Chennai take on spirited Rajasthan at home
Published: 05:04 PM,Apr 11,2023 | EDITED : 02:04 PM,Apr 12,2023
This year's IPL has already offered everything and its still just in its second week. From Rinku Singh’s Swashbuckling innings to get KKR a win from the mouth of defeat, to Rashid Khan’s hat-trick, to Shikhar Dhawan’s one-man show 99, to Mark Wood’s life-threatening spell, to Shardul Thakur’s counter-attacking 68 (29 balls), to vintage Virat Kohli’s 82 not out and the list just goes on. Although one thing that has hampered this year’s IPL is the injuries. Most teams are trying to still understand the best use of the Impact player. But all said and done, one is thing is clear that, this year’s IPL will have a very important role for strategies and game planning in it.
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS (CSK) VS RAJASTHAN ROYALS AT CHENNAI
• TEAM INFO: It’s a match-up between the ex-keeper for the Indian team and a prospect, who has been trying to fill those shoes for the past few years, but has lacked sufficient opportunities. Chennai are slowly settling in and are looking like a very good team this year, and with Chennai being their fortress, its going to be one task ahead for Rajasthan. On the other hand, Rajasthan have the best spin attack and a slow wicket could cost Chennai a big way and they might have to move out of their comfort zone and pick a batting-friendly wicket, just like they did against Lucknow. So all-in-all, its going to be a complicated situation for the Chennai curator and management.
• Head-to-Head - Played - 27; Won by CSK - 15; Won by RR – 12
• CSK possible XI– RD Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, MM Ali, RA Jadeja, S Dubey, Mitchell Santner, SSB Magala, MS Dhoni(C), RS Hangargekar, TU Deshpande
• RR possible XI – Yashasvi Jaiswal, R Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Jos Buttler, SV Samson(C), DC Jurel, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma
• Pitch & Weather Report – The surface at MA Chidambaram Stadium is believed to remain slow and sluggish. But this was proved wrong in the first game here between CSK and LSG, as a total of 422 runs were scored in total. The pitch will remain balanced throughout the game, with the average first innings score in the last five games here being 158 runs. Scattered clouds with temperature between 26 to 35 degrees Celsius and no chance of rain.
• Match Prediction – Even though Rajasthan are a balanced and a strong team, but yet, it has to be Chennai that will start as favourites on home turf. Even though, the entire India this season is like a home, but when it’s in Chennai, it’s a little extra special. The home fans are extremely passionate and when 50,000 fans cheer together, the opponent team is likely to feel very lonely in the middle. Chennai also have a very impressive record at home and that will also work in its favour. So, it’s going to be Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s - Chennai Super Kings for this one.
Fan Comments
“Being a Rajasthani, I have always backed the Royals and specially their strategy of backing and developing young talents right from the first season. It all started with the late legendary spinner Shane Warne, may his soul rest in peace. Halla Bol!!” – Imran Behlim, 35, Businessman, Indian.
“MSD has been an inspiration to many upcoming talents like us. His presence of mind, while being calm in a tensed situation is absolutely commendable. CSK is a very balanced side and is going to go all the way this season. Let’s Whistle together!” - Hemakesh and Hemanath Balasubramanian (twins), Students, 17 Years, Indian.
“IPL has been a learning lesson for so many other countries on how to best develop the local infrastructure and its talent. Miss the presence of Pakistani players in IPL, but I am sure that soon that will also happen with the educated newer generations taking over the politics in both the countries.” – Faizan Khan, 25, Professional Cricketer, Pakistani.
“Cricket is a sport that unites people and teaches the importance of team work. I have seen a few locals playing this game and I hope that a lot more local kids take interest and play this game. Looking for more local names representing Oman at the national level in future.” – Amjad Balach al Balushi, 41, Businessman, Omani.
“Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not just a name, but an emotion. He is celebrated by every cricketer, irrespective of his background. One thing I respect him the most for is that, he walked away at the right time for International cricket, something that’s missing with most senior players these days. Although, its an absolute pleasure to see him as fit as ever in this year’s IPL. Chennai will lift the trophy this year!” – Adnan Ahmad Klair, 42, Businessman, Pakistani.
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS (CSK) VS RAJASTHAN ROYALS AT CHENNAI
• TEAM INFO: It’s a match-up between the ex-keeper for the Indian team and a prospect, who has been trying to fill those shoes for the past few years, but has lacked sufficient opportunities. Chennai are slowly settling in and are looking like a very good team this year, and with Chennai being their fortress, its going to be one task ahead for Rajasthan. On the other hand, Rajasthan have the best spin attack and a slow wicket could cost Chennai a big way and they might have to move out of their comfort zone and pick a batting-friendly wicket, just like they did against Lucknow. So all-in-all, its going to be a complicated situation for the Chennai curator and management.
• Head-to-Head - Played - 27; Won by CSK - 15; Won by RR – 12
• CSK possible XI– RD Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, MM Ali, RA Jadeja, S Dubey, Mitchell Santner, SSB Magala, MS Dhoni(C), RS Hangargekar, TU Deshpande
• RR possible XI – Yashasvi Jaiswal, R Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Jos Buttler, SV Samson(C), DC Jurel, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma
• Pitch & Weather Report – The surface at MA Chidambaram Stadium is believed to remain slow and sluggish. But this was proved wrong in the first game here between CSK and LSG, as a total of 422 runs were scored in total. The pitch will remain balanced throughout the game, with the average first innings score in the last five games here being 158 runs. Scattered clouds with temperature between 26 to 35 degrees Celsius and no chance of rain.
• Match Prediction – Even though Rajasthan are a balanced and a strong team, but yet, it has to be Chennai that will start as favourites on home turf. Even though, the entire India this season is like a home, but when it’s in Chennai, it’s a little extra special. The home fans are extremely passionate and when 50,000 fans cheer together, the opponent team is likely to feel very lonely in the middle. Chennai also have a very impressive record at home and that will also work in its favour. So, it’s going to be Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s - Chennai Super Kings for this one.
Fan Comments
“Being a Rajasthani, I have always backed the Royals and specially their strategy of backing and developing young talents right from the first season. It all started with the late legendary spinner Shane Warne, may his soul rest in peace. Halla Bol!!” – Imran Behlim, 35, Businessman, Indian.
“MSD has been an inspiration to many upcoming talents like us. His presence of mind, while being calm in a tensed situation is absolutely commendable. CSK is a very balanced side and is going to go all the way this season. Let’s Whistle together!” - Hemakesh and Hemanath Balasubramanian (twins), Students, 17 Years, Indian.
“IPL has been a learning lesson for so many other countries on how to best develop the local infrastructure and its talent. Miss the presence of Pakistani players in IPL, but I am sure that soon that will also happen with the educated newer generations taking over the politics in both the countries.” – Faizan Khan, 25, Professional Cricketer, Pakistani.
“Cricket is a sport that unites people and teaches the importance of team work. I have seen a few locals playing this game and I hope that a lot more local kids take interest and play this game. Looking for more local names representing Oman at the national level in future.” – Amjad Balach al Balushi, 41, Businessman, Omani.
“Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not just a name, but an emotion. He is celebrated by every cricketer, irrespective of his background. One thing I respect him the most for is that, he walked away at the right time for International cricket, something that’s missing with most senior players these days. Although, its an absolute pleasure to see him as fit as ever in this year’s IPL. Chennai will lift the trophy this year!” – Adnan Ahmad Klair, 42, Businessman, Pakistani.