Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) heavy loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has raised concerns about team combination. Key questions include Ruturaj Gaikwad batting at No. 3 instead of opening with Devon Conway, and Shivam Dube being used at No. 6 instead of a higher spot. Additionally, MS Dhoni came in late at No. 9—has his role changed? Despite these issues, CSK has at least earned points, unlike Rajasthan Royals (RR), who have suffered two straight defeats.
Rajasthan Royals’ Struggles: Batting Concerns and Questionable Strategy
Rajasthan Royals (RR) have had a tough start to the season, with their batting lineup facing several concerns. Yashasvi Jaiswal is yet to find his top form, and the decision to have Riyan Parag as the stand-in captain has forced him to take on a new role at No. 3, a position where he hasn’t been as successful in the past.
Another point of contention is Shimron Hetmyer’s batting position. Is he batting too low in the order, considering his explosive potential? The Royals also lack sufficient overseas batting cover, and their two Indian options — Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Kunal Singh Rathore — are still inexperienced at the IPL level.
Additionally, RR’s strategy of playing one batter less while opting for the Impact Player rule has raised eyebrows. The effectiveness of this tactic, particularly when taking first strike, remains to be seen.
However, RR will take confidence from their valiant chase of 287 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where they managed to post 242 runs, showing their potential.
New Loyalties and Changes in Personnel
In the latest twist, two players who have been pivotal in both teams are switching loyalties. Tushar Deshpande, who went from being a net bowler to one of Dhoni’s trusted allies, is now with RR. On the other hand, Shivam Dube, who was once an RR player, is now part of CSK and has been entrusted with the role of a designated spin-basher. Maheesh Theekshana, who has served CSK well in the powerplay, now plays for RR in a similar role.
CSK’s Probable XI:
- Rachin Ravindra
- Devon Conway
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)
- Rahul Tripathi/Vijay Shankar
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Anshul Kamboj
- R Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana
For RR, Sanju Samson is likely to be their Impact Player, bringing in a bowling option. Given the success of spinners in Guwahati, particularly in the previous game between KKR and CSK, RR might consider adding Kumar Kartikeya to their lineup.
RR’s Probable XI:
- Sanju Samson
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Riyan Parag (capt)
- Nitish Rana
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Shubham Dubey
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Jofra Archer
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Sandeep Sharma
- Kumar Kartikeya/Tushar Deshpande
Big Questions for Both Teams
For CSK, the burning question is whether Gaikwad will return to open with Conway, which could provide better stability at the top of the order. His performances so far have seen him come in to bat as early as the second over in both matches. The role of Riyan Parag is also under scrutiny, as his first stint as a stand-in captain has been challenging. Now, with a new role at No. 3, he will be under pressure to deliver, especially in front of a home crowd.
