CSK Need Batters To Fire In Key Game Against Royals
CHENNAI: In need of a victory to firm-up their position in the IPL play-offs race, Chennai Super Kings have the heavy task of nullifying a deeply hurt and frustrated Rajasthan Royals in Chennai on Sunday.
Let's take a quick assessment of the two protagonists' situations. The Super Kings are currently fourth in the standings with 12 points from as many games but the defeat against Gujarat Titans on Friday has added dollops of pressure on them. Now they need to win their remaining two matches.
The Royals, on the other hand, are second with 16 points but smarting from two successive defeats against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which was by just a run, and Delhi Capitals.
They are in no real danger of missing the play-offs spot, but the Sanju Samson-led side will be eager to return to winning ways at the earliest and enter the knock-outs.
What had hurt CSK against GT was the malfunction of their toporder, comprising Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, and they would be desperate to regain the momentum in Chepauk.
Ravindra might be given another go against the Royals, but it could be a make-or-break situation for him.
Although it was pleasing to see Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali among the runs, Shivam Dube, CSK's bulwark this season, has gone silent ever since he was selected to the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
As for CSK's bowling, Tushar Deshpande once again fired against GT while Shardul Thakur surprised all with his economical outing.
However, the Chennai bowlers are expected to buckle up and do well in this fixture at home, their strong area. On the other hand, desperate to end the losing streak, Rajasthan could not have asked for a more suitable opponent than an unsteady CSK.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who hasn’t been at his best this season, will be desperate to prove his mettle before travelling to the Americas for the T20 World Cup.