IPL 2021: CSK vs RR Game Plan 1 – More Pace, Less Spin to Chennai’s Middle Order

The twelfth match of the IPL 2021 tournament between the blockbuster teams, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals could be all about match-ups. Here, we take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the twelfth game of IPL 2021 – CSK vs RR. IPL 2021: CSK vs RR – […]
 
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IPL 2021: CSK vs RR Game Plan 1 – More Pace, Less Spin to Chennai’s Middle Order

The twelfth match of the IPL 2021 tournament between the blockbuster teams, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals could be all about match-ups. Here, we take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the twelfth game of IPL 2021 – CSK vs RR.

IPL 2021: CSK vs RR –  Chennai’s Middle-order

Chennai’s batting numbers against spinners has taken a complete flip with the return of Suresh Raina and the addition of Moeen Ali. Both are quality batsmen and left-handers, something CSK lacked last year.

IPL 2021: CSK vs RR Game Plan 1 – More Pace, Less Spin to Chennai’s Middle Order

From being the second-slowest scorers against spin last season, CSK have scored the fastest against slow bowlers in the first eleven matches this year. This is mainly down to the aggressive approach shown by Moeen and Raina through the middle overs. Both southpaws have dealt in boundaries and scored at above 10 runs an over against spinners. The batting-friendly nature of the Wankhede track has also helped them.

IPL 2021: CSK vs RR – Can RR use an enforcer?

IPL 2021: CSK vs RR Game Plan 1 – More Pace, Less Spin to Chennai’s Middle Order

IPL 2021: CSK vs RR Game Plan 1 – More Pace, Less Spin to Chennai’s Middle Order

 

As shown in the above graphic, both Moeen Ali and Suresh Raina have struggled against pace so far. Raina hasn’t been able to score at run-a-ball, while more than half the deliveries Moeen has faced have been dot balls. Raina in particular looked very vulnerable against the express pace of Meredith in CSK’s last game.

In Rajasthan Royals’ previous game, they went with a bowling attack that included Jaydev Unadkat, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman and Chris Morris. While the first three add value in some phases, none have the express pace to hurry CSK batsmen. Chris Morris at his best can bowl at 140 clicks consistently, but has been a bit low on pace this season.

IPL 2021: CSK vs RR Game Plan 1 – More Pace, Less Spin to Chennai’s Middle Order

While Jofra Archer is still recovering from his hand injury, there are only a few other bowlers in the Royals’ squad who are capable of bowling hard lengths at pace. If fully fit, Kartik Tyagi walks in as he showed last year that he can get a bit of extra bounce. Even Kuldip Yadav might be a viable pick; an uncapped pacer who hits the deck hard. Andrew Tye is a left-field pick, but someone RR can still try given he has consciously bowling around the 140 kmph mark recently. If he covers Morris’ death overs quota, that frees up Morris to have a go at Raina and Moeen in the middle overs.

Should Rajasthan continue with the winning combination and not try to change the attack, they should look to save Morris’ first few overs until Moeen or Raina are batting. Unadkat and Sakariya bowled well in tandem the other night in the Powerplay; RR can continue with this and keep two of Morris’ overs for the middle phase and two for the death.

Read on Jalaj Saxena’s wait to make an IPL debut.