CSK vs RR Preview – Battle of spin in Chepauk
Four-time champions Chennai Super Kings will host the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 12, Wednesday for the 17th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League. Both CSK and RR had memorable outings in their previous games. While CSK defeated arch-rivals Mumbai Indians to claim their second win in three games, RR defeated Delhi Capitals to get back to winning ways.
The two sides have squared off 26 times previously in the tournament’s history, and CSK have emerged victorious 15 times and thus will have an upper hand going into the contest. CSK lost their campaign opener against Gujarat Titans, but have been in top form as they defeated Lucknow Super Giants and MI to recover from the early loss. Rajasthan started their campaign on a winning note but lost the second game before winning their third one against DC.
CSK suffered a major blow as their pace spearhead Deepak Chahar had to be rested owing to a minor injury, and he will miss out on a few more games. Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali too missed the previous game, but while the latter is likely to return, the former will remain out for another week. But the side looked balanced even though they made quite a few changes.
As for the Royals, Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal are in top form, and they’re proved their worth with the bat multiple times batting on top of the order. The skipper needs to up his game, and so does Riyan Parag, who has not managed to stand up to the team’s and fans’ expectations even after being backed every time. When the two high-flying teams cross swords, there will surely be fireworks.
Pitch and conditions
The Chepauk pitch, in the previous game, saw batters making the most of it in the early stages. Though it is a batter’s paradise, spinners play a crucial role, as was seen in the last game when Moeen Ali picked up four wickets. Both sides have attacking batters and class spinners and thus, it will be a thrilling contest.
Venue details: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Last T20 match at the venue: CSK- 217/7 (20 overs) | LSG- 205/7 (20 overs)
Probable playing XI for Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals clash:
Chennai Super Kings
Ajinkya Rahane made his way into the playing XI for the game against Mumbai, and proved with his knock why he is the best batter on his home ground- the Wankhede. Though Rahane played well, he might have to make way for Moeen Ali in the upcoming game as the all-rounder will play a crucial role at Chepauk. Rahane might get a chance as an impact player if Chennai get to chase.
Rajasthan Royals
Things are going well for the Men in Pink as after suffering a disappointing loss, they bounced back to winning ways and would look to carry the same momentum in the tournament going forward. All eyes will be on the experienced spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Murugan Ashwin.
