As the Indian Premier League 2025 concludes, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to face off in Match 62 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on May 20. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, making this encounter a battle for pride and an opportunity to assess emerging talents for the future. CSK, led by the veteran MS Dhoni, and RR, captained by Sanju Samson, will aim to end their campaigns on a positive note.
CSK and RR have had challenging seasons, with CSK securing only three wins in 12 matches and RR managing three victories in 13 games. Despite the lack of playoff implications, this match holds significance for both franchises as they look to rebuild and identify key players for the upcoming seasons.
Weather and Pitch Report
The weather in Delhi is expected to be clear, with temperatures ranging between 31°C to 42°C and high humidity levels in the evening. No rain is forecasted, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch traditionally favours batsmen, offering a flat surface conducive to high scores. However, spinners may find some assistance as the match progresses, making middle overs crucial for both teams.
Team News
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
CSK has seen promising performances from young talents like Dewald Brevis, who has impressed with his aggressive batting style. Shivam Dube has consistently performed, leading the team’s run charts with 301 runs. Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad has been effective with the ball, claiming 20 wickets in 12 matches.
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
RR’s season has been marred by inconsistency and injuries. Captain Sanju Samson has returned from injury, providing stability to the batting lineup. Youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as a bright prospect, showcasing his potential in recent matches. The bowling department has seen contributions from spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, who have taken 11 and 10 wickets respectively.
Probable Playing XI and Impact Players
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
- Ayush Mhatre
- Devon Conway
- Urvil Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shivam Dube
- Sam Curran
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Anshul Kamboj
Impact player: Khaleel Ahmed
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Sanju Samson (C/wk)
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Shubham Dubey
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Kwena Maphaka
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Tushar Deshpande
Impact player: Kumar Kartikeya
Key Players
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
- Shivam Dube: The left-handed batsman has been a standout performer for CSK, amassing 301 runs this season. He is a vital cog of their middle-order.
- Noor Ahmad: The Afghan spinner has been instrumental in the bowling department, taking 20 wickets in 12 matches. His wrist-spin has troubled many batters this season.
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
- Sanju Samson: Returning from injury, the RR captain adds experience and stability to the batting lineup.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The young talent has significantly impacted recent games, showcasing his potential as a future star. He even scored a century recently.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
While both teams have had underwhelming seasons, CSK has a slight edge due to their experienced lineup and recent form. The presence of seasoned players like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, combined with emerging talents, gives them a balanced side. RR, on the other hand, will rely on their young guns to deliver a spirited performance. Given the conditions and team compositions, CSK is favoured in winning this match.
