Rajasthan Royals will take on Chennai Super Kings in a must-win game for both sides in Abu Dhabi. MS Dhoni is the only captain in this IPL who is yet to score a 50 this IPL and clearly is out of form. Steve Smith was sublime last game bringing up his 3rd half-century of this IPL. In their last meeting earlier this season, RR beat CSK by 16 runs in a run feast at Sharjah.
RR lost their 6th match of this season and will have to win every game from now on. After batting first against RCB, RR posted decent 177 runs with Robin Uthappa(42), and their captain Steve Smith(57) came to form after struggling in the last few games. The bowlers were disciplined in the middle-overs but a stunning Ab De Villiers innings took the game away from them. They made a strategic mistake by giving Unadkat the ball in the 19th and he gave away 24 runs when 35 were required off the last 2 overs. Jofra Archer had very little to defend in the end.
CSK too are coming off from the last game against DC and it was their 6th loss in this season. It will be a must-win game for them as well and another loss here they are out of the playoffs race. Playing in Sharjah, CSK posted a par 179 with Faf, Watson, Rayudu all contributed at the top of the order and a late flurry of sixes by Jadeja, Deepak Chahar bowled a brilliant spell in the powerplay but a masterful 100 from Dhawan albeit it included 4 dropped chances, brushed away CSK.
Key players from both sides
Batsman – Shane Watson, Faf Du Plessis, Steve Smith, and Sanju Samson.
The last time these 2 sides met, Sanju Samson and Steve Smith scored half-centuries each and in double-quick time. While Steve Smith looked like coming back to his best with a 50 last game, Sanju Samson has scored just 77 runs in his last 7 innings. So this will be a crucial game for the duo. The duo of Faf Du Plessis and Shane Watson are the top 2 run-getters for CSK. This experienced duo along with Sam Curran will need to provide the team with a decent start in the powerplay overs.
All Rounder- Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Tewatia, and Ben Stokes.
Sam Curran is preferred in the opening position in the last 2 games with a mixed effect and more of a hit & miss player at the top. He bowled well at death overs too in the last game in the absence of Bravo which ultimately cost them the game. Jadeja has been the best finisher for CSK this IPL and he displayed his batting talent with a whirlwind 33 off 13 last game but was really unlucky with the ball as a catch was dropped off him and went for plenty as he bowled the last over. Rahul Tewatia can do everything one can ask for in the field and he is the most valuable player for them along with Archer. Stokes struggled with fitness and form last game and we have to see if he is fit for this game. If so, he will be the one to watch out for especially now he is used as an opener.
Bowlers – Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jofra Archer, and Kartik Tyagi.
Deepak Chahar picked 2 wickets in the first 6 overs while also bowling a maiden in the process. He looked a bit rusty in the first half of the tournament but now he seems to have found his rhythm with the ball. Shardul Thakur has the habit of picking wickets particularly the main player of the opposition. Jofra Archer finally had an off day this IPL and went for runs but the batsman in the middle was ABD, so it is acceptable. Kartik Tyagi is one to look forward to the future and has a good calm head in especially in the death overs. Both fast bowlers are the ones to watch out for in this match.
Battles to look forward
- Jofra Archer vs Faf Du Plessis
- Shreyas Gopal vs Shane Watson
- Shradul Thakur vs Jos Buttler
Faf Du Plessis is the highest run-getter for CSK while Archer the highest wicket-taker for RR and it will be a great contest to look for in this match. Shane Watson in the last few games has attacked the spinners and we have to wait and watch if he goes up against Shreyas Gopal. As mentioned, Shardul has a knack of picking crucial wickets and CSK will hope he picks anyone of their overseas batsman particularly the dangerous Jos Buttler.
Head to Head between RR and CSK.
- Matches Played: 23
- CSK Won: 14
- RR won: 9
Significant Approaching Milestones.
200- This will the 200th IPL game for MS Dhoni and he will be the first player to do so.
Match conditions
Venue: Sheikh Zayed cricket stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Date & Timings: October 19, 2020, at 7.30 PM IST.
Weather: Clear with the temperature around 32 C.
Pitch: Likely to be a slow surface with possible due later on.
