IPL match preview: Chennai Super Kings v Rajasthan Royals

The Chennai Super Kings will go into this match on the back of victory over the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, where Ajinkya Rahane was key with the bat and Ravindra Jadeja starred with the ball. 

While Chennai managed to penetrate Mumbai's Wankhede fortress, they have a near indomitable home ground of their own in Chepauk. Rajasthan will be hard pressed to beat the four-time IPL winners in their backyard.

Rajasthan were convincing in victory over the Delhi Capitals recently. Jos Buttler starred at the top of the order - and looks set to be among their strongest batsmen again this year, as he was in 2022. Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal continued their dominance with the ball.

The Royals have a great combination in Boult and Chahal, with the New Zealander's pace a solid complement to the Indian's leg-spin. Both will need to be their very best in challenging conditions in Chepauk, though.

The Royals will be buoyed by their recent record against Chennai. They have won four of their last five outings against the Super Kings.

Ben Stokes didn't play the previous match for the Super Kings. It will be interesting to see if they return him to the XI - and as an all-rounder or specialist batsman. Bowling-wise, that man Jadeja - particularly at home - will be key again.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been impressive at the top of the Royals' order alongside Buttler. He has showcased some of the cleanest hitting in the 2023 IPL so far. And in West Indian big-hitter Shimron Hetmyer, Rajasthan have a fine finisher.

Rajasthan's dominance against Chennai in the recent past suggests they will win again here. But the Super Kings' superb record at home counters that. It could be a hang of a contest, with the Royals pipping the Kings in a thriller.