The current season of IPL is not going well for five-time champions Chennai Super Kings. They have lost three out of four matches, including two defeats at home. Now, the team will face Punjab Kings at their home ground, and the team management might take a big decision for this match.
Chennai was first beaten by RCB at Chepauk, and then Delhi also defeated them at the same venue. If Chennai doesn’t get back to winning ways soon, things could get difficult, and their chances of reaching the playoffs may be in danger.
Dhoni May Sit Out!
MS Dhoni’s recent performances have become a concern for the Chennai Super Kings. In the last two matches, he hasn’t been able to deliver the finishing magic expected from him. Against Delhi, he came to bat in the 12th over and managed only 30* runs off 26 balls. The team lost a match that could have been won with a quicker finish.
In the next match, Dhoni may take a rest. Players like Vansh Bedi, Shake Rashid, Rahul Tripathi, or Andre Siddharth could get a chance.
Conway Likely to Keep Wickets
Devon Conway may take over wicketkeeping duties. This will help the team and give Dhoni some much-needed rest. Conway could also open the innings with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Rachin Ravindra might bat at number three, followed by Vijay Shankar, who scored a half-century in the last match. Ravindra Jadeja will likely follow in the batting order.
Bowlers Who May Play for Chennai
In bowling, Noor Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin are expected to play. Mukesh Chaudhary was expensive in the last match, so Anshul Kamboj may replace him. Khalil Ahmed is also expected to retain his place.
Will Punjab Make Any Changes?
Punjab Kings lost their last match against Rajasthan Royals at home. It was their first home game, and fans expected a win as they had already won their previous two matches. They were eyeing a hat-trick of wins, but it didn’t happen.
Despite the defeat, Punjab is unlikely to make changes. Their opening pair—Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya—can trouble Chennai’s bowlers. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis are also key batters. Nehal Wadhera played a brilliant knock of 62 runs in the last game and is sure to be in the playing XI.
Punjab’s Strength in Finishing and Bowling
Glenn Maxwell and Shashank Singh will handle the finishing role. In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Lockie Ferguson are likely to play. Priyansh Arya and Chahal could also be used as impact players.
Probable Playing XI
Chennai Super Kings:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Vijay Shankar, Vansh Bedi, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Khalil Ahmed
Punjab Kings:
Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Suryansh Shedge