Photographs: BCCI
Playing their last match on home soil, Rajasthan Royals would look to consolidate their number two position in the points table and upstage top-placed title contenders Chennai Super Kings when the two most balanced sides clash in the IPL in Jaipur on Sunday.
Rajasthan's citadel has not been breached even once in the tournament and the hosts would look to sign off their home campaign on a high.
Moreover, Rajasthan were beaten by the table-toppers in an away game and they would like to return the compliment.
Mohit Sharma has been a revelation upfront
Image: Mohit SharmaPhotographs: BCCI
Rajasthan have done exceedingly well while chasing, their last two victories were comprehensive, and Chennai have emerged as superb defenders.
The batsmen in both the teams are in sparkling form.
The only thing that gives a slight advantage to Chennai is their bowling.Mohit Sharma has been a revelation upfront while R Ashwin and Dwayne Bravo have done well in the middle overs.
The key to Rajasthan would be to contain the marauding Chennai batsmen. The way they recovered from the shocking defeat against Mumbai Indians, Chennai have only looked more dangerous.
Hussey, Raina in good form for Chennai
Image: Michael HusseyPhotographs: BCCI
Even if Rajasthan get Michael Hussey or Suresh Raina out early, they have to contend with in-from CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has changed many a games on his own with his power-hitting.
James Faulknar, Ajit Chandila, Kevon Cooper and Shane Watson have a tough task at hand but if they click, Rajasthan would be in with a very good chance.
Rajasthan's formidable batting line-up
Image: Sanju Samson and Ajinkya RahanePhotographs: BCCI
Rahul Dravid, Ajinkya Rahane, Watson and Sanju Samson form a very formidable batting line-up, capable of chasing down any total, so it will boil down to how the home bowlers perform.
They have done well in last two matches, restricting Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab in the vicinity of 150 but they were the struggling sides not expected to cause much trouble.
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