The Wankhede wicket has posed several questions to batsmen, especially in the last couple of matches played there. For Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, another test awaits them on Monday when they lock horns in what appears to be an intriguing encounter.
With both teams having won their previous games after losing their respective openers, the side that wins this game would obviously get a decent momentum boost. But before that, all depends on how well they adapt to conditions. And a fair analysis does suggest the superiority of Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Super Kings over Sanju Samson’s Royals when it comes to bowling.
Their previous appearance was just an example of the strength of the Super Kings’ bowling.
For, restricting a strong batting line-up of Punjab Kings to just a 106 is simply no joke. And that too, by exercising such control till the final over of the innings — an aspect which gives them an edge over their opponents.
No doubt, Deepak Chahar’s opening spell, which was decisive in their win over Punjab Kings, will again be crucial for the three-time champions, especially against Royals’ struggling top order. The Jos Buttler-Manan Vohra pair couldn’t get going against Delhi Capitals in the Royals’ previous game, so it remains to be seen whether the team management persists with the duo or make any tweak.
Chahar’s first spell, without doubt, could be decisive yet again while the Super Kings would also hope that Sam Curran, Moeen Ali and Dwayne Bravo keep doing their job, and Shardul Thakur finds his rhythm. Besides, South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi is out of quarantine and could be drafted into the XI to give more teeth to their pace attack.
All-rounder Moeen’s performance too will be critical. He too was in the thick of action in the win over Punjab Kings, something that should be pleasing the Super Kings think-tank. Keeping things more or less tight with his off-spin, Moeen has given his team the much-needed solidity at No.3.
With young Ruturaj Gaikwad yet to fire at the top of the order, Moeen batting with control and aggression at No.3 provides some kind of a cusion to the rest of the batters.
As for the Royals, they would first hope for their batsmen to fire in unison which hasn’t been the case so far in their campaign.
