It is a 74-match tournament (including final) and this is exactly the halfway mark to a long and exhausting clash-up between 10 extremely competitive teams in a nearly two-month long event. This IPL has been nothing short of entertainment and the excitement is only going to increase. There is no particular team that has been able to run away with the success, such has been the level of competitiveness. Even the low-scoring encounters have become interesting, that is the kind of pressure the teams are feeling.
RR VS CSK AT JAIPUR
TEAM INFO – At the half-way mark of the league stage, Chennai are on top and Rajasthan are third by the difference of just two points. These two teams are expected to surely qualify for the play-offs with their balanced sides. It is a revenge opportunity for Chennai, while Rajasthan will be eyeing top of the table slot with this win.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER – Both the teams met in match number 17 of this IPL in Chennai, and it was Rajasthan that came on top. On the back of a team effort, Rajasthan finished at 175/8, while chasing Chennai saw a middle-order collapse which left them with 21 required of the last over with well-set Dhoni and Jadeja at the crease. Dhoni started in his fashion, but just when everyone thought of a one-sided finish with just 7 required from 3 balls, Sandeep Sharma nailed those toe-crushing yorkers for Rajasthan Royals to earn a 3-run win.
Head-to-Head - Played - 27; Won by RR – 12; Won by CSK – 15
RR possible XI – Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, Murugan Ashwin
CSK possible XI – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana
Pitch & Weather Report – The pitch at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is a balanced track. Batters will have to be patient early on. They will have to spend some time in the middle to get used to the conditions. Spinners are expected to play a key role. The conditions should be ideal for a game of cricket, with the temperature expected to be in the mid-20s.
Match Prediction – Rajasthan are a wonderfully balanced team but they will have barely any home team advantage as Dhoni’s presence will make Rajasthan his home ground. When two extremely competitive teams fight, it is the game of cricket and the fans that are going to be the winners. Chennai are in an unexpected run of form and I am expecting them to continue to turn Rajasthan yellow. So it’s going to be Chennai Super Kings.
Fan Comments
“Chennai are a fantastic team and Dhoni’s attitude and strategic planning make them even more special. Expect high demand of ‘dosa and idli’ in Rajasthan, as the South-Indian boy Sanju Samson takes on the Chennai Super Kings.” – V Karthikeyan, 58, Coordinator of Physical Education, Indian.
“It’s a battle of the openers in CSK vs RR. CSK combo with 584 runs (Ruturaj-Conway) and Rajasthani Combo with 471 runs (Buttler –Jaiswal)” – Vamsi Krishna, 28, Senior Writer & Editor/Bouncer Avenue, Indian.
“As an expatriate, IPL is the best thing that happens from the perspective of entertainment. To add on, the recent rains in Nizwa has made the weather fantastic. IPL + Masala Chai + Fritters + Rain + my son Arihan company = Paisa Vasool Evening.” – Dr Makrand Jewrikar, 38, Specialist pediatrician, Badr al Samaa hospital, Indian.
“With recent developments of cricketing activities in Qatar and now Saudi coming in line with the announcements, I would love for the Omani government to take interest in popularising the game within the Omani youngsters. Also, congratulations to the Omani cricket team for qualifying to the semifinal in Nepal.” – Nasir al Maawli, 51, Training and Development, Omani.
“CSK bring out the best from any player. The one of the most successful franchises is functioning like a family with pure bonding and the head of the family is MS Dhoni.” - Mohammed Hassan Siddiqui, 19, Student, Indian.
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