IPL 2018, RR vs CSK: How Rajasthan Royals could line up against Chennai Super Kings

The 43rd match of the Indian Premier League will see the battle of the returning teams, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. Rajasthan Royals must win this match to keep their playoff hopes alive while the Chennai Super Kings will be looking to consolidate their position in the Top 2.

The Sawai Mansingh Stadium will play host to this important match. The last time these teams faced off, it was Chennai Super Kings who took home the 2 points.

Here's a look at the XI players who might take the field for the Royals against an in-form Chennai Super Kings:

Ajinkya Rahane (C): The Mumbaikar hasn't been in the best of form and RR will be desperate for their captain to score some runs. Rahane averages 45 at Jaipur and it might be the perfect place for him to find some form.

Jos Buttler (WK): The Englishman had an ordinary start to this year's IPL and couldn't cross 30 in his first 7 innings. He was then promoted to open in the rain-curtailed match against Delhi Daredevils and scored 67 runs. He opened in the next 2 innings as well and returned scores of 51 and 82. RR will be hoping that he can get them off to a flier.

Sanju Samson: The Kerala-born player is the highest run scorer for the Royals this season. He has scored 332 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 141. He will be an important player for RR and they will rely on him to do the bulk of the scoring.

Ben Stokes: The star all-rounder was expected to play a key role for RR but he has failed miserably and his form is one of the reasons RR find themselves in the 6th position on the table. He has scored only 174 runs and picked up 3 wickets in 10 matches. He will look to find some form against the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.

Stuart Binny: The Karnataka-born all-rounder has played only 2 matches for RR this season. He hasn't been required to do a lot but he will be excepted to score some runs against a tough opposition.

Mahipal Lomror: Much like Stuart Binny, Lomror hasn't been required to do a lot but be might have to play a key role with the ball early, to try and dismiss Shane Watson. Watson has a poor record against left-arm spinners and Lomror, being a left-arm spinner, should prepare himself to bowl to Watson in the power play.

Krishnappa Gowtham: He has been a key member of the Royals' outfit this season, having won them matches with both the bat and ball. He will look to come up with another all-round performance and help RR keep their playoff hopes alive.

Jofra Archer: The Big Bash sensation has had a superb outing in his debut IPL season. He has the ability to bowl at speeds north of 145 km/h. He has picked up 9 wickets in 5 matches and will be Rahane's go-to man with the ball.

Ish Sodhi: The Kiwi leg-spinner has played just 2 matches so far after being announced as Zahir Khan Pakteen's replacement. He has impressed nevertheless, picking up 2 wickets at an economy rate of 5.57.

Jaydev Unadkat: The Porbandar pacer hasn’t been able to replicate his heroics from the last season this time around. However, he has found some form in the last 2 matches and that augurs well for the Royals as they rely on him to bowl at the death.

Anureet Singh: Anureet has played in the last 2 matches, picking up 1 wicket. He bowled only 1 over in the previous match and with so many bowlers in the side, expect him to play a minor role in this match as well.

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