CSK Vs RR Preview : Three-time champions Chennai Super Kings will lock horns against inaugural champion Rajasthan Royals at their own den. Rajasthan has to face an uphill task to pull off a victory against their rivals Chennai Super Kings. Unlike last season RR has got some valuable additions in the name of Ashton Turner, Varon Aaron and Oshane Thomas which will add much-needed variety to their bowling unit. Again the return of Steven Smith from ban will definitely help them to impose the competitive total on board and while chasing the huge target. Probably his experience will also come handy and no one can question his batting abilities. He can be lethal as much as when he becomes set.
On the other hand CSK, a much-settled unit has not got enough issues to address. They will enjoy playing at their home ground in front of the huge “Whistle Podu” army. It is the right time to check their bench strength which can avoid the last minute injury issues to their major players. Likely senior players will have a bit of rest and chance will be given to reserve players to showcase their talent.
Match Statistics
Both the teams have faced each other in 20 occasions and CSK is the better team with 12 victories and RR lags behind with 8 victories. Out of 7 matches between them at Chennai CSK has won 6 out of them which tells you the story of how good they are at their home. Shane Watson has played for both the teams and interestingly he is more successful against CSK with 657 runs. According to current statistics, Suresh Raina is leading the run chart with 598 runs between these two sides. Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja have been leading the wickets column with 13 scalps each.
What is in the Kitty
As mentioned earlier CSK is the much-settled unit and they have the very minimal amount of things to address but it is the right time for them to check their bench strength and ensure everyone is in good rhythm while heading towards playoffs.
Among other IPL teams, RR is the only team with minimum spin bowling experience. With Chennai pitch traditionally a spin bowling paradise RR will expect much more their spin bowling quadrant Ish Sodhi, Krishnappa Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal.
Players to Watch Out for CSK
Suresh Raina
Having successful against RR in the past Suresh Raina will look to extend that dominance in this match too. Virtually out of Indian side strong performance in IPL can help him to again come the selection’s radar. Also being the pillar of CSK’s batting order he will like to make it big and will make sure he is in good rhythm while heading towards play off’s.
MS Dhoni
Most successful captain in IPL history will also look to horn his skills prior to the world cup. He can promote himself up the order and spend some time in the middle which will help him to be in a good rhythm at the prominent cricketing event, world cup.
Players to Watch Out for RR
Steven Smith
Australian captain Steven Smith is fresh and raring to go after a 12-month ban. The flamboyant Aussie will look to utilize most of the opportunity to horn his skills prior to IPL and RR will also hoping for him to put up a strong performance which will help them to advance to playoff rounds.
Ajinkya Rahane
Elegant and classy Indian test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will take IPL as the opportunity to showcase his talent to again back to limited overs format. Also, his strong and consistent performance is vital for RR’s hopes of advancing to playoff’s.
What to Expect
With virtually settled unit and a strong team on paper with home ground advantage, CSK will look to seal the show but one can’t underestimate RR’s ability they have got all the skills to upset might CSK. The team that performs well in powerplay overs can have an advantage of winning the match.
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