Rajasthan Royals' challenge to stop the Chennai Super Kings' juggernaut at home  

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Our Predictions 

• Chennai Super Kings have defeated the Rajasthan Royals only once in the last six games  
• Rajasthan Royals play at their home ground, where they have a 37-16 win-loss record    
• CSK's bowlers haven't done well, and the side has relied on its batting to win games  

MATCH PREVIEW     

It will be an intense clash in the 37th game of the Indian Premier League 2023, where the Rajasthan Royals will take on the Chennai Super Kings at home. The Royals have been indifferent with their form in the last few games and take on the Super Kings, who are in red-hot form. The two sides had clashed earlier in the season, when the Royals won a thriller. It remains to be seen if the hosts can carry on with their excellent record against Chennai in recent years. CSK would like to drive the momentum forward, not making it easy for the hosts.      

Rajasthan Royals Preview     

It has been back-to-back losses for Sanju Sampson's side. They messed up the run chase against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, losing from a position of strength. Sampson and Co. shall like to put the 7-run loss behind them and focus on winning this game. They have a 5-1 record against CSK in the last four seasons and would look to build on it.  

Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal have more than 450 runs between them this season, and they would look to provide an electrifying start. Devdutt Padikkal is back in form and would like to build partnerships with Samspon and Shimron Hetmyer. The side will look to use its batting depth and expect runs from Dhruv Jurel, Jason Holder, and Ravichandran Ashwin in the lower middle order.   

Trent Boult isn't delivering to his reputation, and he must strike early with Sandeep Sharma, as CSK openers have destroyed bowling attacks. Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal have been in good form with 21 wickets between them and have a key role in this game. Jason Holder and Murugan Ashwin must do well in the supporting role, as this has been one of the problem areas for the team.  

Expected Starting XI for Rajasthan Royals     

Sanju Samson (c & wk), Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, Abdul Basith, Murugan Ashwin (Impact Player)  

Chennai Super Kings Preview     

MS Dhoni would be happy with his side's progress. They come here with three consecutive wins and defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders by 49 runs in the last game. Their top and middle order has batted well, and the side would like to bank on that. Bowling is an area of concern, and Dhoni would like a good show from his bowlers as their opponents are a batting powerhouse.  

Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad are in excellent form and have more than 600 runs between them. The pair will look to lay a strong foundation. Ajinkya Rahane played a blinder in the last game, and he adds strength to the middle order with Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja. Dhoni along with Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu, will look to make fireworks towards the end of the innings.  

The side will need a good show with the new ball from Akash Singh and Tushar Deshpande, as RR batsmen can destroy any attack. Spinners aren't in the best form, and the side will need Maheesh Theekshana, Jadeja, and Moeen Ali to deliver the goods. Matheesha Pathirana will like to bowl the same way he did in the last game.  

Expected Starting XI for Chennai Super Kings     

MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Singh (Impact Player)  

TOSS: To Bowl First      

The wicket looked slower in the last game played at this venue. Batsmen will struggle to strike the ball, and they have to play with caution. Setting up a total isn't an easy task in such situations. The side winning the toss would like to take advantage of the conditions by bowling first in this game.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

We expect a warm evening, and the conditions will be challenging for the players. The wicket is two-paced, and the ball doesn't come onto the bat nicely. Spinners will enjoy bowling on this surface as the ball would stop on the batsmen. A score of 180 runs would be a challenging total at this venue.  

OUR PREDICTION      

Chennai Super Kings have done well in the last few games. Their batting has clicked, but the batsmen won't be able to play their strokes as easily on this track. Their poor record against Rajasthan will also be on their minds. The Royals have two of the best spinners in the tournament and the Top 4, which has made runs. We expect a nail-biting contest, but going by Rajasthan's record at this venue, we will have our money on the Rajasthan Royals.  

Our Prediction is for Rajasthan Royals to win