IPL 2018, Match 43, Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings - Match Prediction
Published - 11 May 2018, 05:52 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:51 PM
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It will be a must-win game for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) when they meet the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the game No. 43rd of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Rajasthan revived their hopes in the tournament with a convincing victory over the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the previous encounter.
The form of Jos Buttler has been quite stunning after being elevated as an opener. He has looked a completely different batsman and has treated the crowd with some electrifying strokeplay.
After getting back to the opening position, Buttler has scored three half-centuries consecutively. Even in the previous match, he played a pivotal role in helping Rajasthan post a competitive total of 158 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
It was a par score especially given the two-paced track of the match. However, the middle order needs to come back in touch if Rajasthan harbours any hopes of beating Super Kings in a must-win clash for them.
The return of Jofra Archer has also bolstered the team. The tall fast bowler has bowled some exceptional yorkers which resulted in stemming from the run flow in the middle over.
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi who was given a chance in the previous game, as he bowled quite well on a surface which proved to be on the slower side. He conceded less than four runs per over in his quota of four overs spell.
Super Kings, on the other hand, has played some terrific brand of cricket all through the tournament. They have looked one of the best two teams in the tournament.
CSK’s batting department looks pretty sold with the likes of Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson at the top of the order. The duo has got them off to a sensational start on most occasions which has been one of the major reasons behind their success in the tournament.
The form of Mahendra Singh Dhoni has also kept CSK in perfect shape. Dhoni is having the best IPL season. He has scored 360 runs so far at a staggering average of 90.
The veteran batsman Dhoni has also smashed the most sixes in the tournament and has been a nightmare for the bowlers throughout. He will look to continue his form against Rajasthan and make sure that Chennai reaches the playoffs with four matches left.
The bowling department has also lived up to the expectations. Ravindra Jadeja came to his own in the match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Harbhajan Singh also bagged a couple of crucial wickets. David Willey, who made his debut bowled pretty well while Lungisani Ngidi has been quite impressive ever since making his debut.
Team Combinations:
Rajasthan Royals:
Royals won’t like to tinker with the winning combination. They performed quite well in the previous match.
However, they might opt for a couple of changes depending on the conditions of the pitch. Sodhi in all likelihood will retain his place in the XI.
Predicted XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Mahipal Lomror, Stuart Binny/Rahul Tripathi, K Gowtham, Ish Sodhi, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Anureet Singh/Dhawal Kulkarni
Chennai Super Kings:
Deepak Chahar was seen practising ahead of the clash. If he is fit to return, Shardul Thakur will have to sit out. Chennai will be worrying a bit about their death bowling.
However, they will look to keep their impressive streak going in the tournament.
Predicted XI: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Dhruv Shorey, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, David Willey, Harbhajan Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Shardul Thakur
Match Prediction:
Super Kings have been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament. They have played some good cricket and will look to seal their place in the playoffs.
However, Rajasthan is in a desperate position. They need to win badly and that might just get the best out of him.
So, I will go with the Rajasthan Royals in this particular match.
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