Sharjah is all set to host their first IPL match on Tuesday in the form of Rajasthan Royals taking on last season runner-ups Chennai Super kings. CSK had a promising start to their campaign as they managed to defeat their arch rivals Mumbai Indians in the Opener of the IPL 2020 in Abu Dhabi.
Chennai Super Kings now will be travelling to Sharjah, which is the allotted home ground of the Rajasthan Royals. CSK despite having a lot of obstacles coming into the tournament managed to overcome the turmoil and showed why they are one of the most successful teams in the IPL.
Rajasthan Royals on the other side have a lot of issues going on as the news of Steve Smith not being available for the first match set a huge dent on the team. Adding to the misery, English Batsman Jos Butler is also likely to miss out due to the quarantine regulations as he bought his family along with him.
The star all-rounder Ben Stokes will also not be available for RR as he has not joined the camp yet owing to personal reasons.
Can the inaugural IPL title winners overcome the enormous task and start their campaign on a winning note against the inform CSK?
Head to Head
Matches Played-22, CSK- 14. RR- 8
Team News
Rajasthan Royals have very tough decisions as their three key players will not be available for the match. In the absence of Steve Smith, Jaydev Unadkat is likely to lead the side as he had a wonderful domestic season as captain of Saurashtra. David Miller is likely to feature in the playing Xl along with the young Indian season Jaiswal who is expected to make his IPL debut.
CSK. Apart from the initial obstacles, I have managed really well to put the team together and be match ready. With no injuries reported, changes in the winning Xl is unlikely.
Pitch and Conditions
The weather is expected to be similar to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Clear skies are expected with no chance of rain. With temperatures likely to be hovering around the 33 degrees range and humidity 66%. With high humidity in place, due is expected to play a vital role later in the game.
The pitch is expected to be a good one for the batsman but expected to slow down as the game progresses. The pitch will have lots to offer the spinners once the pitch slows down but the due might make it easier for the chasing team.
Probable Playing Xl
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) - Murali Vijay, Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Deepak Chahar, Piyush Chawla, Lungi Ngidi.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Steve Smith(C), Sanju Samson(wk), David Miller, Robin Uthappa, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande.
Key Battles
Shane Watson (CSK) vs Jofra Archer (RR)
The Australian was dismissed cheaply in the opener. Said that, He is one of the best hard-hitters of the ball and one of the few players who is unstoppable once settled. Jofra Archer on the side is a bowler on song and given his recent form he could trouble the Australian veteran. Watson is someone who loves challenges and brings his best out when under pressure.
With the English star hitting the deck hard. Can the veteran show why he is regarded as one of the best batsman in the World?
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) vs Lungi Ngidi (CSK)
Two young sensations who are likely to be the icons of the nation in the coming years. Jaiswal has been making headlines consistently for his spectacular performance at domestic level. Ngidi on the other hand has much more International experience then the 18-year old Jaiswal. But, his batting average of 71 at the domestic level makes us think if any bowler could stop him at all.
The Left-hander will surely have some jitters when taking the grand stage of IPL and especially with a bowler like Lungi Ngidi at the other end who isn't shy of hitting the deck hard. The spectators are guaranteed entertainment when the two face-off.
Prediction
Chennai Super kings have the momentum in their favor coming into the match after defeating the mighty Mumbai Indians. Rajasthan Royals definitely have issues with their key players missing out. With both Ben Stokes and Butler not able to make it, a lot will depend on how Miller and Smith go about things.
Chennai Super kings will find the conditions in their favor as they have experienced slow ballers in their side with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Piyush Chawla.
Rajasthan Royals will definitely want to start things in the positive way but might find the ‘Men in Yellow’ too strong to get past.
Cricwizz Prediction: Chennai Super Kings to win the match
