Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 12th game of IPL 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Both CSK and RR have registered one win and one loss each in their two matches so far. As such, they will be looking for some consistency moving ahead. While CSK were defeated easily by Delhi Capitals (DC), they came back emphatically to outdo Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their second encounter. RR, on the other hand, after losing narrowly to PBKS , went on hand DC a heartbreak. As CSK face RR on Monday, here are three player battles that can be looked forward to
- Jos Buttler vs Deepak Chahar
On paper, this is a fascinating contest. A batsman who only knows one way to bat – attack. And a bowler who believes just in keeping things simple and letting the rest take care of itself. Jos Buttler has not been in the greatest of form of late, not only for RR but generally as well. He registered quite a few failures against India as well. His footwork as well as confidence are just not there. With Ben Stokes gone, there is all the more reason for Buttler to lift his game.
With Chahar, things can work in two ways depending on the conditions on offer. He can be next to unplayable with the ball moving around, like it did in the match against PBKS. Conversely, he can also be attacked when there is not enough on the pitch to help him. He is a very good line and length bowler. Buttler will have no option but to go after him. If it comes off, he can roar back to form and put the team in a good position.
2. Faf du Plessis vs Jayadev Unadkat
Faf du Plessis perished cheaply against Delhi Capitals. But he was closer to his real self in the chase against PBKS. He brought out the ramp shots and lofts that make him a dangerous batsman at the top of the innings in T20 cricket. With Ruturaj Gaikwad not in form, CSK would like du Plessis to take additional responsibility at the top of the order. When he gets runs, he usually scores them quickly, so he can put the opponents under pressure.
RR left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat did to DC what Chahar did to PBKS. At the start of the innings, he scythed through the top order, sending back Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane. Unadkat made excellent use of his slower deliveries to fox the best of Indian batsmen. Du Plessis is someone who picks variations well. And teams will now be aware of what Unadkat is trying to do. So that would make the contest even more challenging
3. Sanju Samson vs Sam Curran
RR skipper Sanju Samson played a sensational knock against PBKS. Even when the match seemed dead and buried, he brought the contest back to life with some spectacular hitting. There has never been any doubt over Samson’s big-hitting ability and talent. However, he is often seen as someone who gives his wicket away too easily. It would be unfair to blame Samson for his early dismissal against DC. However, this is a patter to his game that most opponents would have studied by now.
Even when he got a hundred against PBKS, Samson was given lives early on. He is definitely susceptible at the start of the innings and this is where CSK left-arm seamer Sam Curran can target him. Curran has got excellent variations in his armoury. He possesses the slower balls as well as the yorker. Curran will look to throw every trick at Samson if the two come face-to-face. It would be interesting to observe the RR captain’s response in such a scenario.