Indian T20 League 2019: Match 12, Chennai vs Rajasthan – Dotball Fantasy Cricket Guide

Chennai are a team that always find a way to win matches in the league, even from positions of relative weakness. They will clash on Sunday night with a team that is squarely opposite of that – Rajasthan, who often manage to lose games from positions of strength like they frittered the game away in Hyderabad despite putting nearly 200 runs up on the board.

Big scores like those are unlikely to be seen in a game where the slower bowlers will have a huge say even if the pitch doesn’t turn square in Chennai like it did on the opening night of the league a week ago.

Rajasthan will be looking to bounce back from that tough loss at Hyderabad but Chennai is a well-oiled unit, one that is exceptional in home conditions. Fantasy players will do well to consider the Rajasthan bowlers though because this is a game that will be decided on who bowls better especially outside of the power play.

Venue

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Conditions

The last time around the pitch was a turning track that seemed to crumble and spin from Day 1. After the all-round criticism, the curator might opt for a track that has a bit more life but fundamentally the pitch will remain slow and low and shotmaking will be an arduous task.

Injury updates

There don’t seem to be any injuries and both teams are likely to be at full strength. However, David Willey has withdrawn because of personal reasons and will not be available for the remainder of the tournament.

Fantasy Tips

If you are looking for possible captain choices for a head to head contest, you could go with these ‘Safe Captain Choices’

Dwayne Bravo: The Chennai all-rounder did a demolition job of Rajasthan the last time they met in Chennai’s ‘home’ game at Pune where he scored a quick fire 24 and followed it up with two wickets in two overs. He becomes an important pick precisely because of his all-round ability.

Shane Watson: Watson looks anything but past his prime in the league and he particularly likes this opposition – he has 657 runs in contests between Chennai and Rajasthan, the most by any player.

Steve Smith: The Aussie hasn’t really had a chance to get going unlike his compatriot in the Hyderabad franchise but on a slow wicket where batting might be difficult he is always a good bet.

However if you are willing to take a bit more risk in a grand league contest, maybe consider these ‘Risky Captain Choices’

Ambati Rayudu: He hasn’t been too consistent in India colours but Ambati Rayudu in yellow is a different beast. He hasn’t really clicked in this encounter in recent times but his current drive to make a good case for the India No. 4 spot might just spark a special inning.

Imran Tahir: The South African showed that he is a force to reckon with by bowling an impressive spell in helpful conditions in the opener. If the pitch has a bit of assistance again, he might end up bagging quite a few wickets at a miserly economy rate.

Jos Buttler: His hot streak in the league may be cooling down but Buttler was key in Rajasthan’s last win against Chennai with a blistering 95* off 60 balls. It’s precisely this chance to score big at the top of the order that makes him a viable captain option.

Expert Advice

Don’t forget the good fielders for a few extra bonus points. Chennai is a venue where fielders time and again come into play thanks to mistimed shots so watch out for the likes of Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Steve Smith, and even Ajinkya Rahane.

The Prediction

On this slow wicket, the Chennai spinners will hold the aces again, an area Rajasthan are woefully short in. Chennai should be able to eke out a good win.

Likely XIs

Chennai

Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Sam Billings, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur

Rajasthan

Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, Liam Livingstone/Jofra Archer, Rahul Tripathi, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ben Stokes, Jaydev Unadkat, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron

Fantasy Team Preferred for Dotball Head or Tails/Small Contests:

Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler

Batsmen: Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson

All-rounders: Shane Watson(C), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Ben Stokes

Bowlers: Imran Tahir (VC), Harbhajan Singh, Shreyas Gopal

Fantasy team for Dotball Rumble/Big Contests:

Wicketkeeper: Jos Butler

Batsmen: Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Sanju Samson

All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja(C), Dwayne Bravo (VC), Ben Stokes

Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir, Harbhajan Singh, Shreyas Gopal

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