Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are almost mirror images of each other on the IPL 2020 points table, with only the net run rates separating the two. Their resemblance is not in excellence, but in mediocrity.

On Monday, when the two clash in Abu Dhabi, it will be a fight for survival. Whoever slips will find it very difficult to stand up again.

CSK are seventh in the standings, Royals eighth. While Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s CSK were thrashed by Delhi Capitals in their last match, Steve Smith’s Royals were trounced by RCB.

Dhoni, who enjoys an unparalleled reputation in IPL, has been struggling on all fronts this season. He hasn’t fired with the bat, his strategies have met failures and his team has lost more than they have won.

To make it worse for him, he will be missing Dwayne Bravo, who specialises in death-overs bowling, as the Caribbean all-rounder suffered a groin injury in the last match.

But Royals are doing no better, with star all-rounder Ben Stokes yet to make an impact after his late arrival.