IPL 2020: Match 37: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: CSK Predicted XI

Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have had similar IPL 2020 campaigns, performing in patches but not enough victories to show in the points table. When these two sides lock horns for the second time this year, it would be their final chance to stay in contention for a playoffs spot remotely. With only six points from eight games so far, one of them could be eliminated from the race.

Chennai Super Kings suffered the sixth loss of IPL 2020 to Delhi Capitals in Sharjah when the three-time champions could not defend 179. Shikhar Dhawan’s maiden IPL hundred followed by Axar Patel’s cameo scripted a come-from-behind victory. It is imperative to remember that the yellow army also lost to the Royals when they faced them earlier this season. However, Chennai’s head to head record against Rajasthan should give them slight confidence.

We take a look at Chennai Super Kings’ predicted eleven ahead of their IPL 2020 game against Rajasthan Royals:

Sam Curran:

Sam Curran began opening for Chennai Super Kings in the last game against SunRisers Hyderabad and blasted 31 off 21 deliveries. However, he could not get off the mark against Delhi Capitals as he got dismissed in the third ball of the innings. With the ball, the left-arm seamer conceded 35 runs in four overs by claiming the wicket of Alex Carey.

Faf Du Plessis:

Faf Du Plessis top-scored for the Chennai Super Kings with 58 off 47 deliveries, containing six fours and two sixes. Faf Du Plessis was the aggressor in the partnership with Shane Watson that extended till 87 runs as it brought the three-time champions back in the game. Du Plessis fell to Kagiso Rabada as Shikhar Dhawan took a brilliant catch.

Shane Watson:

Shane Watson made a crucial contribution of 36 off 28 deliveries that contained six fours. Along with Faf Du Plessis, Shane Watson began the acceleration job and added 87 runs after a slow start. The veteran all-rounder was one of the victims of speedster Anrich Nortje.

Ambati Rayudu:

Ambati Rayudu batted at number four against the Delhi Capitals and provided the final flourish to remain unbeaten at 45 off 25 deliveries. Ambati Rayudu 45* contained one boundary followed by four sixes and added a half-century stand with Ravindra Jadeja. He also took the catch of Marcus Stoinis off Shardul Thakur’s bowling.

MS Dhoni (c):

MS Dhoni’s woeful IPL form continued as he departed only for three runs against Delhi Capitals. MS Dhoni edged Anrich Nortje’s delivery outside off to Alex Carey behind the stumps. The wicket of the CSK captain looked like the difference between the 170 and 180.

Ravindra Jadeja:

Ravindra Jadeja played an extremely handy cameo to finish things and propel Chennai Super Kings to 179 against Delhi Capitals. Ravindra Jadeja hammered 33 off 14 deliveries, comprising of four sixes. With the ball, Ravindra Jadeja proved to be expensive, conceding 35 runs in less than two overs and could not defend 17 in the final over.

Kedar Jadhav:

Chennai Super Kings decided to bring in an extra batsman in Kedar Jadhav by replacing leg-spinner, Piyush Chawla. However, Kedar Jadhav did not get to bat nor rolled his arms. The veteran batsman faced intense criticism when he wasted 12 deliveries for seven runs against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Imran Tahir:

Imran Tahir seems the likely candidate to replace Dwayne Bravo, who could not bowl the final over against Delhi Capitals due to a groin injury. CSK coach Stephen Fleming revealed that Bravo will sit out for a few days. If selected, Imran Tahir will play the first game of IPL 2020 despite having bagged the purple cap for 26 wickets in 2019.

Deepak Chahar:

Deepak Chahar was not only the pick of the bowlers against Delhi Capitals but also the most economical. Deepak Chahar dismissed Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw and conceded only 18 runs in four overs along with a maiden.

Shardul Thakur:

Shardul Thakur claimed the crucial wicket of Marcus Stoinis; however, went a tad bit expensive. Shardul Thakur could have also had Shikhar Dhawan had Ambati Rayudu not dropped a catch. In four overs, the seamer leaked 39 runs; however, is likely to keep his spot.

Karn Sharma:

Karn Sharma could not be as impactful as he was in his first game of IPL 2020 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, against whom he claimed two wickets. The leggie went wicketless against the Delhi Capitals and gave away 34 runs, including four fours and a six. Nevertheless, Karn Sharma will most likely keep his spot.

Also Read: IPL 2020 Match 37: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: RR Predicted XI