RR vs CSK: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
What's the story
The IPL 2019 is getting exciting with each passing day. The match number 25 will see 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals taking on title holders Chennai Super Kings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday. Table toppers CSK have been on song in 2019, while Royals have registered a solitary victory in five matches. Here we present the match preview and pitch report.
Latest story
RR humbled by KKR, CSK register fifth win
Talking about the performance of both these sides, RR were humbled by Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous game, as they lost by eight wickets in a one-sided encounter at home. On the other hand, CSK edged past KKR in their last game in Chennai, winning by seven wickets in a slow and low-scoring game. Without any doubt, CSK go in as favorites.
Team news
Steve Smith, Faf Du Plessis among men to watch out
As for the players who are likely to make an impact, Royals opener Steve Smith was the lone star for the side in the last game, scoring a 59-ball 73*. He could again join the party against CSK. For Chennai, opener Faf du Plessis has been in splendid form in the last two games. He is likely to continue in the same vein.
Head-to-head
CSK hold the edge over Rajasthan
In head-to-head battles, these teams have played 20 IPL matches to date, with Royals winning seven, while CSK have won 13. Of the 17 matches in India, Rajasthan have won seven, while CSK have pocketed 10 ties. In Jaipur, of the five matches, Rajasthan have won three, while CSK emerged victorious twice. The last leg of this edition saw CSK winning by eight runs.
Pitch report
Is Jaipur track getting slower?
The Jaipur track is always known to be a high-scoring track. Although the pitch favored batsmen in the opening game against Kings XI Punjab, it seems to be gradually slowing down. The next two games against Royal Challengers Bangalore and KKR saw the runs diminishing. As a result, this could be another low-scoring tie, unless they use a different track.
Predicted XI
Here's the predicted Playing XI
RR: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler, Steven Smith, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Prashant Chopra, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror. CSK: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Scott Kuggeleijn, Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir.
Match details
When, where and how to watch
Match: Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Time: 8 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.