Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Predictions: The teams are tied on points and the winning team can go top of the table

Playing in their fourth game of the season Chennai Super Kings will welcome Rajasthan Royals in the 17th game of the season at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai on 12th April. The teams have the same number of points so far and whichever team wins the tie goes to the top of the table. Who will win this game?

Chennai Super Kings

After losing their first game against Gujarat Titans, the four-time champions bounced back with two consecutive victories on their home ground in Chennai. The home team surprised everyone by posting a total of over 200 runs in their first innings, which is uncommon on this ground that typically favours spin bowlers. In that match, Moeen Ali claimed 4 wickets, while Santner finished with figures of 1 for 21 in his 4 overs. Although the pacers were hit hard by the opposition, CSK managed to win by a margin of 12 runs.

However, CSK captain MS Dhoni faces a challenge in terms of his pace bowlers, as Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande have not been in their best form. Meanwhile, Sisanda Magala, who made his IPL debut against MI, picked up 1 wicket but conceded 37 runs. Therefore, it is the spin trio of Jadeja, Santner, and Moeen Ali who have been the key to CSK's success with the ball.

The visitors, on the other hand, have a strong batting line-up, especially their in-form top-order. Unless Chahar and Deshpande regain their rhythm, CSK may struggle to contain the visitors. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane will be crucial for CSK to watch out for in the top three of the batting order.

Shivam Dube's low strike rate could become a concern for the hosts, while Ambati Rayudu is a dependable middle-order batsman who can hit the ball long and maintain a good run rate. MS Dhoni himself is also in good form and can score quickly in the death overs.

Chennai Super Kings Predicted Lineup

Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Mitchell Santner, Maheesh Theekshana, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Tushar Deshpande

Rajasthan Royals

Having carried forward their momentum from the previous season, where they finished as runners-up, the Rajasthan Royals look strong and confident. Their most successful batsman, Jos Buttler, has already scored two fifties in three innings this season, while his opening partner, the young Yashaswi Jaiswal, has also been in great form, scoring 60 off 31 in the last game and 54 off 37 in the season opener.

Dhruv Jurel, who made his IPL debut this year against Punjab Kings, is another promising young batsman for the Rajasthan Royals. On his debut, the 22-year-old right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 32 off 15 balls at number 8. He might be the key to their lower-middle-order problems. The team boasts a powerhouse of young Indian batters who are among the top emerging talents in the country, including Riyan Parag and Devdutt Padikkal in the middle order. However, Padikkal has not had the best of the seasons so far. The team slows down in the middle overs which needs to be ironed out.

But it will be Buttler, Jaiswal, and Samson at the top who will be responsible for setting the right platform for the lower order to finish on a high. R Ashwin will be the key spinner for RR at this venue, while Boult has looked in fine touch with his swing bowling in the power play. Yuzvendra Chahal will also be eager to get the most out of the spin-friendly pitch at Chepauk. Overall, Rajasthan Royals possess a strong squad and are in good form, making them a tough challenge for the hosts.

Rajasthan Royals Predicted Lineup

Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Expert betting tips

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is known to be a sporting wicket that benefits the bowlers, particularly the spinners. Therefore, both teams' spinners will be aiming to capitalize on the pitch and take crucial wickets. A score of around 160-180 can be a competitive total on this surface. This is a departure from previous seasons where high scores of over 200 were not common in both innings of a match. It appears that the curators are striving for a balanced pitch that allows for excellent shot-making. The spinners will be the key to the team's success. We expect a close game and Rajasthan to come out on top.