IPL 2019: Match 25, RR v CSK, Preview: Dhoni's men out to paint Pink City yellow

In a crunch schedule, Chennai Super Kings will play four back-to-back away matches for the next 11 days. Men in Yellow will travel down south to get back to their den only on 23rd of this month to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad. Well, they will lock horns with Rajasthan Royals on Thursday in Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The Royals side have a good record against CSK at home, winning four of six matches.

But, considering the defending champions form and Royals struggle to win, it would be a stroll in the park for Dhoni’s men to win. CSK won five of their six matches, the recent win came against Kolkata Knight Riders. Under the tutelage of the veteran skipper, Chennai’s achievements have been aplenty. Their head-to-head tally is worth taking a look at as the three-time champions is much ahead of Royals — CSK won 13 of 20 matches while Royals registered only 7 win matches.

Team Combinations

Rajasthan Royals

For Royals, it’s important to strengthen their batting line-up, thus, the cameo of Sanju Samson and all-rounder Mahipal Lomror seems apt. Sanju was rested for two matches due to muscle stiffness but will make a comeback against CSK. At MAC, he couldn’t make much impact as he returned back to pavilion after scoring 8 runs. But, now it is important for him to get back to his prime. It would be a check-mate situation for CSK if the top order prove their prowess.  Also, Mahipal is likely to replace Sudhesan Midhun.

Probable XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Steve Smith, Sanju Samson, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mahipal Lomror, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni.

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings will look to pep up the batting order by replacing Shane Watson with Sam Billings. It has been a successful line-up so far as there are no much setbacks. Their strength seems to be bowling as the bowlers are succeeding in restricting their opponents for the paltry scores. The spin trio of Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja have been outstanding so far.

Probable XI: Sam Billings, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c, wk), Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir.

Toss Update: CSK won the toss and opted to field

Focus will be on

Rajasthan Royals: Ben Stokes

The English player have seen a sudden low after a marginal miss of half-ton against Chennai Super Kings. He was trapped very early by the RCB and the KKR bowlers. He had to face a tough time as he had to return to the pavilion with single-digit scores. The middle order collapse is one of the reasons for Royals setbacks. There will be a balance if Stokes can take charge and boost the chances of scoring big total.

Chennai Super Kings: Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir has been instrumental at his place in CSK. The South African spinner proved to be a breakthrough bowler in the last couple of games. Tahir stands second highest wicket-taker so far with nine wickets of six matches. He has been economical as well, bowling 22 overs he had conceded 118 runs. Imran is defintely a game changer.

Head-to-head

Matches: 20, Rajasthan Royals: 07, Chennai Super Kings: 13.

Stat Attack

8- No of wickets Deepak Chahar has taken in six matches he played. He stands fourth following Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir and Yuzvendra Chahal

Broadcast Details

TV: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Select HD

Live Streaming: Hotstar

Match Timings: 20:00 IST.

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