IPL 2020: Match 4, RR vs CSK – Archer-Rayudu’s match-up and Lungi Ngidi's efforts in death overs

Rajasthan Royals barely begin as favourites despite being the first-ever side to win an Indian Premier League (IPL). Royals usually pick up a team of players who are either not in the limelight or not the superstars. The 2020 IPL is no different as they filled up the squad with India’s recent Under-19 CWC players. Moreover, they will be missing the services of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes at the start of the season. It leaves a huge task for the Royals ahead of their first match against the Chennai Super Kings.

Can Rayudu withstand Archer’s pace?

Ambati Rayudu batted fluently through his 48-ball 71 against Mumbai Indians to guide Chennai Super Kings to a win in the opening match. The senior batsman hardly found it tough and kept finding boundaries regularly during his match-winning knock. The comfort with which Rayudu batted against MI, it does show how crucial he is going to be for CSK when they face Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday.

At the same time, Rayudu could be the batsman whom the Royals could target. The main weapon of RR to stop Rayudu will be Jofra Archer who saw success against the Indian batsman across the last two seasons.  In three meetings, Archer dismissed Rayudu twice across 13 deliveries and in return conceded only four singles. Ambati could find himself comfortable against rest of the Rajasthan line-up.

CSK’s death overs specialist:

Lungi Ngidi has been CSK’s reliable bowler for death overs and his worth was on display during the tournament opener against Mumbai Indians. Despite going for 29 runs in his first two overs, the South African pacer returned to attack in backend and conceded just nine runs and also picked up three wickets. His second spell was crucial in keeping Mumbai Indians down to just 162/9. Ngidi bowled 12 overs in his IPL career at the death where he went at an economy of only 6.42 and picked up seven wickets as well.

Can the Royals overcome MSD nightmares?

Talking about Rajasthan Royals’ attack in the death overs, their numbers in the past two seasons look worry some for the franchise. While Jofra Archer has been conceding runs under nine an over, the rest nearly touched 10 in 2018 and crossed even an economy of 12 last year. As they gear up to begin their 2020 campaign, MS Dhoni looks like a potential threat to them who have enjoyed a lot of success during the 2019 edition.

The CSK skipper scored 94 runs between 16th and 20th overs in the last two seasons against the Royals and was dismissed just once. He scored those at a strike rate of 180 smashing the likes of Jaydev Unadkat but safely playing through Jofra Archer. The England speedster’s length and pace make Dhoni uncomfortable and will be crucial in stopping the former Indian skipper from having a feast against them yet again.

(Stats as on September 21, 2020)