This clash between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals is going to be the first match that is to be held in the venue, Sharjah. The wicket of Sharjah traditionally hesitates to provide more run-scoring options due to the slowness on the surface. And at the same time, it won’t entirely support the bowlers too.
It’s going to be interesting to see how MSD’ s team is going to play with this new condition. Rajasthan, playing their first match might be having some fresh thoughts, and without any excuses, they need to put more effort to get into the track straight away.
Let’s dive into the predictions to feel the build-up of the clash.
Prediction on the top run-scorer
Jos Buttler is the front-runner to make more runs in this clash between the finalists of the very first IPL season. Buttler, with his current form, looks so reliable and has got back into shape with the home Test matches and his match-winning performance in the T20 series against mighty Australia. He had been fluent with his stroke-making all around the park. So there is no doubt that this opportunity to open for RR will also be used optimistically by the English wicket-keeper.
Ambati Rayudu has been coming out of his six-month hiatus. And he has come back to the track with his match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians in the first match of this Dream 11 IPL 2020. Without Suresh Raina, CSK looks imbalanced at the top. Ambati Rayudu, the real match-winning performer, is now allocated with a massive responsibility of the engine room. Therefore, Ambati Rayudu has the probability of scoring more for CSK.
Prediction on top wicket-taker
Sam Curran will be handy for MSD in terms of scalping the top orders of RR. Mainly, he knows how to bowl to the dangerous Jos Buttler of RR as they belong to the same international team. Sam Curran, with his previous match cameo with both the bat and the ball, might be vibrant. What he needs to do for the next match is to take the positives out of his previous performance. Luckily he has got the franchise that would establish his real talent. Along with that, it offers him significant chances to perform from the front. So, according to the current scenario, the young English bowler is the strong candidate to be the most wicket-taker of the fifth match of IPL 2020.
Another bowler who can be a tough competitor of Sam Curran in terms of wicket-taking might be the lethal Jofra Archer. The West Indian born England bowler can be handy at any types of wickets. He can even extract bounce from the feather belt wickets. The speed he possesses is the greatest weapon at any point of an innings in the fast-moving T20 format. With the way he bowled against Australia in the English soil gives the hint that he is ready to roar in this flamboyant tournament.
Prediction on Who will win the match?
Chennai Super Kings have this habit of winning initial matches of a tournament. Consequently, it has always put them in a most comfortable space during the end of group stage matches. As the first match of this edition reflects the natural winning habit of CSK, the Chennai based team is stepping its leg into the next match as the favourites.
Batting wise, CSK is felt little lesser than RR in terms of power hitters and openers, but still, CSK knows how to play the twenty overs effectively. CSK has this huge all-rounders list in their playing eleven. Anyone who walks in to bat can score runs, and that is the biggest strength of CSK, which other teams lack.
Besides, CSK has great bowling options to go with. They can go with the bowler who gets on a roll, which in turn puts them a tough team to bat against. Even though Rajasthan Royals possess the exponents such as Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, David Miller, and Robin Uthappa, they have to be more tactical in facing the CSK bowlers.
Prediction on the most six-hitting batter:
Jos Buttler, who would step in as an opener, will get plenty of options to hit more over the ropes. With the dashing batting style, the English opener will have to face Deepak Chahar and Sam Curran. As he had tackled the express pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Kane Richardson, these CSK bowling-openers won’t be a much bother to the RR openers.
Apart from that, Sanju Samson is currently pushed to a stage where he needs a point to prove as an international batter. He has got the skills, and he has done it in the past. This is the right time to get into the limelight for Sanju Samson, and he isn’t the player who would miss such a great opportunity. A powerful spin-hitter who can dance well down the pitch and at the same time he middles the ball in a fabulous way to send the ball over the roofs. On the whole, Sanju Samson might be a formidable contender to be on this healthy race to score more number of sixes.
Prediction on Man of the match:
Ravindra Jadeja looked good in the last match. But unfortunately, he departed earlier in the last match. Batting wise he is in great touch. Even his bowling spoke much with two crucial wickets he picked up. Looking at the rhythm of Ravindra Jadeja in all three departments, it just hinted that he is ready to register his name on top with his precious performance.
A competitor for Ravindra Jadeja in winning the Man of the match award would be Sam Curran, who is also in the way to be a perfect all-rounder.
To Sum Up
Eventually, with so much experience and outstanding leadership, CSK steps in as favorites in their second match of this edition against the mighty Rajasthan Royals.
