Defending Champions Chennai Super Kings (CsK) have got off to a flier in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) while Rajasthan Royals (RR) are yet to found their winning combinations going. Rajasthan will be desperate to stop Chennai’s winning run when both sides face off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 31 (Sunday).
Chennai Super Kings have so far looked like a well-oiled machine with both their batting and bowling coming good in both the games. The likes of Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina have shown that they are in good touch, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir have also impressed in the middle overs. Besides, skipper MS Dhoni is the most crucial figure in this team as he stands out in bringing the best from his players. However, their main concern will be the 22-yard which was in question in the opening tie of the season. Dhoni also after the match criticised and admitted that they didn’t hope for this kind of wicket.
While Chennai Super Kings will ponder with what lies behind, Rajasthan Royals Royals will be hoping to do a number on the home team behind enemy lines. Rajasthan had managed to beat Chennai at Chepauk only once dated back to 2008 when they won the title. Adding more pressure on the Royals is the fact that they are entering this game on the back of two losses.
Ajinkya Rahane & Co have fielded their best team possible on paper, but the results haven’t come by as they lost close games. Rajasthan Royals will aim to keep the momentum till the last ball of the game and open their account in IPL 2019.
Date and Venue: March 31 at 8:00 PM IST, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Weather Forecast
The temperatures in Chennai will be hovering around 31 degrees Celsius at the maximum. However, the humidity level will be above 65 percent making it warmer in Chennai. With the real feel around 34 degree Celsius, it is likely to take a toll on the body of the cricketers.
Besides, there no chances of rain at all making it a full forty overs of action. Due to less rain in that part of the country, the wicket will be flat and a batting paradise. The bowlers will find it hard here, and with the dew point increasing as the match progress, the team fielding second will have a tough job in hand. However, the pitch in the first game produced a rank turner with ball gripping, it will be much different in this match.
Here are some more details:
