CSK vs RR: A rivalry to be revived after three years
The first-ever finalists of the IPL—Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals will face each other at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Friday.
It will be interesting to watch how CSK handle the situations with a spinner-stocked group that was prepared to take advantage from a spin-friendly venue at Chepauk. MS Dhoni, however, is likely to be comfortable with playing at this ground which was the home to his former team, Rising Pune Supergiant, for two seasons while CSK were exiled.
The Royals were the other team to served a two-season ban following a fixing row and will face CSK for the first time since 2015.
Chennai Super Kings
After winning two back-to-back matches, CSK lost their third clash to former Chennai-man Ravichandran Ashwin’s Kings XI Punjab. They have also been struck with the injury of Suresh Raina who is unlikely to start for the franchise tonight.
Mark Wood or David Willey could be included in the team in place of Deepak Chahar who has not been effective for his side so far. Imran Tahir might make way for Karn Sharma to balance the number of overseas payers in the playing XI.
Dhoni, after playing his career best IPL knock in the last match, would look to bring the team back to their winning-run.
Predicted XI: Shane Watson, Murali Vijay, Ambati Rayudu, Sam Billings, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Mark Wood/David Willey, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals are yet to showcase full potential with their biggest buys struggling to click with their performances. The Rajasthan-based franchise also awaits the debut of Jofra Archer which depends on his fitness. If he starts for the team then Ben Laughlin is likely to be sidelined.
D’Arcy Short is expected to be given a chance again after a series of disappointing displays as the game won’t take place on a spin-friendly track which could trouble the Aussie batsman. If not, Heinrich Klaasen can start his journey in the tournament.
Predicted XI: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, D'Arcy Short/Heinrich Klaasen, Jos Buttler (WK), Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Ben Laughlin/Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni
Prediction
CSK are the favorites ahead of the game tonight. Their performance in the death overs has been brilliant until now and will play a crucial role in deciding this game’s fate as well.
