Matchup: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS)
When: Wednesday, Chennai, 1400 GMT
Chennai’s Home Advantage
CSK will play their third consecutive home game, hoping to capitalize on familiar surroundings. They’ll look to avenge their recent loss to Lucknow Super Giants and build on their win against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
CSK Batting Woes and Gaikwad’s Resurgence
CSK needs to improve their powerplay hitting and overcome their struggles against PBKS, whom they haven’t beaten since April 2021. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recent form provides a glimmer of hope. He has transformed his game, striking at a blistering 159.55 in his last five innings. Interestingly, whenever Gaikwad scores a fifty, CSK’s win probability jumps to 73.68%.
Revamped PBKS Top Order Threatens CSK
PBKS’ top order finally came alive in Kolkata, with Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh finding form. This, coupled with their strong bowling unit that has conceded over 200 runs only once this season, poses a serious threat to CSK.
Probable Playing XIs
- Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana, Shardul Thakur
- Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran (capt), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Singh
Players in Spotlight
- Ravindra Jadeja (CSK): Though promoted to No. 4 earlier, Jadeja has been pushed back down the order. His batting performance hasn’t been impressive, with a low strike rate. It’ll be interesting to see his batting position on Wednesday.
- Rilee Rossouw (PBKS): After a forgettable PSL and exclusion from South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad, Rossouw will be hungry for runs. He can be the crucial link between the explosive openers and the middle order.
Key Stats
- MS Dhoni needs three sixes to complete 250 IPL sixes.
- Shivam Dube needs one six to reach 100 IPL sixes.
- MS Dhoni holds the record for most wins (150) by a player in the IPL.
- PBKS dominates the recent head-to-head record against CSK, winning all four encounters since 2021.
Bowling Match-ups to Watch
- Kagiso Rabada has a good record against Ruturaj Gaikwad, dismissing him thrice in 48 balls.
- Both Harshal Patel and Rabada have impressive records against MS Dhoni.
Pitch and Conditions
The Chepauk pitch has favored batters recently, with scores exceeding 200. Dew might play a role, making bowling first a potential strategy. However, Chennai is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius and high humidity.