Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will look to turn things around for themselves when they square off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at their new home ground in Pune on April 20 (Friday).
Meanwhile, CSK after scripting a stunning comeback lost the last match against Punjab by four runs in a last-over thriller. However, they will again look to return to winning ways when they go out on the field against Rajasthan.
Chennai skipper MS Dhoni, who sustained a back pain in the last game, is likely to play in this game after getting a few days off.
However, the home team will still miss the service of Suresh Raina, who is yet to recover fully from his injury. Although it won’t affect Chennai much, as they have strong bench strength.
Moreover, Chennai was forced to shift their base to Pune in the aftermath of the Cauvery Water Dispute. The Police failed to assure CSK officials of smooth conduct of the game.
Here is the predicted XI of Chennai against RR:
Shane Watson:
The experienced Australian all-rounder has come good early in the tournament. He had contributed both with bat and ball which has boosted Chennai’s performance.
However, he will look to continue his job throughout the season for his team.
Murali Vijay:
Vijay failed to impress in the last game when he slotted in as the replacement of Raina. However, he has all the capabilities to smash the ball around the park.
Meanwhile, he will be keen to leave a lasting impression in the next game.
Ambati Rayudu:
Rayadu has been one of the consistent performers for the Chennai side. Batting at the top, he has already notched up 110 runs in three games.
Chennai will want to continue his good run and help Chennai return to the winning track.
Sam Billings:
After taking Chennai to a last-over win, he failed in the last game against Punjab. However, it won’t be a sign of worry for him.
He can play the long handle and can score quick runs in the middle.
Dwayne Bravo:
The Windies all-rounder had come to the party early in the tournament when he led Chennai to win against Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener.
However, he will look to replicate his performance in the next outing.
MS Dhoni (c & wk):
The vintage Dhoni was on offer in the last game, as he played a blistering knock. However, he failed to take his team to the winning side, as Chennai fell four runs short.
However, he sustained a back injury but is likely to take part in this game.
Ravindra Jadeja:
The all-rounder needs to come good with the ball in the middle-overs. In the three matches, he has claimed only one wicket. He will look to shift gears and contribute to Chennai’s success.
Harbhajan Singh:
The veteran off-spinner has had a very average start to this edition of the league. He has bagged only two wickets so far in the three matches.
However, Harbhajan has bowled at an impressive economy rate but will look to pick wickets.
Imran Tahir:
The leg-spinner from South Africa has had a mixed outing so far as well. Tahir has picked three wickets from three games so far. Meanwhile, he has been a tad expensive and will look to work on that.
Deepak Chahar:
Chahar impressed everybody with his brisk pace and accuracy in the tournament opener. Since then, his wicket taken spree has gone down a bit.
Although it is a learning curve for the youngster, he and will look to pick wickets with the new ball.
Shardul Thakur:
The pacer from Mumbai has had a great start to this long tournament. He has already picked three wickets from two games and impressed with his line and length. Meanwhile, he will look continue his efforts in the next outing.
Also read: Kings XI Punjab Players Rating