Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 61st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK lost to GT by 35 runs in their last outing and are currently placed fourth in the standings with 12 points from as many games after registering six wins and six losses. On the other hand, RR are currently placed second in the IPL 2024 standings with 16 points on the board after winning eight matches out of 11.
As we approach the decisive phase of the current IPL season, let's examine the playing XIs of both teams before a pivotal match.
CSK Predicted XI
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has struggled to make an impact as an opener for CSK in IPL 2024. The Indian batter has accumulated 209 runs in 12 matches and will look to improve his performance in a must-win match against RR.
Rachin Ravindra
After a slow start to the season, Rachin Ravindra has progressively found his form in IPL 2024 and has accumulated 134 runs in eight innings. The Kiwi opening batter possesses a strike rate of 161.44 and will look to score big against RR at home.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain)
CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the most standout batters in IPL 2024. Out of 12 matches Gaikwad has amassed a whopping 541 runs including five half-centuries and one 100-plus score this season. He will look to maintain his stunning form on Sunday.
Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell will enter this match on the back of a valiant 63-run knock against GT in the previous match. His knock included seven boundaries, three maximums and scored at a strike rate of 185.29. The Kiwi all-rounder will be raring to hammer Rajasthan's potent bowling lineup in Chennai.
Moeen Ali
Similar to his counterpart Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali also had a standout performance against Gujarat in the last match, where he slammed 56 runs from 36 balls. Additionally, the English all-rounder has accumulated 118 runs and bagged two wickets in four innings. Ali will aim to make a substantial impact with both bat and ball in the upcoming match against Rajasthan.
Shivam Dube
Striking at 170.18, Indian batter Shivam Dube has scored 371 runs in 12 matches and has been phenomenal in the CSK top order. Dube has provided CSK with phenomenal performances with the bat and will be eager to play a big knock against RR.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja has been in superb form with both bat and ball throughout this season of the IPL. The standout all-rounder has amassed 220 runs in nine innings, remaining unbeaten in four of them. On the bowling front, Jadeja has claimed eight wickets in 12 matches, boasting an economy rate of 7.62. He will be eager to continue his exceptional performance when facing RR on Sunday.
MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper)
MS Dhoni's batting expertise and unparalleled cricketing knowledge contribute depth and steadiness to the CSK lineup. With an outstanding average of 68 and an impressive strike rate of 226.66, Dhoni has accumulated 136 runs in 10 innings, remaining unbeaten in eight of them. Fresh from a dazzling display against GT, the wicketkeeper batter is primed to unleash his prowess against RR.
Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner's diverse left-arm spin bowling skills could trouble even the most experienced IPL batters. Despite limited appearances in IPL 2024, he has managed one wicket in two matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.20. Additionally, he possesses the capability to contribute vital runs lower down the batting order.
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has showcased a steady performance with the ball this season, securing three wickets in seven matches. His economy rate of 9.12, coupled with his skill in varying pace can guide CSK to important breakthroughs. Despite going wicketless in the previous match, Thakur is eager to bolster his tally in the upcoming fixture.
Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande's bowling expertise has seen him claim 14 wickets in 11 IPL 2024 matches, all while upholding an economy rate of 8.62. As a crucial component of the CSK bowling unit, the Indian pacer is poised to make early breakthroughs and apply pressure on RR's formidable batting order.
Impact sub
Simarjeet Singh
RR Predicted XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Following a sluggish beginning to the season, Yashasvi Jaiswal has steadily regained his rhythm in IPL 2024, amassing 320 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 157.63. Jaiswal's objective is to sustain his momentum and spearhead RR to a rapid start in the upcoming match against CSK.
Jos Buttler
English explosive opener Jos Buttler has already played a few match-winning knocks for RR this season. Buttler has accumulated 320 runs in 10 matches including two scintillating centuries. While he failed to make an impact against DC, the wicketkeeper-batter will be eager to put pressure on the CSK bowlers on Sunday.
Sanju Samson (captain and wicketkeeper)
Sanju Samson has led Rajasthan Royals from the front in IPL 2024. Having already notched up five fifties, the RR skipper has scored 471 runs in 11 matches backed by an average of 67.29 and a strike rate of 163.54. The right-hander could produce another big score come Sunday.
Riyan Parag
Indian batter Riyan Parag has been one of the shining lights for Rajasthan Royals in their illustrious IPL 2024 campaign so far. The explosive batter has piled up 436 runs in 10 innings while maintaining an average of 54.50 and a strike rate of 156.27. Parag's sublime form could prove lethal against RR.
Shubham Dubey
Talented batter Shubham Dubey has played crucial cameos for RR this season. In two innings, Dubey has scored 33 runs while hitting at a strike rate of 183.33. Due to limited time at the crease, the southpaw will be geared up to play a big knock and add stability to the middle-order batting lineup.
Rovman Powell
With a strike rate of 179.06, Caribbean all-rounder Rovman Powell has scored 77 runs in four innings in IPL 2024. The West Indies skipper's batting prowess and ability to anchor the innings could pose a threat to CSK's bowling lineup on Sunday.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin's knack for pivotal breakthroughs and adaptability to bat at any position underscores his significance as a versatile asset for RR. With five wickets in 10 matches and 57 runs in five innings in IPL 2024, the bowling all-rounder is poised to make an impact with both bat and ball in Rajasthan's must-win encounter.
Trent Boult
Trent Boult has been the star of the Rajasthan Royals pace-bowling lineup. With 11 wickets in as many matches, the Kiwi pacer has shone with the ball in hand while maintaining an economy rate of 8.27. Boult's ability to strike early and contain the opposition in the powerplays could intimidate CSK's top-order batters.
Avesh Khan
Indian pacer Avesh Khan will be a part of RR's pace bowling assault against CSK on Saturday. Khan's ability to bowl accurate lengths and deceive batters with his pace has guided him to 11 wickets in as many matches. He will aim to add a unique edge to his spell and take CSK's batting lineup by surprise.
Sandeep Sharma
Sandeep Sharma will join forces with Boult and Khan to bolster RR's pace bowling lineup against CSK this Sunday. With 10 wickets in a mere six matches, Sharma has impressed with his bowling prowess, particularly effective during the middle overs. Sandeep could play a pivotal role in the upcoming match against the defending champions.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Star Indian leg-spinner bowler Yuzvendra Chahal has emerged as RR's highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024. With his crafty spin variations and ability to deceive batters with his googlies, Chahal has taken 14 wickets in 11 matches, while maintaining an economy rate of 9.90. Yuzi is expected to spearhead the spin attack against CSK on Sunday.
Impact Player
Donovan Ferreira