IPL 2018, RR vs CSK: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) predicted XI against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the in-form teams in this IPL. They have been excellent throughout this season and they have found new players rising to the occasion in almost every game. The ‘Men in Yellow’ have won 7 games out of their 10 and are currently placed second on the points table. Hence, along with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings are one of the teams to beat this season.

After their win against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Pune on May 5 (Saturday), the team has had a nice break and return to action against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. The ‘Men in Yellow’ won their previous encounter against the Ajinkya Rahane-led RR earlier in the season. CSK will be hoping to continue their good run and inch closer to the playoffs spot.

Hence, let’s take a look at how the MS Dhoni-led side might line-up against Rajasthan Royals for their 11th game.

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Shane Watson has been in excellent form in this season. After an underwhelming season last year with RCB, a lot of people thought Watson was past his prime and is not as effective as before. But the Aussie all-rounder has silenced his critics as he has scored 328 runs and has also taken 6 wickets. He’s been giving good starts at the top of the order and has been giving CSK a few overs every game.

Ambati Rayudu has been a revelation for CSK this season. Rayudu has moved up and down the order (due to the team combination) but it has not affected him as he has been CSK’s best batsman of the tournament. He’s never got out for a single-digit score in this IPL and is also among the top run-getters this season. With CSK leaving Faf du Plessis out in the last game, Rayudu moved back to the top of the order. Hence, he is likely to continue to opening and partner Shane Watson.

Suresh Raina hasn’t quite set this IPL on fire like he usually does. He did score a couple of good half-centuries but hasn’t looked at his best. The CSK no. 3 has got starts in the last couple of games but hasn’t been able to kick on. Hence, CSK will be hoping that their premier batsman can get a big score before the all-important playoffs.

Dhruv Shorey is a right-handed batsman from Delhi and he has had a good domestic season. And with Faf du Plessis missing out, he got an opportunity in the last game against RCB and scored just 8. But CSK will likely persist with the 25-year-old batsman from Delhi and give the youngster another opportunity to impress.

MS Dhoni has been simply brilliant in this season. He is CSK’s second highest run-getter this season and looked in magnificent touch as he has found his mojo back. He has remained unbeaten in 5 out of his last 6 innings as he has finished the innings (and games) in style. His form has been a massive boost for CSK this year and he will want to continue this form and continue to lead by example.

With the bat, Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t quite fired in this season. He’s been sent ahead of the in-form Dwayne Bravo more often than not and has been disappointing. He’s scored just 59 runs in 8 innings this season. With the ball as well, he wasn’t at his best until the last game against RCB. Prior to that game in Pune, Jadeja had just 3 wickets, but he put up an excellent performance with the ball and took 3/18. Hence, CSK will hope Jadeja continues his form with the ball and also starts contributing with the bat.

Dwayne Bravo has been very good for CSK this year. He’s been a reliable player for MS Dhoni with both bat and ball. With the bat, he is in good form and has been dismissed only twice in this IPL. With the ball, Bravo is Dhoni’s go-to bowler at the death. He usually doesn’t not bowl in the first half of the innings and comes on only in the latter stages. The West Indian all-rounder will continue to give CSK that reliable option at the death with both bat and ball.

David Willey made his IPL debut in the last game against RCB. He had an impressive first game as he bowled four economical overs (giving away just 24 runs in his 4 overs) and also picked up the wicket of Colin de Grandhomme. He can be dangerous with the bat as well and hence, he will most likely continue to feature in XI after his good outing in his maiden game.

Harbhajan Singh has been CSK’s most economical bowler this season. He might have picked up only 6 wickets in 8 games, but he hasn’t let the batsman get away easily. He’s kept things pretty tight but he has been in and out of the side as CSK have gone in with Karn Sharma on occasions. However, after an impressive outing in the last game (where he took 2/22), Harbhajan is likely to retain his place in the side.

Deepak Chahar has been out of action for the last two weeks due to a hamstring strain. However, he has been practicing with the team ahead of their clash against RR. Hence, he might make a comeback in this game and he might replace Shardul Thakur who has had a disappointing last few games.

Lungi Ngidi is another bowler who has been good this season. He’s taken 3 wickets in 3 games and had a very good economy in two out of his three games. He looks good to continue in the coming games as well.

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