Upbeat Chennai Super Kings face difficult Rajasthan test

Back in familiar territory after recording their biggestever win in terms of runs, Chennai Super Kings will fancy their chances when they lock horns with Rajasthan Royals, a team seeking to get back to winning ways, in the Indian Premier League.

Two-time winners CSK will be high on confidence after inf licting an embarrassing 93-defeat on the Delhi Daredevils. The Super Kings needed such a morale-booster after starting the campaign with a defeat to Punjab.

On the other hand, the champions of the inaugural edition Rajasthan Royals tasted success in their first match, but failed to stop Kings XI Punjab from chasing down a 190-plus total, unable to cope with Glenn Maxwell. Both teams have notched up a win and a defeat each from two outings.

The Super Kings will be banking on their strong batting for a flying start. Suresh Raina, who struck his 20th fifty in the IPL against Delhi, will be once more the man to watch. The left-handed batsman has been one of the most prolific batsmen in the IPL.

The experienced Brendon McCullum is always expected to give his teams brisk starts and lending him support at the top will be Dwayne Smith, who can play the big shots or anchor an innings.

Faf du Plessis is always dangerous and Ravindra Jadeja is a dependable bat as well. And then there is skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who’ll be earger for another stint in the middle. The Indian captain smashed 32 off a mere 15 balls against Delhi.