CSK looks to keep momentum going as it takes on RR today

Tournament-favourite CSK starts off as strong favourites as it takes on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the latter’s first match in IPL-13 today. Three-time champion CSK, which beat defending champion MI last Saturday with ease, would surely look to keep the winning momentum going.

CSK takes on RR at Sharjah, a venue not unfamiliar to cricket fans in general and in particular to cricket-crazy Indians. Aussie Steve Smith, who missed his team’s recent one-day series against England due to a head-blow in the nets, is ready to lead his side which otherwise faces a plethora of problems.

After winning the inaugural IPL way back in 2008, RCB has never managed to make it to the finals all these years. Its prize catch, England’s Ben Stokes, is still in New Zealand taking care of his ailing father; as if his absence is not enough, Jos Butler, another match-winner, won’t play today to fulfill the mandatory 36-hour quarantine restrictions as he has just returned from England.

Smith has no other option but to lead from the front, like he used to do when he captained Australia in the past. Smith, Uthappa, David Miller and Samju Samson form a formidable batting line up which is backed by a bowling unit headed by England’s Jofra Archer and Tom Curran as well as Unadkat and Shreyas Gopal besides Andrew Tye. It is high time Indians in RR stood up and performed well.

Teenage sensation:

Expectations are high on the 19-year old Yashasvi Jaiswal, a new entrant to RR, who amassed plenty of runs during last year’s Under-19 world cup.

Opening blues for CSK

Despite its victory against MI, captain Dhoni is aware that openers Murali Vijay and Shane Watson didn’t deliver on Saturday. He would only hope that both the veterans would come good against RR. In-form du Plessis, Rayudu, Jadeja and Sam Curran add to the team’s strength. Sam, whose batting skills could come in hand at anytime, is in the team at the cost of Bravo who is still not match-fit. Deepak Chahar, who looked in pain in the first match, might make way for Shardul Thakur.

Expected XI:

CSK: Watson, Vijay, Rayudu, du Plessis, Dhoni, Kedar, Jadeja, Curran, Chawla, Chahar and Ngidi

RR: Uthappa, Jaiswal, Samson, Smith, Miller, Riyan Parag, Shreyas Gopal, Archer, Unadkat, Aaron and Tom Curran