Key Points
Khaleel Ahmed focuses on swing and right lengths
MS Dhoni's field presence aids Khaleel
Ruturaj Gaikwad leads CSK with tactical changes
Khaleel has been a key performer in CSK's pace line-up, bagging four wickets in the two matches so far. He returned with impressive figures of 3-29 in their tournament opener against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk. "It is a little tough to adjust as per situations, but cricket is simple - all about focusing on the right line and length, so I try to swing it from the right lengths. That’s my plan; I don’t tend to change much," the pacer told broadcasters before the toss.
Khaleel added that former captain MS Dhoni's guidance from behind the stumps also makes things easier for him on the field. "There is a difference because seeing Mahi bhai behind the wickets makes me feel like half the work is already done for me," he mentioned.
Coming back to the match, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bowl first against Rajasthan at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. After registering a win against Mumbai Indians, CSK lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their previous fixture.
On the other hand, Rajasthan has lost both their matches in the tournament so far against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed two changes in the playing eleven, with Jamie Overton and Vijay Shankar coming in for Sam Curran and Deepak Hooda, while Rajasthan fielded an unchanged side.
