This edition of my ‘today IPL match prediction’ is a preview of Chennai Super Kings versus Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming IPL game will be played on 12 April, hosted by CSK. This match between two strong franchises appeals to the sports enthusiast in me.
IPL 2022 was kind to RR, who finished runners up to GT. However, CSK, led by new skipper Ravindra Jadeja, had their worst ever IPL season. In the process, they finished second last ahead of MI at the bottom.
However, I believe that CSK will win their upcoming game versus RR, mainly owing to playing in familiar home conditions.
| Match | Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals |
|---|---|
| Where | M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| When | 12 April 2023 |
| Start Time | 19:30 IST |
Who will Win Today's IPL Match?
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Current Odds
CSK vs RR: Prediction & Tips
I begin my CSK vs RR match prediction preview by reviewing the teams that will feature in the upcoming game. I name the probable elevens as well as the players likely to make the most of the opportunity. I make many other predictions. These relate to individual feats. For instance, I name the probable best batter of the game in terms of runs scored. I also name the batter I expect will smash the most sixes. I go on to name the bowler who will grab the most wickets. I also identify the one who will prove the most frugal in terms of runs conceded. Importantly, I name the team that will probably gain an advantage by winning the toss. These predictions are based on my cricket expertise gained from years of watching the game. Punters can use my observations to help make good wagering decisions at the best IPL betting sites in India.
CSK Team Review
CSK broke the bank at the recent IPL auction to buy Ben Stokes. The team management has an obvious agenda. They could be looking at Stokes as a possible future captain once Dhoni gives up the job. As a player, Stokes is multi-faceted and multi-talented. As a batsman, he can slide up and down the order. He can even open the innings. So, we could witness Gaikwad and Stokes opening the Chennai innings. They would be followed by the likes of Rayudu, Moeen Ali and Jadeja in the middle order. Dhoni himself may prefer to bat at number four.
Every other team would covet the all-rounders that CSK have at their disposal. Moeen Ali, Jadeja and Stokes are match winners. CSK also have a backup all-rounder in Pretorius. The ability of these allrounders to bat and bowl gives CSK great batting depth. The team can also choose any one of these men to play as finisher. Chahar, Dube, Choudhary and Theekshana provide the franchise with variety in bowling. However, the absence of a tearaway fast bowler is an obvious weakness.
Below is their latest Performance:
RR Team Review
Buttler and Jaiswal are expected to open the batting for RR. Samson is likely to walk in at number three. At number four, RR have another competent batter in Padikkal. Hetmyer, Parag, Holder and Ashwin in the next four places advertise the team’s batting depth. Chahal, Prasidh Krishna and Boult are three experienced bowlers who complete the playing eleven.
While the batting is strong, the bowling line up boasts variety and experience. Apart from a leg break googly bowler, RR have an off-spinner, a left-arm pace man and a right arm fast bowler. Holder provides them with an additional seamer.
Below is their latest Performance:
CSK vs RR Head-to-head
The two teams have played 26 IPL matches with each other. While CSK have won 15, RR have won the remaining 11. Thus CSK enjoy a h2h advantage over RR.
CSK vs RR Last Meeting
CSK and RR last met in the IPL on 20 May 2022 at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. It was a group game in which CSK won the toss and elected to bat first.
After losing Gaikwad’s wicket in the first over, CSK recovered thanks to a 83-run stand between Conway and Moeen Ali. Conway made just 16 runs of that partnership before departing in the 8th over, with the scorecard reading 2/85. A few quick wickets reduced CSK to 4/95 before another rescue act between Ali and Dhoni. However, that partnership of 51 runs was too slow for CSK’s comfort and they ended up restricted to a score of 150/6. Moeen with 93 from 57 balls was the top scorer for CSK. Chahal and McCoy took two wickets each for DC.
After losing Jos Buttler, DC got their chase back on track with a partnership between Jaiswal and Samson. After Samson got out in the 9th over with the scorecard reading 2/67, the innings lost momentum in the middle overs. When Jaiswal was out in the 15th over, the scorecard read 4/104. Thanks to Ashwin, who made 40 from only 23 balls, DC managed to get across the line with 5 wickets and 2 balls to spare.
Jaiswal’s 59 from 44 balls was the highest score of the innings. Prashant Solanki who took 2/20 was CSK’s best bowler on display.
Players to look out for
It bears repeating that CSK have a trio of champion all-rounders. Gaikwad’s batting form in the domestic season has been sensational. Rayudu is another great batting talent who would be keen to prove that he has much more left to offer.
The batting trio of Jaiswal, Buttler and Samson can bat rival teams out of a game. Chahal and Boult are bowlers who have taken a prolific number of IPL wickets, every season. Holder is a highly underrated player who can contribute usefully with bat and ball when needed.
Toss prediction
I expect RR to win the toss in the upcoming game versus CSK.
Highest scorer
Gaikwad will probably carry his domestic form into the upcoming game and emerge the top scorer.
Highest wicket taker
Chahal will probably end up as the most successful bowler of the upcoming IPL game.
Highest sixes hitter
Jadeja will probably be the batter to hit the most sixes in the upcoming game.
Most economical bowler
I expect Santner to emerge as the most economical bowler.
Most catches
RR keeper Samson will probably take the most catches in the match against CSK.
CSK vs RR: Dream 11 Predictions
I now present my ‘today IPL match dream 11’ team for the IPL match between CSK and RR:
- Wicket keepers: Samson, Buttler
- Batsmen: Gaikwad, Rayudu, Jaiswal
- All-rounders: Jadeja, Holder
- Bowlers: Chahal, Boult, Deshpande, Santner
Jadeja is the skipper of my Dream 11 team; Holder is the vice-captain.
(Disclaimer: This Dream 11 is no more than a rough guideline. There may be changes when the league begins.)