The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face a challenging opponent in the Punjab Kings (PBKS), a team known for its unpredictability. Both teams enter the match with different dynamics but a similar need for a win to improve their standings in a tightly packed mid-table.
CSK, the defending champions, currently sit at 10 points from nine matches, sharing similar statistics with other contenders like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. The team is eager to distinguish itself from this group and climb higher in the rankings. However, CSK face a formidable challenge against PBKS, a team that comes into the match buoyed by a historic performance, having recently achieved the highest chase in T20 cricket history by scoring 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
The match venue, Chepauk Stadium, presents its unique challenges, known for a pitch that offers some assistance to bowlers, as seen in CSK’s recent 78-run victory over SRH. That night, favourable conditions allowed CSK’s bowlers to effectively neutralize SRH’s strong batting lineup, following a robust 200-plus score set by their batters. CSK will be aiming for a similar performance against Punjab to secure a win.
All eyes will once again be on CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is currently on an impressive run, scoring 108 and 98 in his last two innings. Alongside him, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell appears to be regaining form at a crucial time, having scored a rapid 32-ball 52 in the previous game. Another critical player for CSK is Shivam Dube, who has been demolishing bowling attacks, particularly as an Impact Sub. Dube’s ability to handle both spin and pace has been a significant advantage, amassing 350 runs with a strike rate of 172.41 this season.
Despite these strengths, CSK’s opening batting combination remains somewhat unreliable. While Gaikwad has been consistent, his recent opening partners, including Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane, have not performed to expectations. Rahane, in particular, has struggled. CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey, however, believes that the veteran Indian batter is due for a substantial innings.
On the other hand, PBKS are keen to build on their record-setting performance. Key players like Jonny Bairstow, who scored a century in the last game, Shashank Singh, and Prabhsimran Singh, need to continue their form. The team will also be looking for a more significant contribution from wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma.
However, PBKS's bowling lineup, despite featuring experienced players like Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Sam Curran, has appeared shaky. The team's spinners, Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar, have only managed seven wickets between them this season, and an improvement in this area will be crucial for their success against CSK.
Team News
Mustafizur Rahman will be playing his final game for the Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday before he returns to Bangladesh. After their win against SRH, it's unlikely the Yellow Army will make any changes to their squad.
For the Punjab Kings, Kagiso Rabada has had a torrid time with the ball. He has been very expensive all through the season; gave away 52 runs in just 3 overs vs KKR. The South African will most likely make way for Nathan Ellis or Chris Woakes.
Head-to-head record
CSK and PBKS have battled each other 28 times in the IPL, with Chennai leading the count with 15 wins to Punjab's 13.
Weather Report
As always, it's going to be a hot and humid evening at Chepauk, with temperatures expected to be in the range of 32-35°C. There's also a 10% chance of rain but hopefully, there won't be any stoppages.
Probable XIs
CSK Probable XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana
PBKS Probable XI: Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran(c), Rilee Rossouw, Jitesh Sharma(w), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Full squads
Chennai Super Kings: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana, Shardul Thakur, Sameer Rizvi, Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Richard Gleeson, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prashant Solanki, Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, RS Hangargekar, Maheesh Theekshana, Nishant Sindhu, Aravelly Avanish
Punjab Kings: Sam Curran(c), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Jitesh Sharma(w), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Atharva Taide, Shivam Singh, Rishi Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Nathan Ellis, Tanay Thyagarajan, Shikhar Dhawan, Chris Woakes, Sikandar Raza, Prince Choudhary, Vishwanath Singh
'There's a lot more going': Michael Clarke reckons Mumbai Indians are a divided group
(With PTI inputs)
