Chennai Super Kings face Rajasthan Royals for top spot

Chennai Super Kings will have the opportunity go top of the table if they beat the Rajasthan Royals in today’s clash at Ranchi.

Though Chennai and Punjab are tied on points, they have a lower net run rate. The Super Kings have won seven of nine games.

Rajasthan are not too far behind, occupying the third spot with six wins from nine matches. Given the two teams’ fine form, it would be hard to pick out a sure bet in the matchup. Chennai came out on top in their first encounter this season.

Rajasthan’s spectacular finish against Bangalore to chase down a massive 191 has made them the dark horse to win the championship. They have discovered unlikely heroes in trying times.

In Karun Nair, they have a consistent batsman at the top who has silently worked towards cementing his place in the side. The likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Steven Smith and Sanju Samson have also come good, while Shane Watson has proved to be an astute leader.

Chennai are not any less gifted, with Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni making the starting eleven.

As for the bowling, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohit Sharma have impressed for Chennai, while leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, at 42, has been in remarkable form for Rajasthan.

BANGALORE, DELHI SEEK CRUCIAL WIN

Both the Royal Challengers and the Daredevils will look to avoid further embarrassment as the two face each other in Bangalore. Bangalore are struggling to keep their chances alive, having already lost six of nine games. Delhi are worse off with two wins and seven reverses.

Bangalore’s expensive batting line-up has been poor this season. While Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli have struggled, Yuvraj Singh has been inconsistent. AB de Villiers has been their best man.

Delhi have had similar problems with putting on a decent score. Kevin Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik and Murali Vijay have had little impact on the team. JP Duminy has been their best man.