The IPL is coming onto such a stage where every single match result is not only affecting the two teams involved, but also the remaining teams those are in line for the top 4 spot. Next up in this long tournament are the two teams that missed out on playing the IPL in two seasons (2016 & 2017). Rajasthan Royals & Chennai Super Kings will take on each other in tomorrow's second game of the double header.
On the Table:
The points table sits up beautifully with CSK holding the top spot with a ‘Q’ besides their name, and even though RR are placed at 7, a victory keeps them in as much contention for a playoff spot along with KKR, PBKS and MI.
Recent Form:
The Royals have managed only 1 victory out of 4 games in the UAE leg this year whereas, the Super Kings are on a roll with 4 victories in as many games.
Rajasthan Royals have had a fair share of players to replace this year as they are without the services of their 3 main foreign players in Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes. Their captain is the lone consistent spark for the team this year as they have won few games here and there. Other members of the team need to come together and bring out an ‘A’ performance if they are to stand victorious against the superbly recharged Super Kings.
Chennai Super Kings are back to where they belong (in top 4) after a horrendous last year. This team has time and again shown their composure in this league and they are a missile of consistency. They have a finely balanced team combination this year. Apart from Raina and Dhoni regaining their batting form, CSK don’t have much to ponder over. But with MS Dhoni at the helm of the team, do not expect them to take any opponent lightly as they themselves will look to solidify their hold in the points table aiming for a top 2 finish.
This Year Phase 1:
CSK had scored 188-9 with contributions from every single player. Royals were going pretty well in the chase until Buttler got out for 49(35) when things changed drastically as the duo of Ravi Jadeja and Moeen Ali spun a web around the Royals. In the end it was a comfortable victory for the men in yellow where they won by 45 runs as Moeen Ali bagged the man of the match with figures of 3-0-7-3 and 26(20) with the bat.
From the previous game:
RR had a brilliant opening partnership of 77 runs in 8 overs in their previous game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both Evin Lewis and Yashasvi Jaiswal look in good form for them along with Sanju following them at number 3. Liam Livingstone has been a big disappointment for them as he is yet to crack his big hitting on these sub-continent pitches.
Chris Morris had an off day giving away 50 runs in his 4 overs. Although, RR will be content with the way Mustafizur and Sakariya have been bowling.
CSK’s bowling department this year looks as good as their batting department, and they have complimented each other pretty well. Hazelwood bagged the man of the match in the previous game against SRH with figures of 4-0-24-3, and Bravo has come off his age with different variations where he bowled a brilliant spell of 4-0-17-2.
Ruturaj and Faf once again provided a solid start where their partnership of 75 in 10 overs broke the back of SRH’s defense. Rayudu along with Dhoni finished off the match in the last over as the captain managed to score yet another winning run for his team with a trademark finishing six.
Match Info:
Match No. 47
October 2, 2021
7:30 pm IST
Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Team News
RR – Morris and Livingstone have both underperformed in this UAE leg and the Royals might be tempted to put new faces to replace them. With David Miller and Oshane Thomas in the waiting, it will be interesting to see who gets the nod. Also, Shivam Dube might get a game in place of Parag.
CSK – The men in yellow will be reluctant to make any changes until they finalize the top 2 spot. Yet Sam Curran might get a game which can allow some rest period for Josh Hazelwood.
Probable XI:
RR – Evin Lewis, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Liam Livingstone/David Miller, Mahipal Lomror, Shivam Dube, Shreyas Gopal, Chris Morris/Oshane Thomas, Chetan Sakariya, Kartik Tyagi, Mustafizur Rahman.
CSK – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Dwyane Bravo, Sam Curran/Josh Hazelwood, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.
Dream XI:
