Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
Even at such an early stage, the 11th match of IPL 2025 has an important feel to it. Rajasthan Royals (RR) have lost their first two matches convincingly, with their glaring weaknesses exposed. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) produced the goods against Mumbai Indians in their opening game, but they were well off the pace in their 50-run drubbing at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday. Their weaknesses, including poor middle order batting, were on show as well.
Both teams are looking for their best combinations, so there could be changes to their playing XIIs. While this is not a sign of panic per se, it is important for both sides to find some form as a terrible first half of the campaign could spell the end of their playoff hopes.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Guwahati pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 Prediction for the 11th match of IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 11th Match: RR vs CSK Possible Playing XIIs
Jofra Archer has struggled for impact so far this season. If RR choose to replace him, they have the options of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Kwena Maphaka as their overseas pace-bowling alternatives.
Also, batting positions of Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer are in the spotlight. Parag performed so well at number four last season, but he has started IPL 2025 batting at three.
Rajasthan Royals: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Sanju Samson, 3. Riyan Parag (c), 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dhruv Jurel (wk), 6. Shimron Hetmyer (OS), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga (OS), 8. Jofra Archer/Fazalhaq Farooqi (OS), 10. Maheesh Theekshana (OS), 11. Tushar Deshpande, 11. Sandeep Sharma
Chennai Super Kings also have questions to answer. Deepak Hooda’s form is a concern and he could be replaced.
CSK have the option of replacing Sam Curran with Jamie Overton or Devon Conway. Also, Anshul Kamboj could come in as a bowling all-rounder.
Chennai Super Kings: 1. Rachin Ravindra (OS), 2. Devon Conway (OS), 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), 4. Rahul Tripathi/Vijay Shankar, 5. Shivam Dube, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. MS Dhoni (wk), 8. Anshul Kamboj, 9. R Ashwin, 10. Noor Ahmad (OS), 11. Khaleel Ahmed, 12. Matheesha Pathirana (OS)
Barsapara Cricket Stadium Guwahati Pitch Report and Weather
The Guwahati surface offered some grip in the RR-KKR match on March 26. Spinners Moeen Ali and Varun Chakravarthy took combined figures of 4/40 off eight overs against RR. Similar conditions will bring the spinners and cutters into the contest.
A warm and clear evening is forecast. There is a chance of dew, so expect the captain who wins the toss to choose to bowl.
RR vs CSK Fantasy Cricket Tips: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch
Top wicket-keeper picks:
- Sanju Samson is the best wicket-keeper pick given he opens the batting. However, consider whether you select Samson as c or vc. He averages just 15.00 in 16 innings against CSK. Of course, he can fire on the day, especially given his head-to-head record against Khaleel Ahmed: 44 balls, 75 runs, one wicket.
- Dhruv Jurel has looked in fine form so far this season with scores of 70 (35) and 33 (28).
Key batter picks:
- Rachin Ravindra has top scored for CSK in both games so far. He also recently won player of the tournament in the Champions Trophy.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad missed out against RCB, but the CSK skipper has a century against RR. However, he has scored just 109 in his remaining six innings against the Royals.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal is searching for his best form, but don’t write him off. The left-hander has struck 226 runs against CSK at an average of 37.67 and strike rate of 158.04.
Top all-rounder picks:
- Ravindra Jadeja can be a factor on the Guwahati surface. He has 20 wickets in 20 matches against the Royals (avg. 22.95) and has overall figures of 3/88 off 64 balls against Sanju Samson.
Key bowler picks:
- Noor Ahmad has taken seven wickets in his first two matches in IPL 2025. If the Guwahati surface holds a little, Noor can be a big factor once again.
- Matheesha Pathirana bowls in the crunch overs and faces an RR middle order that is a bit uncertain at the moment. Wicket-taking potential.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
- Khaleel Ahmed has looked in good form so far this season, but doesn’t have the best matchups against RR players: 75 off 44 balls (one wicket) vs Samson, 30 off 14 balls (one wicket) vs Jaiswal, 28 off 16 balls (no wicket) vs Nitish Rana, 32 off 14 balls (no wicket) vs Riyan Parag, and 27 off 13 balls (no wicket) vs Shimron Hetmyer.
- Riyan Parag has not looked totally comfortable at number three, but he remains a decent Dream11 pick given he also bowls and fields in hotspot positions.
- Wanindu Hasaranga was RR’s only wicket-taker against KKR and can also contribute with the bat.
Other Stats and Important Matchups
- Head-to-head: Matches 30, CSK 16, RR 14.
- Nitish Rana vs CSK: 11 inns, 284 runs, avg. 31.56, SR 125.11.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Khaleel Ahmed in the IPL: 14 balls, 30 runs, one dismissal.
- Shivam Dube vs Wanindu Hasaranga in the IPL: 13 balls, 27 runs, no dismissal.
IPL 2025 11th Match: RR vs CSK Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
Option 2:
IPL 2025 11th Match: RR vs CSK Match Prediction – Who will win?
A tricky match to predict given both teams have their issues. But, CSK with their experience may prevail.
