

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are expected to be in a positive frame of mind courtesy of their resounding victory against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. In their upcoming contest against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), they will be in for a stern test. Needless to say that it’s paramount for them to turn over the Yellow Army in order for them to stay afloat in the tournament.

Nevertheless, the fact that they have blown hot and cold in the league can’t be denied by any means. Their batsmen have been erratic, however, the promotion of Jos Buttler up the order has reaped benefits for them. Their bowlers were impressive in the last match and churned out a clinical show and they have to replicate their touch in order for Ajinkya Rahane’s men to brush MS Dhoni’s men aside.

On the contrary, Chennai are in a pretty comfortable position and need another victory to more or less book a berth in the playoffs. The franchise managed to beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Pune and would wish to carry forward their form against the hosts. The pitch is expected to be on the slower side and batsmen will have a task on their hands.

Toss: CSK won the toss and elected to bat first

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Sam Billings, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Karn Sharma, David Willey, Harbhajan Singh, Shardul Thakur

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Prasanth Chopra, Jofra Archer, Ankit Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat, Ish Sodhi

Team Combination  

Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan will be banking on Jos Buttler to take them off to a decent start. Ajinkya Rahane has been inconsistent and the home team will want their skipper to fire with the willow. Sanju Samson has been a stalwart and he needs to perform and help RR with his temperament. Ben Stokes hasn’t been at his very best, but bearing in mind his abilities, Chennai can’t afford to undermine him.

Krishnappa Gowtham did well in the last match with the leather, but needs to be more consistent with the willow. Jaydev Unadkat found his rhythm to some extent, but needs to maintain the same against CSK as well. Ish Sodhi’s leg-breaks will also be pivotal for them. Most importantly, Jofra Archer need to be on top of his game and bring forth his pace and accuracy to ruffle the visitors.

Chennai Super Kings

Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu are the tried and tested openers and the franchise won’t want to tinker with them. Suresh Raina, being a seasoned campaigner, needs to be on top of his game as well. Dhruv Shorey played one game and couldn’t make an impact. MS Dhoni’s role lower down the order can’t be ruled out by any stretch of the imagination.

In the bowling department, Deepak Chahar, who suffered a hamstring strain, might come back and replace Shardul Thakur. The spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Harbhajan Singh were exceptional against RCB and a lot will depend on them in the upcoming game. Hopes will also be pinned on Dwayne Bravo in the death overs. Meanwhile, Jadeja and Bravo’s contribution with the bat also need to come to the fore

Players to Watch out for

Jofra Archer- Rajasthan Royals

Jofra Archer has enthralled one and all with his raw pace and his ability to deliver when the batsmen try to accelerate the scoring rate. KL Rahul laid into him the other day, but the Royals will look up to their fastest bowler to curb the might of the CSK batsmen, who have been in bludgeoning form in the cash-rich tournament.

Shane Watson- Chennai Super Kings

Shane Watson has been stupendous at the top of the order. Most importantly he will be familiar with the venue as he has played for the Royals for eight seasons before changing his franchise. Dhoni’s men will be hoping for the veteran cricketer to fire on all cylinders and get their team through to the playoffs.

Head to Head

Played- 18, RR- 6, CSK- 12, NR/Tie- 0

Stat Attack

Suresh Raina needs 40 more runs to complete 4000 IPL runs while playing for CSK.

Broadcast details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Live Streaming– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 20:00 IST, 14:30 GMT

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