The last times both these teams met in IPL was in 2015 when Chennai Super Kings got the better of Rajasthan Royals. Ravindra Jadeja picked up 4 for 11 as CSK outplayed RR.
Three years later, the rivalry is all set to resume. The teams now have a different look to each other. Shane Warne who was playing for RR three seasons ago will don the CSK jersey and will play for CSK against his old team.
Royals have had a mixed start to the tournament so far, winning two and losing two, their inconsistency has coincided with the big guns misfiring so far. Stokes and Unadkat are yet to stamp their authority on the tournament whereas D'Arcy Short has found it tough to come to grips with spin despite coming into the IPL on the back of some fantastic form in the format. Sanju Samson has stood out from the rest whereas skipper Ajinkya Rahane has gotten off to good starts without making them count.
CSK have been immensely entertaining in all three of their games so far, pulling off heists in the first two with Dhoni almost making it three out of three with his career-best IPL knock. The biggest talking point though is their 'new home'. 1000 fans from Chennai are set to descend in Pune to give CSK a much-needed spark after their games were moved out of Chepauk.
As far as team news from both camps is concerned, MS Dhoni who played with an injured back against KXIP will not keep in tonight's contest. Ambati Rayudu will keep for CSK as Suresh Raina will return in tonight's contest as well. In the Rajasthan camp, there is a case of Heinrich Klaasen's inclusion in the team who might replace D'Arcy Short in the lineup. Whether Jofra Archer will get a game tonight is still to be seen.
Pune is all set to host the first CSK game of the season under hot and humid conditions. History and team strength comparison favors the home team heavily, however, Rajasthan can spring a surprise as they did show in the game against the Daredevils.
Toss : Rajasthan Royals have won the toss and have opted to field
Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Heinrich Klaasen, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Ben Laughlin
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Sam Billings, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir
