Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will host visitors Rajasthan Royals for the league clash at the MA Chidambaram stadium, Chennai on the 21st of April, 2012.

The history behind the two teams' previous clashes is a valuable benchmark for the standard of cricket played in the IPL. Since both teams are clashing for the first time in this season, the expectations are on a high and we can expect a mouth watering contest for sure.

The Royals are currently in the second position of the IPL 2012 points table with four wins from two matches, while defending champions Chennai Super Kings, from the six matches played, have won 3 and lost 3 matches.

Key players for Rajasthan Royals :

Both these batsmen have given their best so far and more runs from their willow is much needed for the team's good going. Both Rahane and Dravid are providing good starts their team, which is the key for setting up a target and run chase as well.

Rajasthan Royals have a reliable middle order consisting of Owais Shah, Brad Hodge and Ashok Menaria. Kevon Cooper's big hitting capability is an added advantage to this lineup.

Sans Shaun Tait, Rajasthan Royals are lacking a fast bowler, which is one of weakness of their team. Apart from it Johan Botha, Brad Hogg, Brad Hodge and Siddharth Trivedi are doing a decent job for their team.

Key players for Chennai Super Kings :

Chennai Super Kings are doing the same what they've regularly done in the previous four seasons. The defending champions are clearly struggling without the support of their Australian lads Mike Hussey and Ben Hilfenhaus, but still the team is doing decent job to hold on their position in the points table.

As we all know, Chennai Super Kings is a strong batting team and lapse in the middle-order has caused serious issues for the team. Skipper MS Dhoni and the most reliable player Suresh Raina have not contributed to the expected levels. None Suresh Raina's brilliant starts have not been converted to big scores.

CSK's strike bowler Ravichandran Ashwin is doing a good job for his captain, while his counterpart in the fast bowling department Doug Bollinger has not been impressive so far. Bollinger's economy rate is surely a factor to worry about and we can expect Ben Hilfenhaus to replace him in the coming weeks.

As of now, Rajasthan Royals seem to look like a better unit than the Chennai Super Kings, but nothing can be decided until the last ball and that is the magic of this game. So fans, keep your fingers crossed for your favourite team to win.

Facts :

CSK and RR were the first two team to enter the finals of the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League. The historic finals saw Rajasthan Royals emerging victorious and claiming the first championship of the IPL. Since then, the Chennai Super Kings has been the better team compared to Rajasthan Royals in terms of consistency.

Team Standing on the IPL 2012 Points Table :

IPL 5 2012 Points Table | IPL 5 Team Standings

Tags: IPL 2012 Chennai Super Kings | IPL 2012 Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Match Preview | IPL 2012 CSK vs RR match preview | IPL 2012 points table | IPL 2012 Rajasthan Royals | IPL 5 CSK vs RR match preview | IPL 5 Match 25 CSK vs RR Match Preview IPL 2012 Points Table | IPL 5 Points Table