Two struggling units Chennai and Rajasthan face each other in the important Monday encounter of the Indian T20 League 2020.
Match Timings: Oct 19, 7:30 PM
Team Preview
Chennai would get over from Axar scare to lock horns with Rajasthan who is also coming off a carnage from ABD. Just one over changed the entire hard work for both sides. For Chennai, it was Jadeja and for Rajasthan, it was Unadkat who spoiled everything in one over. The current table is not favouring both sides. The finalists of the inaugural edition are in deep trouble and Monday’s game might finish all hopes for at least one side. Rajasthan’s music chair in top-order is creating a whole mess. In the previous encounter, Smith’s changes worked as openers put 50 runs, including Uthappa’s quick 41. Smith also got runs after back-to-back failures. Archer and Tyagi both are doing very well and Smith needs to find their best death combination. Markande didn’t get a game which is a big surprise in these conditions. The Pink Outfit might go ahead with the same XI.
Chennai also has their issues as their entire batting is revolving around Faf, Watson and Rayudu. They provide a good start but Chennai let down in the end. Jadeja should be promoted up in the order and Sam Curran’s move should be dropped from the opening slot. Rayudu’s aggressive approach was a welcome move. With spin, Chennai is lacking a lot as Karn or Piyush Chawla are not picking wickets in middle-overs. Will Dhoni give a nod over Tahir to drop Bravo or he would try Hazlewood/Ngidi to add some strength in pace? We might see a big change on Monday night. It’s a virtual knock out for 3-times Champions and Dhoni is known for making a comeback.
Pitch Report
Sheikh Zayed Stadium is a pure batting track with plenty of help to spin. Dew is not there and the surface is a bit slow. Spinners might play a crucial role. Despite, chasing sides having a final laugh, batting first is always a great idea.
Possible XI
Chennai
Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Kedar Jadhav/Piyush Chawla, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Lungi Ngidi/Jos Hazlewood, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Karn Sharma
Rajasthan
Ben Stokes, Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson (wk), Steven Smith (c), Jos Buttler, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat/Ankit Rajpoot/Varun Aaron, Kartik Tyagi
Key Players
Chennai
Faf du Plessis
This season – M: 9, Runs: 365, Avg: 52.14
Ambati Rayudu
This season – M: 9, Runs: 277, Avg: 34.62
Rajasthan
Jofra Archer
This season – M: 9, Wickets: 12 Avg: 20.67
Steve Smith
This season – M: 9, Runs: 220, SR: 141.02
