RR vs CSK Preview - Match 37

*RR VS CSK- MATCH 37 PREVIEW*

*THE BUILD UP:*

*WHAT IS THE SURFACE AT SAWAI MANSINGH LIKELY TO OFFER?:*

In the only game played here so far, batting wasn’t the easiest to begin with. With scores of 154 and 144 scored from the two sides, it was tough for the batters to come out all victorious. Now with CSK flying high with their batting prowess, one could say that it’s a blessing in disguise for Rajasthan that they are playing at their home venue but when MSD is on the opposite end, you can never quite rule out an assault from his spinners tightening the screws of any team on the receiving end. 

*ROYALS SEEK COMEBACK IN UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY:*

Out of all the teams competing this year in the IPL, Royals have the least home advantage because of their unfamiliarity with the Jaipur ground dimensions, the nature of the surface and the fact that they have played just a single competitive game here and lost that too, speaks volumes of how minimal their home advantage truly is. The Sanju led unit have suffered two losses on the trot after a stunning beginning, another loss here could put them under a bit of pressure forcing them to regroup as to make the best strategy for finishing in the superior Top 2 spots, which are prestigious enough for any team. 

*RR PROBABLE XI:*

Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson(c)(wk), Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravi Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzi Chahal 

The Royals will be looking at improving their run rate in the middle overs phase and the spark shown by Dhruv Jagel this season could very well make up for his promotion to up the order, probably batting one ahead of Hetmyer and occupying the No5 spot. He could be crucial in setting the right tempo for the middle phase. 

RR would hope for a Jos special as it is much needed not just from a team’s point of view but also from the point of view of the English star as well. While he fired in the initial few games, he received a setback in the last two games. Fans would expect that a turnaround is around the corner. 

We can witness Sanju using Ashwin in the first powerplay itself to tackle the threat of Devon Conway, he has been in sublime form. 

*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*

Adam Zampa, could feature as a specialist spinner replacing Jos Buttler. Given the pitch used for tonight is likely to be a skiddy one with slowness setting in, Zampa-Ashwin-Chahal could be a threatening trio. 

*CSK PROBABLE XI:*

Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Mitchell Santner, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Desh Pande, Akash Singh 

Expect a Santner comeback with the pitch expected to stay slow through the course of the game. He may replace Pathirana with CSK opting to go for 2 seamers in Tushar and Akash Singh. 

Ajinkya Rahane vs the spin trio of RR would be an interesting battle to keep a close eye on. He has been firing all cylinders against the pacers but things could take a different turn with 3 spinners dominating the proceedings, a match up he hasn’t necessarily enjoyed. 

*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*

Like every other time, Rayudu could come in as the Impact Sub replacing Akash Singh. He would strengthen the batting lineup of CSK. 

*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*

*FOR RR:*
Highest run getter- Sanju Samson/Yashasvi Jaiswal 

Highest wicket taker- Yuzvendra Chahal/Trent Boult 

*FOR CSK:*
Highest run getter- Ruturaj Gaikwad/Devon Conway 

Highest wicket taker- Ravindra Jadeja/Maheesh Theekshana 

*FOR THE GAME:*
Rajasthan to win