Mumbai: Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday won the toss and elected to field against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 12th Indian Premier League (IPL) match here at Wankhede Stadium.
Both the teams are coming on the back of superlative performances in their last match and will look to solidify their position in the points table. Newly-appointed skipper Sanju Samson will be tested against the vast experience of MS Dhoni.
Pitch Report: A tinge of class on the surface will aid seam bowlers to some extent early but the strip will largely remain batting friendly. Mid innings will be crucial when the spinners take the centre stage. The pitch is dry and warm, and if it provides swing and seam to fast bowlers early up, it won't be due to the moisture.
At the toss, RR captain Sanju Samson said, "We're going to bowl first. It suits well in these conditions. We just need to keep it simple, we trust our team and teammates. We bat really deep. Knowing that you have a deep batting line-up allows you to express yourself. Same team. They're a tough opposition, we respect them but we're sure of giving them a tough competitive game."
On the other hand, CSK skipper MS Dhoni said, "No changes for us. Same team. Getting out on good deliveries is okay. Last year would have taught him (Ruturaj) on the highs and lows. As support staff, you can motivate all you want but one you are out there, you are on your own. The pitch looks a bit tacky to start with. Needs to assess things as it comes and also need to keep an eye out on the dew."
Teams:
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar
Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler, Manan Vohra, Sanju Samson(w/c), Shivam Dube, David Miller, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Jaydev Unadkat, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman
