Indian Premier League 2019 Match 25, Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Chennai Super Kings have opened up a two-point lead at the top of the IPL 2019 table, and will be confident of maintaining that lead when they take on Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Thursday, 11 April.

Chennai were a tad lucky, perhaps, to win the toss against Kolkata Knight Riders in their last outing in Chepauk. They had the best of the conditions, but there was nothing lucky about their performance as they eased past Kolkata for a seven-wicket win.

Rajasthan, meanwhile, are languishing near the bottom of the table. They have just 1 victory from 5 matches, and only Royal Challengers Bangalore’s wretched form has kept them away from the bottom of the table.

The season is approaching a crucial phase for teams like Rajasthan. Their chances are running out, and if they start hitting form soon, they will lose all hope of progression. Rajasthan will therefore need to take big calls – starting with ousting Ben Stokes, who has been poor, and replacing him with Ashton Turner.

Chennai have no such concerns. They are chugging along like a well-oiled machine, and are favourites to win this match.

Head to head

Chennai and Rajasthan have clashed in 21 matches over the years. Chennai have won 13 of those clashes, with Rajasthan winning 8.

Last year, both teams managed to win one match each. Earlier this season, however, Chennai beat Rajasthan by 8 runs, with MS Dhoni scoring a fine 46-ball 75*.

Key players

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings): Dhoni’s captaincy has been exquisite so far in the season, as you’d expect of him. He’s ensured the team functions like a unit. Even with the bat, he’s impressed in his few outings – his 75* in the last match against Rajasthan turned the game, and more of the same is expected.

Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals): How long with Rajasthan persist with their star players? He’s been in poor form – he’s managed just 76 runs so far this season. However, his one innings of note, when he scored 46, came against Chennai. He’ll look to repeat that feat, and spark some form.

Likely XIs

Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Smith, Prashant Chopra, Ben Stokes, Mahipal Lomror, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, K Gowtham, S Midhun, Dhawal Kulkarni

Chennai Super Kings: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Scott Kuggeleijn, Imran Tahir

Prediction

Chennai to win again and maintain their lead atop the table.