IPL 2023: Match 17, Rajasthan Royals (RR) Predicted Playing XI vs Chennai Super Kings

Rajasthan Royals (RR) got back to winning ways after an emphatic victory against the struggling Delhi Capitals in their last outing. However, they will be up against an upbeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their next encounter. It will be a tough fixture for Sanju Samson's side as the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk has proven to be a fortress for the home side.

But last year's losing finalists won't be deterred by the venue as they are looking to put together another title charge this year with hopes of going all the way this time around. Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal are in sensational form at the top of the order, while Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin are doing the business with the ball in IPL 2023.

Here's Rajasthan Royals’ predicted XI against Chennai Super Kings:

Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler

Rajasthan Royals got off to a flying start in their encounter against Delhi Capitals, thanks to a whirlwind knock from young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The eye-catching stroke maker smashed Khaleel Ahmed for five boundaries in the first over of the match and went on to smash 60 off just 31 deliveries to ensure a rollicking powerplay for his side.

It is not often that Jos Buttler is overshadowed in a T20 game, but such was the belligerence of his opening partner that the English white-ball skipper played second fiddle in a 98-run opening stand. However, Buttler put down his foot on the accelerator after the departure of Jaiswal, helping his side to a daunting total of 199 runs with a 79-run innings off just 51 deliveries.

Middle Order: Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel

Although Rajasthan Royals hammered their opponents in their last outing, it wasn't a memorable outing for skipper Sanju Samson with the bat as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck. He has been in tremendous touch in this year's tournament and will be looking to get back among the runs in the upcoming crucial fixture away from home.

Riyan Parag was another Rajasthan batter who failed to capitalize on the terrific start provided by Buttler and Jaiswal. Parag managed just seven runs in 11 deliveries and was cleaned up by Rovman Powell after trying an ugly hoick against the Delhi Capitals' medium pacer.

Following a breathtaking start by the Royals' openers, Delhi Capitals wrestled back the momentum in the middle overs with a couple of quick wickets. However, their hopes of restricting last year's runner-ups to a below-par total was extinguished by Shimron Hetmyer's explosive cameo at the death. The hard-hitting batter smashed four maximums in his 21-ball stay to propel his side to a challenging total. 

Although Dhruv Jurel got to face just three balls in the game against Delhi Capitals, the 22-year-old dasher made the most of those three deliveries, ensuring a strong finish for his side. The former U-19 star has been one of the finds of the tournament so far and will be looking to enhance his reputation in the upcoming fixture.

All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder

Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing his former side at a venue he is well accustomed to. The ingenious off-spinner was up to his usual tricks against the Capitals in the previous game, returning with impeccable figures of 2/25 in his four overs.

Former West Indian skipper Jason Holder's services with the bat wasn't required by the Royals in their previous outing, and the towering fast bowling all-rounder was reduced to just three overs with the ball. His experience will be crucial for Sanju Samson's side in a crucial game against four-time champions CSK in their own backyard.

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma

Trent Boult's exceptional exploits with the new ball has been one of the driving force behind Rajasthan Royals' recent success in the competition. The veteran Kiwi pacer dished out a sensational double wicket maiden to wreck the opposition batting order in the very first over the chase in his last outing, returning with brilliant figures of 3/29 in his four overs.

Last year's Purple Cap winner Yuzvendra Chahal is once again in the race for the coveted prize thanks to another masterclass in spin bowling against the Delhi Capitals. The veteran Indian leggie spun a web around the Capitals' batters, returning with brilliant bowling figures of 3/27 in his four overs.

It was a happy return to the IPL for veteran pacer Sandeep Sharma who made a memorable debut for Sanju Samson's side in their previous game. The diminutive pacer, who went unsold at the IPL 2023 auction, came into the side as a replacement for injured pacer Prasidh Krishna. He gave away just 20 runs in his four overs, knocking over Anirch Nortje for his first wicket for the Royals.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) Predicted XI

Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Rajasthan Royals Probable Impact Players

Devdutt Padikkal, KM Asif, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Akash Vasisht