Given the right conditions, the Chennai Super Kings’ bowling can be incisive. Rahul Chahar and company can inflict some serious damage.
Like the other night at the Wankhede. There was some seam movement and Chahar, his fingers behind the seam and wrist position exemplary, scalped four in a vicious opening burst against Punjab Kings.
Chahar will once again be a threat when CSK takes on Rajasthan Royals on what could be a lively Wankhede pitch on Monday. The Chennai franchise also has the left-arm swing of the versatile Sam Curran.
Rajasthan Royals too are coming off a win, clinching a humdinger against the strong Delhi Capitals. That was a game when the batting heroics of South African all-rounder Chris Morris settled the issue.
The victory over Punjab Kings notwithstanding, CSK needs to iron out chinks. There are lessons to be learnt from wins too.
Ruturaj Gaikwad made a fine impression last season with his cultured strokeplay. This time around, the opener, rather loose outside off, is being taken out early.
M.S. Dhoni, though, believes in giving his players a run.
Then CSK has a problem with Suresh Raina. The southpaw appeared vulnerable when Punjab Kings pacemen probed him with short-pitched deliveries. Raina eventually perished to a lifter.
Raina has a stupendous record in the IPL but is bound to be targeted with short-pitched bowling from the Royals.
On the positive side, Moeen Ali has been stroking beautifully, and bowling his off-spinners efficiently.
RR will be without two key players, both injured, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
But then, skipper Sanju Samson, who appears to be settling into his role well, is in roaring form. The side, however, seeks runs from the game-changing Jos Buttler.
Then there is the Morris factor.
This could be a mouth-watering clash.
